Ultrasonic level transmitter is a highly technical device widely used in the industrial field, which utilizes the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves to measure the liquid level in liquid or solid containers. Its working principle is based on sophisticated ultrasonic technology, which provides a high-precision, non-contact liquid-level measurement solution for industrial process control and monitoring.
What is an ultrasonic level transmitter?
An ultrasonic level meter transmitter is a device used to measure the height of liquid levels in liquid or solid containers. It measures the liquid level by using ultrasonic technology and then converts these measurements into a standard signal to monitor, control, or display the level information.
Working Principle
Utilizing the velocity of propagation of ultrasonic waves, the height of a liquid level is calculated by transmitting an ultrasonic signal and receiving its reflection. A liquid-level meter transmitter typically consists of an ultrasonic transducer and an electronic transmitter unit. The transducer is mounted on top of the vessel, while the transmitter unit is used to process the ultrasonic data collected by the transducer and convert it to a standard current signal (e.g., 4-20 mA) or other communication protocols for connection to a monitoring system or control system.
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter Applications
- Chemical Industry
- Oil and gas industry
- Food and Beverage Production
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Environmental monitoring
Types of Ultrasonic Level Transmitters
- Tank Ultrasonic Level Transmitter: Mounted on the side wall of a liquid vessel, the level is determined by measuring the distance from the sensor to the liquid surface. Suitable for liquid level monitoring in tanks or troughs.
- Immersion ultrasonic level transmitter: immersed sensor in the liquid, measuring the distance from the liquid surface to the sensor. Suitable for liquid-level monitoring in liquids.
- Pulsed Ultrasonic Level Transmitter: Uses pulsed ultrasonic waves to measure the distance from the liquid surface with high accuracy and stability. Suitable for applications requiring higher accuracy.
- Digital ultrasonic level transmitter: output digital signal, with higher anti-interference ability and signal processing ability, suitable for complex industrial environments.
Differences Between Transmitters And Sensors
Ultrasonic level sensors typically include two main components: an ultrasonic level sensor and a transmitter. Although they are usually used together, they have different functions and roles:
| Features | Sensors | Transmitter |
| Function | Measure the liquid level height and output the corresponding electrical signal or data. | Measurement of the liquid level, conversion to a standard signal and transmission to the monitoring system. |
| Output signals | Digital signal or analog signal, directly connected to the control system. | Standard signals (e.g. 4-20 mA) or digital signals for monitoring and control. |
| Fields of application | Real-time monitoring and measurement of liquid or solid levels. | Integration into automation systems for level monitoring and control. |
| Installation and connection | Directly connected to a monitoring device or control system. | Often requires additional transmitters to be connected to the monitoring system. |
| Communication protocols | May use fieldbus protocols or proprietary communication protocols. | Standard communication protocols, e.g. HART, Modbus, etc. |
| Functional add-ons | Often simplified and focused on measurement functions. | May have additional features such as auto-calibration, remote monitoring, etc. |
| Complexity | Typically simpler, suitable for stand-alone level measurement tasks. | More complex, suitable for integration into complex control systems. |
How to use ultrasonic level transmitter?
Mounting the ultrasonic sensor: Mount the ultrasonic sensor on a liquid or solid vessel. The mounting location should be free from obstructions, vibrations and other factors affecting the measurement. Make sure that the position of the transducer is accessible for ultrasonic emission and reception and is not obstructed by the medium.
Power supply connection: Connect the ultrasonic level transmitter to the power supply. Typically, ultrasonic-level transmitters use a DC power supply, so make sure the correct supply voltage is provided.
Signal Connection: Typically, this is done via a 4-20mA current signal or other standard industrial communication protocol.
Setting operating parameters: Set the operating parameters of the ultrasonic level transmitter according to the specific application requirements.
Avoid interference: Consider and avoid factors that may interfere with the measurement results, such as high wind, strong vibration, temperature changes, etc.
Test and calibration: Test and calibrate before formal operation. Verify the performance and accuracy of the ultrasonic level transmitter by simulating or actual level changes.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor the performance of the ultrasonic level transmitter to ensure that it is stable and reliable. If abnormalities are found, recalibration or overhaul may be required.
Safety Precautions: Follow safety regulations and instructions to ensure safe use of the ultrasonic level transmitter. For example, avoid direct exposure to ultrasonic radiation.
Advantages Of The Transmitter
- Non-contact measurement
- Wide range of applications
- High precision
- High stability
- Unaffected by the medium
Limitations of The Transmitter
Affected by temperature and humidity: High temperature, high humidity or extreme temperature conditions may affect the performance of the ultrasonic level transmitter.
Bubbles and foam effects: liquid bubbles or foam may affect the propagation of ultrasound, thus affecting the measurement accuracy.
Not applicable to gas measurement: the ultrasonic level transmitter is mainly used for liquid measurement, not for gas measurement.
Limitations of volatile liquids: For volatile liquid applications, may need to consider the impact of volatile substances on the sensor performance.
Positioning requirements: The ultrasonic sensor installation location needs to be considered to avoid obstacles to ensure that the sensor works properly.
Summary
Ultrasonic-level transmitters play an important role in industrial automation due to their reliability, accuracy, and applicability. With the continuous development of technology, the working principle and performance of ultrasonic level transmitters are also constantly innovating and improving, providing reliable level monitoring and control means for various industries.
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