Level Sensors/Flow

How to Choose a Level Sensor for Liquids or Bulk Solids

Industrial level sensors detect the presence of material at a specified height or continuously measure its level inside a vessel. Selecting the appropriate technology depends on the medium, process conditions, vessel geometry and required output signal.

An important distinction is between point-level detection, commonly used for high- and low-level alarms, and continuous level measurement, which provides information about changing levels during operation.

Level Measurement and Detection Technologies

Float Level Switches

Float switches and magnetic float sensors provide point-level detection in compatible liquids. Typical applications include tanks, pumping systems and level alarms. Liquid density, temperature, pressure, materials and available space for float movement must be checked.

Capacitive and Vibrating Fork Level Switches

These technologies provide point-level detection for selected liquid and bulk solid applications. Suitability depends on properties such as dielectric constant, product buildup, bulk density and installation conditions. Not every technology is suitable for every material.

Continuous Level Transmitters

Continuous transmitters provide a level measurement that can be displayed or sent to a PLC or monitoring system. Depending on the application, magnetic, ultrasonic, radar or hydrostatic technologies may be suitable, subject to the specifications of the selected model.

Magnetic and Bypass Level Indicators

These devices provide local level indication for compatible applications. Certain configurations may include alarm contacts or additional signal transmission. Process connections, materials, pressure and temperature limits must be verified.

Key Selection Criteria

FineTek and ATMI Level Measurement Solutions

Garma offers different technologies for industrial level measurement and detection. Examples from our catalogue include:

• FineTek FGX: magnetic float level transmitter for continuous measurement in compatible liquids.
• FineTek EFX: bypass level indicator for applications requiring local visual indication.
• FineTek EAX: ultrasonic level transmitter for applications compatible with this measurement principle.
• FineTek ECX: hydrostatic level transmitter selected according to liquid characteristics and installation conditions.
• ATMI SOBA: float level switch for liquid applications within the specified operating conditions.

Materials, output signals, measuring ranges, approvals and accessories must be verified for each model and configuration.

Industrial Applications

• Storage tanks and pumping stations: high- and low-level detection and filling monitoring.
• Silos and bulk material storage: material presence detection or continuous measurement according to the medium.
• Food and chemical industries: instruments selected for compatibility with the medium and process conditions.
• Water treatment: monitoring tanks and storage processes.
• Industrial maintenance: replacement of existing float switches, probes and indicators following compatibility checks.

What Information Do We Need?

To select the right level sensor, define the medium, vessel height, temperature and pressure conditions, process connection and whether point-level detection or continuous measurement is required. For more complex applications, a drawing or photograph of the installation can help identify suitable equipment.