A level sensor is a device that measures, monitors, and maintains liquid (and occasionally solid) levels. After sensing the liquid level, the sensor converts the observed data into an electric signal. Level sensors are widely used in the industrial and automotive industries but may also be found in various consumer items, including refrigerator ice makers.
Types of Level Sensors
There are two kinds of level sensors: point level sensors and continuous level sensors. Point level sensors assess whether a liquid in a container has reached a predefined point. In contrast, continuous level sensors are employed to compute precise liquid levels. Level sensors are further classified as invasive or non-contact. Invasive sensors make direct contact with the substance being measured, while non-contact sensors use sound or microwaves.
1. Point Level Sensors
There are several types of point level sensors, but they are all invasive. The "float switch" is a basic kind of point level sensor. As the volume of liquid in a container changes, it forces the switch to open or close a circuit. An infrared (IR) emitter and a photodiode are utilised in optical level sensors. As photoelectric proximity sensors, they detect the presence of liquid by measuring the amount of infrared light reflected back into the photodiode. Capacitance level sensors analyse variations in capacitance to determine liquid levels in tanks (the capacity to store electric charge). "Tuning fork" sensors use pressure and vibration fluctuations to detect liquid level.
2. Continuous Level Sensors
Unlike point level sensors, continuous level sensors are non-contact (ultrasonic and microwave). Ultrasonic level sensors emit sound waves, while "radar" sensors emit microwaves. The liquid level determines the time lag between wave emission and reflection.
PVL Level Sensors
Pressure Vacuum Level Ltd has been selling high-quality level sensors for over 28 years. PVL provides these devices for various industries.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our level sensors or other products.
Other Products
PVL customers can rely on us for high-quality products. Level Sensors are only a handful of the products we provide customers across the United Kingdom. We are also a significant supplier of Pressure Switches and Transducers.
