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Waste Water Level Sensors

Hydrostatic level sensors for wastewater treatment. Featuring flush diaphragms to prevent clogging and options for intrinsically safe operation in flammable gas environments.

Wastewater level sensors featuring open face flush diaphragms provide a robust solution for accurately measuring hydrostatic levels in challenging media such as sewage, sludge, and industrial effluents. These sensors are engineered to mitigate clogging issues common with particulate-laden liquids, ensuring reliable performance and reduced maintenance in applications ranging from lift stations to treatment tanks. For environments where flammable gases may be present, intrinsically safe versions are available, ensuring operational safety in demanding wastewater treatment processes by preventing potential ignition sources.

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

Wastewater level sensors engineered with open face flush diaphragms are specifically designed to address the challenges of accurately measuring the hydrostatic pressure of sewage, effluent, and other waste liquids. The primary advantage of an open face, flush diaphragm design lies in its inherent resistance to clogging, a common issue when dealing with media containing suspended solids, fibrous materials, or high viscosity, such as raw sewage or sludge. Unlike sensors with recessed diaphragms or pressure ports, the smooth, uninterrupted surface of a flush diaphragm minimizes areas where particulate matter can accumulate, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring long-term measurement reliability. This design also facilitates easier cleaning, as the sensing surface is directly accessible.

The construction materials for these flush diaphragms and the sensor housing are critical considerations, given the often corrosive and abrasive nature of wastewater. Stainless steel grades such as 316L are common, but for particularly aggressive media, materials like Hastelloy C276 or ceramic diaphragms may be specified to ensure compatibility and prevent premature sensor failure. The sensor’s ability to withstand the chemical composition of industrial effluents or the abrasive content in storm water runoff is paramount for sustained operational performance in demanding applications like lift stations, sumps, and treatment basins.

In many wastewater treatment facilities, particularly in confined spaces like covered tanks, wet wells, or anaerobic digesters, the decomposition of organic matter can lead to the generation and accumulation of flammable gases, such as methane (CH₄) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). For these hazardous environments, the use of intrinsically safe (IS) hydrostatic level sensors is often a regulatory requirement. Intrinsically safe sensors are designed and certified to operate with low electrical energy, preventing them from becoming an ignition source for these combustible atmospheres, thereby ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of the plant. Certifications such as ATEX, IECEx, or FM are typically required for sensors deployed in such classified zones.

The selection process also involves determining the optimal mounting configuration, which can be either internal (submersible) or external to the tank, vessel, or sewage pipe. Submersible hydrostatic level sensors with flush diaphragms are commonly installed directly into the liquid, suspended by their reinforced cable, which also carries the electrical signals. The cable’s outer jacket material must be carefully chosen for its resistance to the specific chemicals and physical conditions within the wastewater. External mounting involves installing a pressure sensor or transmitter, often with a flush diaphragm process connection, onto a tapping point, typically at the base of a tank or on a pipe. This method allows for easier access for maintenance or calibration without emptying the vessel but requires careful consideration of potential blockages at the tapping point itself. Both configurations are vital in various stages of wastewater management, from influent channels and equalization tanks to clarifiers and effluent discharge points.