c
  


  





  c
  



 


c
 !"!#!"$
   c
  
% 

Level is measured at the position of the interface between phases, where the phases are
liquid/gas, solid/gas, or immiscible liquid/liquid. Level is simply a measure of height. It
defines the position of the interface, that is, the surface where the two phases meet with
respect to a reference point. This measurement is often converted to a volumetric or
gravimetric quantity.

Generally, there are two methods used in industries for level measurement of liquid level.
These are:

1. Direct methods.

2. Indirect methods.

&   

Direct methods employ physical properties such as fluid motion and buoyancy, as well as
optical, thermal, and electrical properties. Direct level measurement does not require
compensation for changes in level caused by changes in temperature. Direct level
measurements show the actual level of the interface.

There are 3 types of level indicators are used:

1. '(   % 


When the level of liquid in an open tank is measured directly on a scale, it is difficult to read
the level due to parallax error. In this case, we use hook type level indicator.

1.1.


It basically consists of a corrosive resisting alloy (such as stainless steel) with 0.063 mm
diameter bent in U shape with one arm longer than the other. The shorter arm is pointed with
a 600 taper , while the longer one is attached to a slider having a vernier scale, which moves
over the main scale and indicates the level.
1.2. ã()

In hook type level indicator, the hook is pushed below the surface of liquid whose level is to
be measured and gradually raised until the point is just about to break through the surface. It
is then clamped, and the level is read on the scale.

2. )*


A sight glass used for the continuous indication of liquid level within a tank or vessel.
2.1.


A sight glass instrument consists of a graduated tube of toughened glass which is connected
to the interior of the tank at the bottom in which the water level is required. This is for open
tank. To measure a liquid level with the liquid under pressure or vacuum, the sight glass must
be connected to the tank at the top as well as the bottom. The glass tube must have a small
inside diameter and a thick wall enclosed in a protective housing. Two valves are provided
for isolating the gauge from the tank in case of breakage of the sight glass.

2.2. ã()

As the level of liquid in the tank rises and falls, the level in the sight glass also rises and falls
accordingly. Thus, by measuring the level in the sight glass, the level of liquid in the tank is
measured.

2.3. +
) 

The standard practice is not to go in for a glass tube of more than 900 mm length. In case the
height of the tank is more than 900 mm, two or more sight glass level gauges are provided at
different levels. This type of gauges is made to withstand pressures of 350 psi of steam
pressure at 2520C, or 1000 psi liquid pressures.

2.4.  

) 

aV Direct reading is possible.

aV Special designs are available for use upto 3160C and 10,000 psi.
aV Glassless designs are available in numerous materials for corrosion resistance.

2.5. &


) 

aV Accuracy and readability depend on the cleanliness of glass and fluid.

aV Overlapping gauges are needed for long level spans.
aV Since sight glasses are located on the outside of the tanks, the liquid in the sight glass
may freeze in cold weather.
3.  
   % 


Float operated level indicator is used to measure liquid levels in tank in which a float rests on
the surface of the liquid and follows the changing level of liquid. Various types of floats are
used such as hollow metal spheres, cylindrical shaped floats and disc shaped floats.

3.1.

 ã()

The float is made up of corrosion resisting material (such as stainless steel) and rest on liquid
level surface between two grids to avoid error due to turbulence. In this case, the movement
of the float is transmitted to the pointer by float attached with phosphor-bronze flexible cable
wound around a pulley or by transmitting and recieving bellows in close tank, and the pointer
indicates liquid level in the tank.

3.2. +
)

Liquid level from ½ ft. To 60 ft. can be easily measured. For further higher measurements,
hydraulic transmission system is used.
3.3.  

) 

aV Its cost is low and has reliable designs.

aV It operates over a large temperature range.
aV It is possible to read the liquid level in a tank even if tank is kept below the ground
level.

3.4. &


) 

aV They are normally limited to moderate pressures.

aV They are tailored to tank geometry.

%    

Indirect level measurement involves converting measurements of some other quantity, such
as pressure to level by determining how much pressure is exerted over a given area at a
specific measuring point, the height of the substance above that measuring point can also be
determined.

There are many types of gauges or systems under this method, but we shall discuss only the
following one¶s in detail:

1. , -) c 

Air purge (also known as bubbler tube) system is one of the most popular hydrostatic
pressure type of liquid level measuring system which is suitable for any liquid.

