Hydrostatic Level Sensors

Hydrostatic pressure sensing devices for measuring liquid level and converting it to an electrical signal to send to other instrumentation.

Hydrostatic level sensors for measuring the pressure generated by a static head of liquid. Use hydrostatic level sensors to measure fluid level in storage tanks, processing vessels, header tanks, pump inlet head and other applications where hydrostatic pressure is used to determine liquid height.

• LMK809 Plastic Submersible Low Level Transmitter - IP68 low range pressure transmitter for measuring the level of highly contaminated and agressive liquid media with a body made from PP-HT or PVDF.
• LMP307 Submersible Level Transmitter - Submersible level transmitter for measuring liquid level with a 4-20mA current loop or a 0-10V voltage output plus optional ATEX approval for intrinsically safe use in hazardous areas in ranges from 1mH2O up to 250mH2O. The LMP307 is suitable for use on potable water with no leaching, and can be supplied with a drinking water certificate according to DVGW and KTW.
• LMK458 Marine Approved Hydrostatic Level Transmitter - Marine approved level transmitter with 4-20mA output for measuring level of contents inside ship ballast, fuel, liquid cargo or wastewater tanks
• 18.605 G Low Cost Submersible Diesel Fuel and Water Tank Level Sensor - Low cost OEM diesel fuel or water level sensor for installing inside or outside a storage tank. 
• DCL 531 Modbus RTU RS 485 Submersible Stainless Steel Liquid Level Sensor - Digital submersible stainless steel liquid level sensor with a Modbus RTU protocol RS 485 serial bus interface.
• LMK351 High Overpressure Flush Level Transmitter - Flush capacitive ceramic pressure sensor for measuring corrosive and viscous liquid level from levels 0.4 metres of water up to 200 mH2O.
• LMK331 Screw-In Ceramic Level Transmitter - Level pressure sensor with semi-flush ceramic diaphragm and stainless steel or PVDF wetted parts in ranges from 0-4 to 600mH2O gauge.
• DPT200 Pressurised Tank Level Differential Pressure Transmitter - Pressurised tank liquid level differential pressure cell transmitter for process plant storage.
• LMK382 Low Range IP68 Waste Water Level Transmitter - Submersible Low Range waste water level transmitter with intrinsically safe option for monitoring the level of sewage and effluent in water treatment plants.
• LMK387 Cleanable Sewage and Sludge Pressure/Level Sensor - Rugged and easily cleanable pressure/level sensor for use with waste water sewage or sludge.
• DS200 Combined Hydrostatic Level Switch, Gauge and Sensor - Three in one hydrostatic level switch, digital level gauge and level sensor with level ranges from 1 mWG up to 600 mWG (3.3 to 1969 ftWG).
• LMP305 Borehole Level Transmitter - Submersible stainless steel pressure transmitter ideal for geotechnical surveying with a 19mm diameter for measuring hydrostatic water level in bore-holes.

Find out more about Hydrostatic Level Sensors to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.

Description

Hydrostatic level sensors are pressure sensing devices specifically designed for use on liquid level measurement applications.

All liquids which are under the influence of gravity generate a hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is similar to the weight of a solid object, but because of the fluid state it is possible to measure how the weight of the liquid varies with height.

The resulting pressure at different heights is directly proportional to the weight of a liquid between the surface and a specific height point. The weight of the liquid can be derived from the mass and force (gravity). The mass can be derived from the density and volume of the liquid. The volume of a liquid can be derived from the dimensions of the vessel containing the liquid. If the vessel has a fixed length and width, then the height is directly proportional to the volume, mass, weight and therefore the pressure.

A hydrostatic level sensor is an instrument for measuring the height of a liquid and converting it to an electrical signal. The hydrostatic level signal output can then be utilised by other instrumentation to display, monitor, log or control the liquid level.

There are many different types of technology used to measure liquid level, there are sensors that can be mounted above the liquid such as ultrasonic or radar which bounce a sound or electromagnetic wave off the surface of the liquid and use the travel time to determine the distance from the liquid surface.

For liquid filled tanks, a pressure sensor can be installed in a hole at the bottom of the tank which measures the hydrostatic pressure generated by gravity acting on the liquid.

Another method is to lower a hydrostatic level sensing probe into the tank and immerse it in the liquid to measure the pressure generated by gravity acting on the surrounding liquid.

Advantages

1. Easily fitted at ground level to any port or take off, which is also convenient for maintenance
2. No protrusion inside vessel
3. Not affected by any surface disturbances such as turbulence, foaming, vibration
4. Small compact size possible
5. Compatible for conductive or non-conductive fluids
6. Flush diaphragm types prevent clogging and works with thick liquids and slurries containing solids

Disadvantages

1. Pressurised or vacuum sealed vessels require a more complex installation
2. SG or density change affects calibration
3. Flush diaphragm types vulnerable to mechanical damage from debris, cleaning processes
4. Requires regular calibration due to gradual error shifts
5. Installed in a position below the lowest required liquid level
6. Fittings must be leak tight
7. Diaphragm movement vulnerable to clogging, wear and tear
8. High cost