The Basics of Continuous Level Measurement in Industrial Applications

Continuous level measurement is a critical process in many industrial applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and chemicals. It helps in monitoring the level of liquids and solids in tanks, silos, and other containers. To achieve this, industries use continuous-level sensors to provide real-time information about the level of materials in a container. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of continuous-level measurement in industrial applications, the difference between continuous and point-level sensors, and how continuous-level sensors work.

Difference Between Continuous and Point-level Sensors

Point-level sensors are used to detect whether the material in a container has reached a certain level, and they are often used for the on/off control of pumps, alarms, and other devices. Continuous level sensors, on the other hand, provide real-time information about the level of materials in a container. Let's explore the differences between the two.

Continuous level sensors:

• Provide real-time information about the level of materials in a container
• Use different technologies to measure the level of materials, such as ultrasonic, radar, laser, and capacitance
• Suitable for monitoring the level of materials that change rapidly
• Used in applications where the level of materials needs to be monitored continuously

Point level sensors:

• Detect whether the material in a container has reached a certain level
• Used for on/off control of pumps, alarms, and other devices
• Simple and less expensive compared to continuous-level sensors
• Limited to detecting only whether a certain level has been reached and cannot provide real-time information about the level of materials

How Continuous Level Sensors Work

Continuous-level sensors use different technologies to measure the level of materials in a container. Let's take a closer look at some of the common technologies used in continuous-level sensors.

Ultrasonic level sensors:

• Emit a high-frequency sound wave that travels to the surface of the material and reflects back to the sensor
• The time it takes for the sound wave to travel to the surface and back is used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the material
• Suitable for measuring the level of liquids and solids

Radar level sensors:

• Emit a radio wave that travels to the surface of the material and reflects back to the sensor
• The time it takes for the radio wave to travel to the surface and back is used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the material
• Suitable for measuring the level of liquids and solids

Laser level sensors:

• Emit a laser beam that travels to the surface of the material and reflects back to the sensor
• The time it takes for the laser beam to travel to the surface and back is used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the material
• Suitable for measuring the level of solids

Capacitance level sensors:

• Emit an electrical signal that travels to the surface of the material and measures the capacitance of the material
• The capacitance is used to determine the level of the material
• Suitable for measuring the level of liquids and solids

Conclusion

Continuous level measurement is a critical process in many industrial applications, and continuous-level sensors are used for this purpose. These sensors provide real-time information about the level of materials in a container and are suitable for monitoring the level of materials that change rapidly. There are different technologies used in continuous-level sensors, including ultrasonic, radar, laser, and capacitance, and each has its strengths in measuring the level of materials. 

If you need continuous-level sensors for your industrial application, Our continuous-level detectors are reliable, accurate, and easy to install. With their range of products, you can be sure to find a continuous-level sensor that is suitable for your specific application.