Jun 21 2013
A water sensor is a device used in the detection of the water level for various applications. Water sensors can come in several variations that include ultrasonic sensors, pressure transducers, bubblers, and float sensors.
Working Method
Ultrasonic sensors operate by transmitting sound waves that reflect from the liquid surface and are obtained by the sensor. The sensor measures the time interval between the transmitted and received signals, which is then converted into distance measurement with the help of electronic circuits within the sensor thereby measuring the level of the liquid.
Float sensors work based on the change in resistance of a potentiometer within the sensor by the turning of a pulley or a spring-loaded shaft.
Bubbler sensors, on the other hand, measure water level by detecting the pressure of air-filled tubes with an open, submerged bottom end. The static pressure at the end of the tubes is more when the water level is high, and therefore more air pressure is required to fill the tube.
Applications
Water sensors find applications in nuclear power plants, automobiles for measuring the amount of gasoline left in the fuel tank, engine oil, cooling water, and brake/power steering fluid.
Industrial applications of water level sensors include water level sensing in transport and storage tanks and water treatment tanks. Wess Global Inc. manufacture different types of level instruments for their use in municipal areas and also in the food and beverage industry.
Wess Global - water measurement animation video
Water measurement process by Wess Global Inc.
Products in the Market
The following are a list of water sensors available in the market:
WS10 Series Water Sensor
The WS10 series water sensor developed by Pall Corporation is an efficient, inexpensive sensor that measures dissolved water content in insulating, lubricating and hydraulic fluids. It is designed for use in harsh and remote industrial environments, and includes a high pressure option of up to 100 bar.
The major advantages of WS10 series water sensor include:
- Simple and flexible installation
- Easy to operate
- Robust sensing probe design.
The following are the major applications of WS10 series water sensor:
- Automotive
- Petrochemicals
- Power generation
- Pulp, paper and metal industries.
WA600 Water Level Alarm Sensor
Global Water's WA600 water level alarm sensor is one type of water sensor on the market with typical applications in drainage ponds, water tank levels and water spills. This particular sensor is made up of two stainless steel electrodes that are used to help identify the desired point for liquid detection. A relay within the sensor generates the signal when the fluid is detected.
The key benefits of WA600 water level alarm sensor include:
- Robust and durable design
- Less maintenance
- Fully submersible.
The main applications of WA600 water level alarm sensor are listed below:
- Water level control
- Precision level detection
- Submersible marine low level indication
- Monitoring surface water.
References