What is the difference between Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor?
Recently, many customers have questioned whether Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor have the same function? Of course not. Both Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and level sensor are commonly used in water level measurement. Such as water treatment plants, or water tanks, etc. But there are still subtle differences.
The difference between Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor
Next, we list the differences between Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor.
1. The working environment is different
The probe and host of Ultrasonic Level Sensor are placed in the air.
Ultrasonic Depth Sensor works in water. The probe of the Depth Sensor needs to be placed in the water to measure the depth of the water.
2. The measurement distance is different
Ultrasonic Level Sensor ranges in the air between 0-70 meters.
The Ultrasonic Depth Sensor can measure distances of several kilometers in water.
3. The working principle is different
The working principle of the Ultrasonic Level Meter is that the ultrasonic probe part emits ultrasonic waves, which are then reflected by the liquid surface, and then received by the probe part. The distance from the probe to the liquid (object) surface is proportional to the elapsed time of the ultrasonic waves.
The working principle of the Ultrasonic Depth Sensor is designed based on the principle that ultrasonic energy propagates in a straight line at a uniform speed in a homogeneous medium, and is reflected when it encounters different medium surfaces.
Ultrasonic Depth Sensor uses water as the ultrasonic medium. When measuring depth, place the ultrasonic probe at a certain position underwater. The depth from the probe to the bottom of the water can be calculated according to the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in water and the time interval between sending out and receiving ultrasonic signals.
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Advantages of ultrasonic level sensor
- Ultrasonic level sensor can achieve non-contact measurement.
- Ultrasonic level sensor can measure a large range. And liquid, block, powder level can be measured.
- The ultrasonic level sensor can measure continuously at fixed points, and can conveniently provide measurement signals for telemetry and remote control.
- The installation of ultrasonic level sensor is simple and convenient, and does not require safety protection.
Disadvantages of ultrasonic level sensor
- Ultrasonic level sensor measurement will have a blind area. It is necessary to avoid the blind area during installation.
- In the case of foam, since the sound wave cannot penetrate the foam, the sound wave will be reflected on the foam. In this way, the measurement will have a large deviation from the actual liquid level.
- In a container with an agitator, it will be affected by the agitator, causing false reflection echoes and inaccurate measurements.
- The temperature of the measuring medium is also affected. Especially in a closed container.
4-20mA signal output is the normal configuration of ultrasonic level meter. Two-wire and four-wire 4-20mA signal output can be selected.
The power supply (DC24V) and signal output (DC4-20mA) of the two-wire ultrasonic level meter share a circuit, which is a standard transmitter form. The disadvantage is that the transmission power is weak. Not suitable for liquid level measurement with large fluctuations. When the liquid level has greater volatilization, the measurement effect is also unsatisfactory.
The four-wire ultrasonic level meter uses two wires for power supply 220VAC and signal output 4-20mADC. The negative stage of the power supply and the negative stage of the signal are separated. Its advantage is that the transmission power is relatively large. Suitable for on-site installation, independent power supply.
Ultrasonic level sensor is often used to measure the liquid level of water storage tanks. Because the ultrasonic level sensor is easy to install and low in cost.
More about: Water tank level sensor system
When it is necessary to measure the liquid level of a diesel storage tank, an ultrasonic level meter can be used.
Can be divided into the following two situations.
- If your tank has a hole in the top, or can. Then choose explosion-proof ultrasonic level meter. The installation is simple, the measurement is stable, and the cost is not high.
- If your tank cannot be opened. Then you can choose an externally attached ultrasonic level meter. No tank opening is required. The sensor is attached to the bottom and sides of the tank. But the cost will be higher.
Ultrasonic level sensor for solids is also called solid material level measurement. Some people understand that as long as it is a solid, it can be measured, but it is wrong. It has prerequisites for its measurement.
What material levels can the ultrasonic level sensor measure?
- Powdered solid:
If it is measured with a general ultrasonic level gauge, it is difficult to measure it. Take the measurement of flour as an example. An ultrasonic level meter with a range of 10 meters can only measure a distance of about 2 meters, and it will not be able to measure it any further. Substances such as cement powder, soybean powder, wood residue, and fly ash are not easy to measure.
The powder solids that can be measured include: yellow sand, iron powder, stone powder and other substances with a density greater than 3000 kg/m3. - Granular solid:
The particle diameter is required to be greater than 3mm, and the density is greater than 1000 kg/m3.
For example: ABS particles, stones, wheat, etc. Under the premise of no dust, the selected ultrasonic level meter should be 3 times larger than the actual measuring range. - Lumpy solid:
Such as: coal, ore, etc., most of the massive solids can be measured. The selected level measurement range should also be 3 times larger than the actual range.
If you want to measure solid material level by ultrasonic level meter, please communicate with the manufacturer first, whether the medium you want to measure can be measured by ultrasonic. Remember not to buy blindly.
Read more about: Application 5: Level Measurement In Reservoirs
If you cannot find an answer to your question in our Ultrasonic Depth Sensor vs Ultrasonic Level Sensor, you can always contact us and we will be with you shortly.
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Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor have similarities and differences. They are widely used in water level measurement in water treatment and other industries.
Sino-Inst focuses on the R&D and production of Ultrasonic Depth Sensor and Ultrasonic Level Sensor. We have been sincerely providing customers with good products and good service solutions for the purpose. If you are interested in the above products or have any questions, please feel free to contact our sales engineers.
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Wu Peng, born in 1980, is a highly respected and accomplished male engineer with extensive experience in the field of automation. With over 20 years of industry experience, Wu has made significant contributions to both academia and engineering projects.
Throughout his career, Wu Peng has participated in numerous national and international engineering projects. Some of his most notable projects include the development of an intelligent control system for oil refineries, the design of a cutting-edge distributed control system for petrochemical plants, and the optimization of control algorithms for natural gas pipelines.