Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitter Applications and Advantages

The ultrasonic liquid level transmitter uses non-contact measurement, and the measured medium is almost unrestricted. It can be widely used to measure the height of various liquids and solid materials. An ultrasonic level meter is an instrument used to monitor liquid levels, tank levels, and material positions.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of an Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitter?

Advantages of an Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitter

1. High Accuracy:

Compared with traditional contact-type level sensors, ultrasonic level transmitters can detect smaller liquid volumes and provide higher measurement accuracy, meeting applications that require precise level monitoring.

2. High Reliability:

They use non-destructive, non-contact technology that does not damage the system and can detect tiny bubbles and impurities in the liquid, ensuring accurate and reliable level measurements.

3. High Sensitivity:

Ultrasonic sensors can detect very small fluctuations in liquid level, ensuring accurate monitoring even when the liquid is in motion.

4. Easy Maintenance:

With no mechanical parts, the transmitter is easy to repair, replace, calibrate, and adjust.

5. Non-Contact Measurement:

Since it does not need to touch the medium, it avoids wear, contamination, and safety risks—making it particularly suitable for corrosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or viscous liquids.

Disadvantages of an Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitter

1. Blind Zone Limitation:

Ultrasonic level transmitters have a "dead zone," an area near the transducer where the instrument cannot receive the echo signal.

Shorter measuring ranges → smaller blind zones

Longer measuring ranges → larger blind zones

They are also sensitive to temperature changes because temperature variations affect the speed of sound, resulting in measurement errors.

2. No Obstacles Allowed Beneath the Transducer:

Since ultrasonic transmitters rely on reflected sound waves, any obstruction under the probe will interfere with the echo signal and affect measurement accuracy.

3. Not Suitable for Pressure Vessels:

High pressure affects the sensor’s performance. Pressure changes influence temperature, which in turn changes the speed of sound, reducing measurement accuracy.

4. Not Suitable for Media with Heavy Foam, Vapor, or Water Mist:

These conditions absorb or scatter sound waves, causing weak or lost signals and significantly lowering accuracy.

5. Susceptible to Dust:

Although dust has little impact on sound velocity, it causes strong attenuation of ultrasonic waves. Therefore, ultrasonic level transmitters should not be used in dusty environments.

Types of Ultrasonic Level Meters

The measuring range of an ultrasonic liquid level transmitter can be customized based on the actual application. Whether it is an integrated or split-type ultrasonic level meter, typical measuring ranges include 5 meters, 10 meters, and 15 meters.

Integrated Ultrasonic Level Meter

An integrated ultrasonic level meter combines the ultrasonic transducer, signal processing unit, display, and other components into a single device. All measurement and control functions are completed within the same housing.

• Easy installation: With its compact structure, installation only requires mounting a single device, eliminating complex wiring and installation steps.

• Comprehensive functionality: Suitable for harsh industrial environments, with protection ratings up to IP67/IP68. Multiple models are available, such as corrosion-resistant and explosion-proof versions.

• Simplified calibration: The integrated design makes calibration easier and more efficient, typically requiring calibration of only the whole unit rather than multiple separate components.

Integrated ultrasonic level meters are commonly used in storage tanks, industrial wastewater treatment, chemical reaction vessels, and shallow water basins.

Split-Type Ultrasonic Level Meter

A split-type ultrasonic level meter consists of a separate transducer and signal processing unit. The transducer is installed at the measurement point, while the signal processing unit can be mounted in a control room or other convenient location. The two components are connected by a cable.

• Strong anti-interference performance: By placing the signal processing unit away from high-temperature, high-pressure, or strong electromagnetic interference areas, measurement accuracy and reliability are improved.

• Easy operation: The processing unit typically features a larger display and more operating interfaces, making adjustments and monitoring more convenient.

• High adaptability: Designed to withstand harsh environments such as high temperatures or corrosive gases and liquids. The transducer can be made from special materials to endure extreme conditions.

Split-type ultrasonic level meters are suitable for large storage tanks, complex process-level measurements, and high-temperature or highly corrosive environments. They are especially ideal for applications requiring remote operation or where on-site environmental interference must be minimized.

Applications of Ultrasonic Liquid Level Transmitters

Ultrasonic liquid level transmitters are widely used across multiple industries due to their significant advantages:

Industrial Applications:

Used in chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and other industries for level monitoring in storage tanks, reactors, and similar equipment—ensuring production safety and improving operational efficiency.

Environmental Protection:

Applied in water treatment and wastewater treatment processes to monitor level changes in tanks, water towers, and channels. This helps adjust process parameters and prevent environmental pollution.

Energy Sector:

Used in oil tanks, gas tanks, and other storage facilities to accurately measure liquid levels, providing essential data for energy dispatching and inventory management.

Smart Home:

Integrated into smart water tanks, smart bathtubs, and similar devices for liquid level monitoring, enhancing convenience and comfort in daily life.

Agricultural Irrigation:

Monitors water levels in irrigation ponds to achieve precise and water-saving irrigation.

Ultrasonic liquid level transmitters offer reliable performance, easy installation, long service life, and maintenance-free operation, along with a relative price advantage. Since the sensor does not contact the medium and features a fully sealed, corrosion-resistant structure, it delivers high measurement accuracy even for viscous, corrosive, or turbid liquids. For such challenging working conditions, ultrasonic level transmitters can be selected with confidence.