This submersible liquid level sensor uses a precise strain gauge to measure water depth. It works by detecting water pressure and changing it into a standard 4-20mA analog signal. This water level meter is for ongoing monitoring in tanks, wells, and reservoirs. Features and Benefits
- Hydrostatic Pressure Sensing - An internal piezoresistive strain gauge gives a direct and accurate reading of the liquid level above the sensor.
- Industrial 4-20mA Output - This standard signal resists electrical noise and can be sent over long distances to a PLC, data logger, or controller.
- Submersible Construction - The probe has a 304 stainless steel body and a waterproof polyurethane cable for long-term use in water or other compatible liquids.
- Multiple Depth Ranges - It comes in several lengths, including 5m, 10m, and 20m, letting you pick the right sensor for your tank or well depth. Applications
- Water Tank Monitoring - Keep track of water levels in storage tanks for farming, fire control, or home water systems.
- Environmental Measurement - Measure water depth in wells, boreholes, rivers, and lakes for resource management.
- Industrial Automation - Use it in process control systems to monitor and manage liquid levels in chemical holding tanks or wastewater ponds.
How It Works
This product functions as a submersible liquid level sensor. It uses a strain gauge to measure the water depth. A strain gauge is a device used to measure strain, which is the deformation of a material caused by stress. In this sensor, the strain gauge is integrated into a diaphragm that flexes under the pressure exerted by the water. This flexing causes a change in the electrical resistance of the strain gauge, which is then converted into an electrical signal proportional to the water depth.
Measuring the Output
The sensor provides a 4-20mA output signal. This current output is a standard industrial signal for transmitting process variables. A 4mA signal typically represents the lowest measured value, while 20mA represents the highest. For this sensor, the 4mA output would correspond to the minimum water depth, and the 20mA output would correspond to the maximum measured water depth, which can be 5m, 10m, or 20m depending on the chosen variant. This output can be connected to a PLC, data logger, or display unit for monitoring and control.
Common Applications
This strain gauge level sensor is designed for applications requiring accurate measurement of water depth or tank level. Its submersible nature makes it suitable for use in various liquid storage and monitoring scenarios. Common uses include:
- Monitoring water levels in reservoirs or boreholes.
- Gauging the depth of liquids in industrial tanks.
- Providing level data for irrigation systems.
- Measuring the water depth in sumps or wells.
How They Work
Strain gauges are fundamental components in many force and pressure transducers, including this submersible liquid level sensor. A strain gauge consists of a thin, metallic foil pattern, often arranged in a grid, bonded to a flexible backing. When the material to which the gauge is attached deforms (strains), the length and cross-sectional area of the foil pattern change. This alteration in geometry leads to a corresponding change in the electrical resistance of the foil. This change in resistance is then measured and converted into an electrical signal that indicates the magnitude of the strain.
Measuring the Signal
To measure the 4-20mA output signal from this strain gauge level sensor, a current loop receiver or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with a 4-20mA input module is typically used. The receiver converts the current signal into a usable measurement, often a voltage, which can then be displayed or processed. The 4-20mA range offers good noise immunity and allows for long cable runs without significant signal degradation. Ensure the measuring device is correctly calibrated to interpret the 4mA and 20mA points according to the sensor's specified measurement range of 5m, 10m, or 20m water depth.
Application: Water Depth, Tank Level. Measurement Range: 5m, 10m, 20m. Output Signal: 4-20mA. Sensor Type: Submersible Liquid Level Sensor. Cable Material: Polyurethane (PUR). Material (Probe): 316L Stainless Steel. Power Supply: 12-36V DC. Measurement Range: 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters. Output Signal: 4-20mA. Operating Temperature: -20°C to 80°C. Accuracy: ±0.5% F.S.. Long-term Stability: ±0.2% F.S./year. Measurement Principle: Hydrostatic Pressure. Overload Pressure: 150% F.S.. Product Name: Level Measurement Water Depth Meter. Protection Class: IP68. Response Time: <100ms. Sensor Type: Submersible Liquid Level Sensor. Q: What is the output of this water level sensor and what can I connect it to? A: This transmitter provides a standard 4-20mA current loop output signal. You can connect it to any industrial controller like a PLC, a digital panel meter, or a data acquisition system that accepts a 4-20mA input.. Q: What is the sensor probe made of and can it be left in the water permanently? A: The probe housing is made from 304 stainless steel and the cable is fully waterproof. It's designed for continuous, long-term submersion in liquids like water, diesel, and oil without corroding.. Q: How does this transmitter actually measure the depth? Is it like a float switch? A: It works differently than a float. Inside the probe is a pressure sensor that functions similarly to a highly sensitive strain gauge. It measures the hydrostatic pressure from the column of liquid above it and converts that pressure reading into the 4-20mA electrical signal.. Q: What measurement ranges do you offer, and how accurate is the reading? A: We have models for several depth ranges, including 5, 10, and 20 meters. The sensor has an accuracy of 0.5% of its full scale, which means the 10-meter version is accurate to within 5 centimeters.. Q: Does the price include the cable, or is that purchased separately? A: The price includes the sensor probe with the full length of attached waterproof cable. For example, the 10-meter model comes with a 10-meter cable, so you don't need to buy anything else to reach the bottom of your tank..