With the continuous development of industrial automation, ultrasonic level transmitter is widely used in various liquid level measurement occasions due to its advantages of non-contact measurement, easy installation and simple maintenance. Correct installation is the key to ensure its accurate measurement and long-term stable operation.
Ultrasonic Level Transmitter Principle of Operation
Ultrasonic level transmitter utilizes the time difference of ultrasonic wave propagation in the medium to measure the liquid level height. The transmitter sends out ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected by the liquid surface and received by the receiver, and the liquid level distance is calculated according to the time of sound wave propagation.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Choose a Suitable Installation Location
Avoid interfering objects: Ensure that there are no obstacles, such as agitators, pipes, or supports, within the ultrasonic cone area of the transducer.
Prevent the influence of liquid level fluctuation: If the fluid level fluctuates drastically, consider installing a waveguide tube or choosing a transmitter with a filtering function.
Keep away from strong electromagnetic field: Avoid installing near a strong electromagnetic interference source to prevent the measurement accuracy from being affected.
Consider Environmental Factors
Temperature and pressure: Make sure the temperature and pressure of the working environment are within the allowable range of the equipment.
Medium characteristics: For corrosive or viscous media, it is necessary to choose the appropriate protective materials or take protective measures.
Installation Steps
- Mounting bracket or flange
Fixed firmly: Use suitable bracket or flange to mount the transmitter firmly on the top of the vessel.
Sealing: For closed containers, it is necessary to seal well to prevent leakage. - Connecting cables and pipes
Correct wiring: Connect the power and signal cables according to the instructions, pay attention to waterproof and dustproof.
Protect the cables: The cables should be properly arranged to avoid mechanical damage or chemical corrosion. - Setting and calibration
Parameter setting: Set the range, output mode and other parameters through the display or configuration software.
Initial calibration: After the installation is completed, carry out initial calibration to ensure accurate measurement.
Precautions When Using Ultrasonic Level Transmitters
Ultrasonic level sensors are widely used in industrial measurements, but in the process of using them, you need to pay attention to avoid the following problems to ensure the accuracy of the measurement and the service life of the equipment.
1. Avoiding Interference from Obstructions
- Installation location with obstacles: The sensor’s ultrasonic propagation path should avoid the existence of pipelines, brackets, agitators and other obstacles, otherwise it will lead to abnormal signal reflection, affecting the measurement results.
- Close to the tank wall: The sensor should not be installed too close to the vessel wall to prevent sound waves from reflecting off the tank wall and causing false signals.
2. Avoiding Foam and Vapor Effects
- Large amount of foam: When there is a large amount of foam on the surface of the medium, it will absorb or scatter the ultrasonic waves, resulting in unstable measurements. Consideration should be given to using other types of level measurement instruments or taking anti-foam measures.
- High temperature steam: Steam will weaken the ultrasonic signal and affect the measurement accuracy. Use in high steam environment should be avoided, or use sensors suitable for this environment.
3. Avoid Temperature and Pressure Overruns
- Out of temperature range: Out of the sensor’s operating temperature range will affect its performance or even damage the equipment. It should be ensured that the ambient temperature is within the allowable range of the device.
- Inappropriate pressure: Ultrasonic level sensors are generally suitable for atmospheric pressure environment. Under high pressure or vacuum conditions, special sensors should be used.
4. Avoid Electromagnetic Interference
- Strong electromagnetic field: In the vicinity of high voltage power lines, large motors and other sources of strong electromagnetic interference, the sensor may be affected, resulting in unstable signals. It should be kept away from the source of electromagnetic interference or shielding measures should be taken.
5. Avoid Incorrect Mounting Angle
- Non-vertical installation: The sensor should be installed perpendicular to the liquid surface, tilted installation will cause the ultrasonic signal to deviate and not receive the reflected signal correctly.
- Vibrating environment: Sensors installed in locations with high vibration will affect measurement stability. Vibration damping measures should be avoided or taken.
6. Avoiding Improper Wiring and Grounding
- Wrong wiring: Wrong power or signal wiring can cause the equipment to not work properly or even be damaged.
- Improper grounding: Improper grounding can introduce interfering signals and affect measurement accuracy. It should be properly grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Avoiding Medium Mismatch
- Corrosive media: For corrosive liquids, it is necessary to use sensors made of anticorrosive materials, otherwise the life of the equipment will be shortened.
- Sticky or easily crystallized media: These media may form an accumulation on the surface of the sensor, affecting the ultrasonic emission and reception. The transducer should be cleaned regularly or a suitable model should be selected.
8. Avoiding Lack of Maintenance
- Irregular cleaning: Dirt on the surface of the transducer can impede ultrasonic propagation and should be cleaned regularly.
- Neglecting to calibrate: After long-term use, the transducer may show measurement deviations and should be calibrated periodically to ensure accuracy.
How to Choose the Right Level Transmitter?
Choose the right ultrasonic level sensor according to the different applications.
- For wastewater treatment plants and water supply systems, select models that are corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant to ensure that they can function properly in harsh environments. The AK7000E ultrasonic level transmitter handles level measurement of a wide variety of liquids.
- The AK2000E ultrasonic liquid level sensor this model is more suitable for general level monitoring applications in industries with high hygiene requirements such as food and beverage.
Summary
By following the above installation guidelines and precautions, you will be able to effectively install your ultrasonic level transmitter to ensure its stability and accuracy in a variety of applications. Regular maintenance and inspections are also vital to safeguard the long-term operation of the device.
Apure is a well-established manufacturer in the field of level measurement technology, dedicated to providing high quality ultrasonic level sensors. Its products are known for their reliability, durability and accuracy for a wide range of industrial applications. Not only sensors for liquid level measurement, but also instruments for measuring different water quality monitoring, temperature sensors, flow meters, and ozone generators, welcome to contact us!