Float level gauges: description, types, principle of operation and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Methods of physical measurement of various quantities are still relevant in different areas. Instruments for measuring in liquid environments often include this principle of operation. Perhaps the simplest of these tools are displacers (float) level gauges, the readings of which are determined by the position of the sensing element.

Design of the level gauge

Floating liquid level measurement systems provide for the presence of two functional elements - this is the already mentioned sensitive element and a device that processes the signal. Therefore, the second name of such devices is signaling devices. The float can be made of wood or plastic materials, but it usually contains a magnet inside. On the other hand, the float is enclosed in a small tube, inside which it moves. As for the second component of the system, float level gauges are provided with fixing and signal recording devices. In the simplest versions, this is a small display with basic information about the liquid level, and premium models are provided with control panels with several functions for processing incoming information. For example, panelcontrol can be connected to the central controller in the enterprise, which, based on the received data, will automatically send a signal to the container that fills the measuring medium.

Working principle

During operation, the float acts as a sensor. Its measured level as it moves is corrected depending on the filling or emptying of the liquid. A discrete signal is generated, thanks to which the microcontroller can set specific indicators for the volume of liquid. But these are not all the tasks that a float level transmitter performs. The principle of operation, based on physical movement in a liquid medium, completely allows the sensor to determine the degree of mixing of two media. This is a more difficult task, which uses floats with sensitive materials on the surface. The device is in direct contact with the medium, including chemical indicators. It is important to note that such devices are rarely used in plain water. Usually these are aggressive, food or chemical environments, for operation in which special protective coatings on working surfaces are also provided.

Varieties of device

There are conventional float or displacer level gauges, magnetic, bypass and double. In the first case, the pulses are generated as a result of the physical swing of the sensor. Magnetic models provide for the connection of the float with the magnet. During operation, these two elements are in interaction and any deviation from itprovokes a change in the parameters registered by the controller. For visual observation, a float bypass level gauge is used, which is located in a graduated tube. The user himself can inspect the position of the float, fixing it relative to the scale. As for dual models, they are designed to register parameters in two environments simultaneously. This system provides for the use of interconnected sensors, between which an impulse network can be organized.

Reviews on the use of the device

Users primarily praise float switches for their accuracy and high degree of repeatability. Despite the simple design and the absence of complex technical stuffing, such devices give decent measurement results. The advantages include the advantages in the form of an affordable price and the independence of measurements from the chemical state of the liquid. Again, special device models are used to evaluate the density, viscosity and other indicators of the medium, but float level gauges are specialized on the volume of the medium. However, there are also negative reviews. The fact is that the work of the float may depend on fluctuations in the liquid. Sloshing and small vibrations can distort float readings.

Producers and prices

High quality models are offered by NivoFlip with single and complete solutions for liquid level measurement. In its line you can find models withmeasuring scale up to 3500 mm, while the company notes a 10 mm accuracy of the reflection of the result. RizurNBK competes with this manufacturer. In its family, magnetic devices are widely represented and of high quality, including those with roller bypass indicators. In both cases, a float level gauge is offered, the price of which varies on average from 1 to 3 thousand rubles. If you need a simple budget apparatus, then you can turn to the products of the Albatros enterprise, which produces models with price tags of about 500-700 rubles. These are quite solid, functional and flexible devices for a variety of tasks.

Where are float gauges used?

The main areas of use of such devices are in industry. Where it is necessary to constantly monitor the parameters of technical fluids, measuring equipment and instruments are used. In most cases, level gauges act as only one of the links for monitoring the state along with sensors for viscosity, density, pressure, etc. For example, magnetic float level gauges are often used in combination with temperature sensors, since the latter also operate on a magnetic basis - at least this the field is used to transmit the signal. Level gauges are also used in the food industry to regulate the state of liquid products.

Conclusion

When choosing a liquid level gauge, you should first determine the principle of operationdevice. Float models should be preferred in cases where there are requirements for high accuracy, and the target media will guarantee the absence of vibrations, waves and fluctuations in the measurement process. But this is not all the selection options. In the simplest version, a mechanical float level gauge, of course, provides a minimum of opportunities for additional monitoring of the state of the serviced medium. However, more productive and technologically advanced magnetic versions in the latest models are able to provide multilateral level indication, signal at the moments of reaching specific values and convert fixed values into a pneumatic unified signal. There are also advances in terms of communication. Communication can be maintained through the main wire in order to interact with the control panel, but further signal propagation is also organized via wireless channels.