¿Qué tipo de sensor se utiliza para medir el nivel de agua en un tanque?

Did you know that more than 4 billion people, roughly two thirds of the world’s population, face severe shortage of water for more than a month. Worldwide, the agriculture sector uses around 70% of the water followed by industries (just under 20%) and domestic uses such as households use around 12% of the water. According to these statistics, water is a key factor in running world economies, so using water effectively minimizes problems for water shortages.

Industries or households that rely heavily on water have tanks to store water to ensure that they get a continuous amount of water when needed. This is where a water tank level sensor helps to ensure that the water is used effectively and gives awareness when the water will run out in the tanks. This makes these sensors a game changer for industries and households that have tanks to store water and are worried about when the tank will be full or run out. Well, in this article we have highlighted some of the key applications, features, a guide to installation and future trends to help you better understand what water tank level sensor has to offer.  

Applications Requiring Water Tank Level Measurement

The major use of a water tank level sensor is measuring water level in a tank. A question may arise, what purpose does it fulfill or what application does it have in different sectors worldwide. Well, this section of the article highlights some of the major applications that require water tank level measurement.  

Industrial Water Management

Almost all industries worldwide require a proper supply of water to operate effectively. This is why industries install large water tanks to store and use water when required. Industries use water tank level sensors to know the accurate level of water in the tanks. This allows industries to use water efficiently when water level in the tank is low and when to refill the tanks. Using these sensors also gives awareness when the tank is full to ensure that the water doesn’t overflow and get wasted. Some examples of industries that require water to operate effectively are energy, textile, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

Agricultural Irrigation Systems

According to UNESCO, more than 70% of the usage of water is in the agriculture sector. The heavy reliance of the agriculture sector on water makes accurate measurement of water levels in irrigation systems, agriculture fields, and reservoirs highly crucial. This ensures that the water is used efficiently while farming. This is the reason why farmers usually use tanks and use a water tank level sensor ensures accurate scheduling of irrigation, minimal wastage of water, and prevents damaging the crops.

Municipal Water Supply And Treatment

Water tank level sensors are installed for the correct measurement of water levels for applications in municipal water supply and treatment. This allows operators to regulate the flow of water, detect any leaks, and monitor usage of water through various processes. This ensures that the water supplied is according to the standards preventing overflow or underflow of water.

Environmental Monitoring

Why is monitoring water level in reservoirs, oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds is crucial? A simple answer to this question is to measure environmental conditions and predict future changes in the environment. Sensors give data of water levels in the tank allowing researchers to predict future water challenges, such as alerting for potential floods or droughts. This enables these researchers to timely intervene on future water problems and find solutions before they happen.  

Home And Residential Water Systems

The domestic use of water in households, or residential areas is around 12%. Homes and residential areas such as buildings and houses prefer tanks to store water to ensure water is available when needed, not reliant on the government. These water tanks supply water to fulfill household water needs. When installing tanks, using a water tank level sensor gives accurate data on water level in the tank. So, when the water level is too low or too high, using readings provided by these sensors, you can fill the tank and stop the motor when the tank is fully filled, avoiding overflow of water or shortage of water.

Essential Features of Water Tank Level Sensors

With multiple types of water tank level sensors available, there are some features that are common in all types of water tank level sensors and some features are offered in a specific type of water tank level sensors. This section of the article is designed to provide you with the features that are essential in water tank level sensors to ensure that these sensors provide you with proper and accurate results.  

●  Accuracy And Precision

Different types of water tank level sensors have different levels of accuracy and precision. Before making a purchase decision, make sure that accuracy of ±1%FS is provided, if this percentage is lower, it means it is more accurate. This ensures that the measurement of water level is accurate and precise with minimal errors.

●  Durability And Environmental Resistance

When sensors are installed, they can be exposed to extreme and harsh weather conditions. This is where durability and environmental resistance come into play. Water tank level sensors that have a protection grade or Ingress Protection of IP68 is good enough. This rating indicates that it is completely dust and waterproof.

When we talk about environmental resistance, another thing that comes to our mind is its working temperature. For a good sensor, a working temperature of -20℃~ +60℃ is good enough. If this range is more, it means that the sensor can be operational in much harder environmental conditions.

●  Ease Of Installation And Maintenance

Installation and maintenance of water tank level sensors should be easy. It saves both time and money when installation and removal of these sensors are required for maintenance. Features such as external recalibration, use of anti-corrosion materials, and excellent stability ensures that frequent removal and maintenance is minimal.

