Can a submersible level sensor be installed horizontally at the bottom of a tank, and if so, what is the measurement reference point?
Yes, a submersible level sensor can be installed horizontally on the floor of a tank. This installation method is often a practical solution for shallow tanks where vertical clearance is limited or when it is important to measure the entire liquid depth from the very bottom.
When a cylindrical level sensor like the LMK382 is laid on its side, the point of measurement, or “zero” reference, is the centreline of the sensing diaphragm. All level readings will be relative to this horizontal axis. For example, if the sensor has a diameter of 39.5 mm, the zero point will be at a height of 19.75 mm from the bottom of the tank. This small offset can be easily calibrated out in the connected control system (e.g., PLC, display) to ensure the reading accurately reflects the level from the tank floor.
This horizontal orientation is particularly effective for sensors with a large, flush frontal diaphragm. The open face of the sensor remains exposed to the liquid, ensuring that changes in hydrostatic pressure are detected immediately without the risk of being obstructed by sludge or sediment that might accumulate in a recess.
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