Leading Level Sensor Manufacturers

A level sensor is capable of detecting and communicating a change to a user. Level sensors are typically designed for a single application rather than a broad range of applications.

Types of Level Sensors

Level sensors can be split into two main categories.

Point Level Sensors:

Point level sensors mark a specific level and inform the user whether the media is above or below that level. In general, they are used as a high alarm or switch. These level sensors can also be combined in a single device to provide a low alarm or a stepped version of a continuous level. Examples of sensors for point-level indication include the following.

• Capacitance Level Sensors: A capacitance level sensor is a proximity sensor that emits an electrical field and detects a level based on the effect on its electrical field. These sensors are small, less costly than other sensors, less intrusive to the product, accurate, and do not have any moving parts. They must, however, be calibrated and will only detect specific liquids. Capacitance sensors can be used in liquid storage tanks.

• Optical Sensors: Optical sensors convert light rays into electrical signals, translating the physical quantity of light into a measurement. These sensors contain no moving parts, are unaffected by high pressure or temperature, are compact, and can be used in liquid applications. However, they must be cleaned if their lens becomes coated or dirty. Oil, coolant, or hydraulics can be used as low-level indicators to prevent run-dry conditions.

• Conductivity (Resistance) Sensors: A conductivity or resistance sensor reads conductivity with a probe. The probe has two electrodes and uses alternating currents to power them. When a liquid covers the probe, the electrodes connect to an electric circuit, causing current to flow and signaling a high or low level. These conductivity level sensors have no moving parts, are inexpensive, and are simple to use. They are, however, invasive (they must touch the product being sensed), only detect conductive liquids, and the probe will rust over time. These sensors are useful for signaling high or low levels.
• Vibrating (Tuning Fork) Sensors: They employ a sensing element in the shape of a fork with two tines. The fork vibrates at the frequency of its natural resonant frequency. Therefore, the frequency of the fork detecting the level will change as the level changes. These sensors are inexpensive and small, invasive to the product, meaning they must touch the material to determine the level. They are simple to install and virtually maintenance-free. These sensors are used in the mining, food and beverage, and chemical processing industries.

• Float Switches: Float switches use a float, a device that raises or lowers when a product is applied or removed, opening or closing a circuit as the level rises or falls, moving the float. A float switch has many advantages. It does not require power, provides a direct indication, and is inexpensive. The disadvantages are that they are invasive to the product, have moving parts, and can be quite large. In addition, float switches can only indicate a high or low level and cannot measure a variable level. Float switches are commonly used in liquid storage tanks to indicate high or low levels.

Continuous Level Sensors:

They measure liquid or dry materials levels within a specified range and provide outputs that show the level continuously. They are more sophisticated than point-level sensors in that they measure over a range of levels rather than at a single point to provide the user with the exact amount of a substance. Continuous level measuring uses the following sensors.

• Ultrasonic-Level Sensors: Ultrasonic-level sensors generate and receive ultrasonic waves using the time it takes to reflect and measure distance. Ultrasonic sensors have no moving parts, are compact, extremely reliable, non-invasive (non-contact), unaffected by the properties of the material they are sensing, and self-cleaning due to vibrations produced. They are, however, costly and may be affected by the environment.

• Radar (Microwave) Sensors: These sensors use an antenna on the radar sensor to transmit microwaves. The product being sensed reflects these microwaves to the antenna, and the time between signal emission and reception is proportional to the product level. Radar sensors offer many benefits. They are not affected by temperature, pressure, or dust and can measure liquids, pastes, powders, and solids. They are also very accurate and do not require calibration, and they are non-invasive because they do not have to touch the product. They are, however, expensive and have a limited detection range. Radar sensors, like ultrasonic sensors, are ideal for hot liquid storage tanks.

Applications of Level Sensors

Level sensors are used in the following applications:

• automobiles in fuel tanks
• pharmaceutical processes
• power generation plants
• water treatment

Advantages of Level Sensors

• They give accurate values.
• They are robust.
• They have different configurations for different applications.

Disadvantages of Level Sensors

• They are only used in specific liquids.
• Digital-level sensors are complex.

Choosing the Proper Level Sensor Manufacturer

To ensure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing level sensors from a level sensor manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of level sensor manufacturers. Each level sensor manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each level sensor business website using our proprietary website previewer to quickly learn what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple level sensor companies with the same form.