●  Signal Output And Compatibility

Signal output offered by water tank level sensors determines their compatibility with the monitoring systems. Many modern sensors offer different types of signal output such as 4-20mA, 0.5V and RS 485(MODBUS-RTU). This ensures that the sensors are compatible with existing monitoring systems and other automation systems.

●  Cost-Effectiveness And Long-Term Reliability

Cost is a major factor when considering a water tank level sensor. Some types of sensors are more expensive than the others depending upon the features they offer. What matters the most is the sensor's long-term reliability. This ensures that every penny you spent is worth it, minimizing replacement, installation and maintenance cost. When making a purchase decision, list out the features you want and look for a more durable sensor rather than going for the cheaper option which will help you save money.

Types of Water Tank Level Sensors: A Comparative Analysis

Not all sensors are designed to serve the same purpose. Тэр’s why there are different types of sensors available that serve different purposes and needs of a buyer. We have highlighted below some of the types of water tank level sensors, their advantages, limitations and which company offers the best sensors for that particular type.

1  Ultrasonic Level Sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors use ultrasound waves to detect the depth of water. The working principle behind ultrasound water tank level sensors is that these sensors send ultrasound waves towards the water, some of the waves bounce back (get reflected) and are detected by the sensor. This is how Ultrasonic Level Sensors calculate the water level in a tank.

• Advantage
  Ultrasonic sensors being no contact have some great advantages such as, these sensors can operate in dark, meaning it is not affected by color or transparency of the object. These sensors can provide accurate readings as they are not affected by dust, dirt, or high-moisture environments.
  
  
• Limitations:
  Ultrasonic relies on ultrasound (a type of sound wave), and sound waves can not travel in vacuum so these sensors can not work in vacuum. These sensors are no-contact, which means they are not designed for use underwater.
  
  
• Which company offers the best Ultrasonic water level tank sensor
  Rika Sensor’с RKL-03 Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitter is a perfect example of an ultrasonic water level tank sensor. With features such as high accuracy of 0.5%-1%, with maximum range of 30m and easy installation makes RKL-03 amongst the best no-contact ultrasonic sensors available.

2  Pressure Transducer Level Sensors

The working principle of Pressure Transducer water tank level sensors is hydrostatic pressure of a liquid. For accurate measurement of water levels, install it at the bottom of the tank or the container. After configuration, it would measure the hydrostatic pressure of the water and provide accurate measurement of water level in the tank.

• Accuracy and stability factors

Pressure transducers are highly accurate offering ±1% accuracy with long-term stability. As it is dependent on hydrostatic pressure, so any change in density, air bubbles, and temperature can affect its stability

• Suitable environments and media.

Pressure transducers are designed for operations in temperature range of -20ºC to +70ºC and its use is suitable with fresh water or wastewater.

3  Capacitance Level Sensors:

Capacitance level sensors utilize the principle of capacitance to calculate the change in height of a liquid. Capacitance level sensors consist of a detection electrode. In between those detection electrode capacitance is formed in the sensor and the liquid. As the liquid level changes the size of capacitance changes, hence indicating a change in measurement of the liquid level.

• Applications across various liquid types

Each type of liquid has a different dielectric constant. This means it can calculate change in height across various liquid types. These liquid types include oils, chemicals and water, making its use suitable across multiple industries such as chemical industries or food processing industries.

• Installation and calibration considerations

The installation of the sensor should be in a place where there is minimal interference from the surrounding tank walls and sediments in the liquid. Placing the sensor in the center of the tank would ensure accurate results for the measurement of oil levels.

4  Float Switch Level Sensors:

The working of Float Switch Level Sensors are considerably simple. These sensor float on the liquid, if the liquid level rises, the sensor rises and if the liquid level falls, the sensor falls. Sensor is connected to a switch that transmits the signal to the control system to indicate the level of liquid. These sensors are highly cost effective due to their simple working mechanism.

• Reliability and maintenance aspects

With a simple design and few electronic components that aren’t complex, make these sensors highly reliable. However, frequent maintenance is required to ensure accurate results.

• Suitability for specific applications

With its low cost, makes it affordable not only for small and large scale industries but also for domestic use. This makes it perfect to use in water storage tanks, and wastewater systems. Just connect it to an on/off switch, when a specific required level is reached, switch would automatically turn off.

