With so many impressive technologies available to use for liquid level tank measurement, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. Challenges such as valves and tank fixtures often complicate the selection process. Among these technologies, one solution consistently stands out: the pressure transducer.
There are many benefits to using a pressure transducer for level measurement. This includes low cost, low power consumption, and ease of transportation and installation.
Pressure transducers are used extensively for liquid level measurement. A common type is the submersible pressure transducer, which is submerged in the fluid and oriented to rest at or near the bottom of the tank. They measure the amount of pressure being exerted on it by the weight of the liquid column above it. The taller the liquid column, the greater the pressure.
Externally mounted pressure transducers function similarly but are mounted outside the tank. If the tank’s valve or pipe fixture is at the bottom, the externally mounted transducer will measure the very same value as the submersible pressure transducer inside of the tank.
For more detailed insights, check out our post: The Basics of Pressure Transducers.
APG offers the PT-400 pressure transmitter ideal for high vibration environments, high-pressure spikes, and even extended temperature compensation. It’s intrinsically safe, making it perfect for applications requiring low power consumption.
Pressure transducers are made from less expensive materials. Longer cable runs mean more materials and more materials means a higher cost. Pressure transducers come with a shorter cable run, keeping the cost down.
Pressure transducers need a low amount of energy to function, giving them a clear advantage in applications where power consumption is a major concern. Examples include battery-powered installations throughout a plant, or in remote monitoring of dispersed tanks. APG’s PT-400 pressure transmitter is intrinsically safe, perfect for environments where low power consumption is needed to avoid the risk of ignition.
Pressure transducers come in small boxes, and this smaller size reduces the transportation cost significantly. Other liquid level measurement solutions, such as continuous float level transmitters, come in long boxes or crates that need to be driven on a flatbed truck to the site and then installed by means of a crane. Pressure transducers, with their small boxes and easy setup, are a breeze for installation in comparison.
In conclusion, pressure transducers are an excellent solution for tank level measurement due to their affordability, efficiency, and ease of use.
If you have questions about using pressure sensors for level measurement, please give us a call and we will look forward to discussing it with you further.
