Plastic Level Sensors

Within the chemical industry manufacturers are dealing with characteristics within their tank applications that make it very difficult to select a plastic-level sensor that will perform reliably. The issue with the plastic level sensor that is currently available is that it utilizes ultrasonic non-contact technology. A plastic level sensor that uses ultrasonic technology will face issues whenever there is vapor, foam, turbulence, or condensation present within the tank. The plastic level sensor uses a transducer that emits an ultrasonic beam, the ultrasonic beam from the plastic level sensor will bounce off the reflective surface from the liquid within the tank and monitor the time of flight. The plastic level sensor will become confused if there is a vapor blanket present, as the ultrasonic signal from the plastic level sensor will bounce off the vapor blanket and provide the operator with untrue, and inaccurate measurements.

A plastic level sensor that utilizes ultrasonic technology will face similar difficulties when there is condensation present. The condensation within the tank application will build upon the transducer of the plastic level sensor and the signal will become lost and the operator will not receive any reading of the current tank level. A plastic level sensor with non-contact technology is only recommended when the operator is installing the plastic level sensor in an application where there are no factors that can cause the plastic level sensor to miss-read. Foam is a major concern for a plastic level sensor that uses ultrasonic sensing technology. The foam will absorb the echo from the plastic level sensor and the plastic level sensor will become lost. When a plastic level sensor goes lost, it simply means that the plastic level sensor is no longer communicating the 4-20mA signal back to the remote display or PLC.

The most effective way to monitor chemicals within a holding tank with a plastic level sensor is to use a plastic level sensor that is a submersible plastic level sensor. Within the industry, many manufacturers are not offering submersible level sensors that is manufactured of thermoplastic. The issue with a sensor that is not a plastic level sensor is that the unit will corrode in any applications that affect metals. The plastic level sensor offering from Level Pro is manufactured specifically for chemical and corrosive applications. The plastic level sensor is simply dropped into the tank application. The plastic level sensor will not be influenced by factors like foam, vapor, turbulence or condensation. The plastic level sensor that LevelPro offers is constructed of PVC, PP, and PVDF offering plastic level sensor solutions to any chemical applications. With universal communication ability, the plastic level sensor will utilize a 4-20mA signal to communicate to the operator’s existing or new wall-mounted displays or PLC.

When selecting the correct plastic level sensor, the operators need to ensure that all wetted materials are compatible with the chemicals within the tank application. The plastic level sensor that Level Pro offers to the industrial market has a ceramic sensing diaphragm, and FEP Teflon-coated cable as a standard. When selecting a plastic level sensor, consult a professional at LevelPro.