Selecting the Right Sensor for Your Application

The right sensor for you is the one that fulfills your buying decision. You might not want to end up getting a sensor that has too many features, yet is too expensive or going with a water tank level sensor with too few features, not fulfilling your requirements. To ensure you don't end up in this situation, we have highlighted some factors to consider to ensure every cent you spent is worth it.

●  Factors to consider: liquid type, tank size, and environmental conditions.

Not all sensors are designed to be used in multiple liquids. Sensors such as ultrasonic level sensor and pressure transducer level sensors are designed to be used with water, while capacitance level sensors and Float Switch Level Sensor can be used in multiple types of liquid. Different types of sensor have different ranges and environmental conditions in which they can operate effectively. Go through the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure you purchase the correct sensor.

●  Evaluating accuracy and reliability requirements.

Water tank level sensors that have high accuracy, cost more. If you want a sensor for industries that are heavily reliant on accurate measurement of water levels, make sure you get the one with higher accuracy. However, if you want a sensor for domestic use such as a household, going toward cheaper options that have an accuracy of about ±1%FS is more than enough.

●  Analyzing installation and maintenance needs.

When going toward a sensor, making sure its installation is simple and done in the right way. It will ensure whenever you want to install or remove a water tank level sensor, it won’t be much of a hassle. When a sensor is being used it degrades with time, so continuous maintenance ensures longevity of sensors with accurate results.

●  Considering cost and long-term value.

Cost can be a major factor when considering sensors. If it had more features, and uses good material to ensure its longevity and accuracy of results, the sensor would be expensive. Being expensive is not what matters the most, but if it fulfills its purpose for extended periods of time, it would make every cent you spend worth it.

●  Rika Sensor's customer support and consultation.

It all comes down to having the right guidance for the water tank level sensor to ensure you make the right purchase decision. Rika Sensor is a pioneer in sensor manufacturing, developing sensors for more than 10 years. Using Rika Sensor's customer support and consultation would ensure the sensor you purchase would fulfill your requirements without much hassle.  

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

To ensure that the water tank level sensor operates properly, it all comes down to its proper installation and maintenance. Below, we have highlighted some of the methods to ensure an effective installation and maintenance for water tank level sensors.

▪ Proper sensor placement and mounting.

With different types of sensors, their placement and mountings can be different. Ultrasonic level sensors are placed with no contact to the surface of water or liquid while Float Switch Level Sensors are placed on the liquid so that they flow. Pressure Transducer Level Sensors and Capacitance Level Sensors are placed in the liquid. So when installing a sensor go through its installation guide for the right placement of the sensors otherwise these sensors may not function properly or may not give accurate results.

▪ Cable management and signal integrity.

Cable management and signal integrity is a key to ensuring the sensor is operational and you receive the data of water levels that sensor is calculating. Use well insulated cables and secure them with cable ties, leaving room for slight movement or expansion, because change in temperatures can cause cables to expand and contract. If the cables are too tight, cable ties could damage wires.

▪ Regular calibration and cleaning.

This is the step that comes after installation. Regular cleaning and ensuring water tank level sensors are calibrated properly ensures that the readings provided are accurate. Regular cleaning also ensures that your sensors last long, saving you any potential replacement costs.

▪ Troubleshooting common issues.

Different types of sensors have different issues. Some issues are common with all sensors such as no proper calibration which would give results that aren’t accurate. Some issues are common with a specific type of sensor such as Ultrasonic Level Sensors face issues of interference. This issue will be highlighted when the readings are distorted. Most of the time these common issues will be resolved with just proper cleaning of your sensors.

Future Trends in Water Level Sensing Technology

As the world is moving towards digitalization and AI, the water level sensing technology is also undergoing a change. In this section of article we have highlighted future trends in water level sensing technology.

★ Integration with IoT and smart systems.

To understand IoT it's crucial to understand what it stands for. It is defined as a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. When we relate it to water level sensing technology, it can be said that the sensors are connected with a smart monitoring system to send data to cloud based platforms for analysis and reporting.

★ Advancements in sensor technology and materials.

Sensing companies are working towards providing water level tank sensors that are compact, lightweight, with improved range and accuracy and more durable and long lasting. The use of anti-corrosive material and waterproofing ensures that the sensor doesn’t malfunction and provide accurate results.  

★ Increased focus on remote monitoring and data analytics.

When these sensors are integrated with IoT systems connected with a cloud. These sensors can be accessible for remote monitoring where data provided by these sensors can be analyzed to predict and optimize water usage in the most efficient way possible.