1.1.


An air purge system consists of a hollow tube inserted in the liquid of the tank. Two
connections are made with the tube, one to regulate the air supply and other to the pressure
gauge, calibrated in terms of the liquid level. A bubbler is connected in the air supply line
which serves simply as a virtual check to the flow of air supply. A level recorder may be
connected with the pressure gauge to keep the continuous record of liquid level.
1.2. ã()

When the liquid level in the tank is below the bottom end of the tube, the air flows out of the
tube and the pressure gauge indicates zero. As the liquid level in the tank increases, the air
flow is restricted by the depth of the liquid and the air pressure acting against the liquid head
appears as back pressure to the pressure gauges. This back pressure causes the pointer to
move on scale, calibrated in terms of liquid level. The range of the device is determined by
the length of the tube. The common purging fluid is air, but if air reacts with the tank fluid or
is absorbed, different gases (likes carbon or nitrogen) are chosen depending on the liquid
properties.

1.3. .



 

Where:
P.D = Pressure drop in inches of water.
K = Coefficient which is a function of the tubing.
A = Air flow in standard cubic feet per hour.
L = Length of tubing in feet.
1.4.  

) 

aV The pressure gauge can be placed above or below the tank level and can be kept as far
as 500 ft. from the tank with the help of piping.
aV This type of device is well suited for measuring the level of corrosive or abrasive
liquids.

2.



   % 
 

The principal of operation of capacitance level indicator is based on capacitance equation of a

parallel plate capacitor given by:

„  



Where,

C= Capacitance

K=Dielectric constant

A= Area of plate, in m2

D= Distance between two plates, in m.

As A and D are constant, then the capacitance of a capacitor is directly proportional to the
dielectric constant, and this principle is utilized in the capacitance level indicator.
2.1.


It consists of an insulated capacitance probe (which is a metal electrode) firmly fixed near
and parallel to the metal wall of the tank. If liquid in the tank is non-inductive, the
capacitance probe and the tank wall form the plates of a parallel plate capacitor and liquid in
between them acts as a dielectric. If liquid is conductive, the capacitance probe and the liquid
forms the plates of the capacitor and the insulation of the probe acts as a dielectric. A
capacitance measuring device is connected with the probe and the tank wall, which is
calibrated in terms of the level of liquid in the tank.

2.2. ã()

When the level of the liquid in the tank rises, the capacitance increases. When the liquid level
in the tank decreases, the capacitance also decreases. This increase and decrease in the
capacitance is measured and is displayed on the indicator calibrated in terms of liquid level.

2.3.  

) 

aV It is very useful in small system.

aV It is very sensitive.
aV It is suitable for continuous indication.
aV Probe materials for most corrosive fluids available.
aV There are no moving parts exposed to fluid.

2.4. &


) 

aV The performance of capacitance is affected by dirt and other contaminants, as they

change the dielectric constant.
aV Its sensitivity is adversely affected by change in temperature.
aV Probe length and mounting must suit the tank.
aV Fluids must have proper dielectric qualities.
3. +

/*


0  &  

It does not need to come in contact with the liquid being measured.

3.1.

 ã()

It consists of gamma rays source holder on one side of the tank and a gamma rays detector on
the other side of the tank. When the tank is empty, the gamma rays pass only through the two
walls and air in the empty tank. When liquid enters the tank and its level rises, the radiation
beam passes through a path in the liquid, as well as the tank walls. The liquid in the tank
reduces the radiation received by the detector. The amount of radiation received is inversely
proportional to the amount of liquid between the radiation source and the detector. The
difference in the amount of radiation received by the detector corresponds to the liquid level
in the tank.

3.2.  

) 

aV There is no physical contact with the liquid.

aV Suitable for molten metal as well as liquids of all types.
aV Useful at very high temperatures/pressures.
aV Good accuracy and response.

3.3. &


) 

aV ßeading is affected by density change of liquid.

aV ßadiation source holders may be heavy.
aV Cost is relatively high.
4. ±
  &  

Ultrasonic level measuring devices can be used for both continuous and point measurements.

The point measuring ultrasonic detectors are used for measurement of gas/liquid,
liquid/liquid, or gas/solid interfaces.

4.1.

 ã()

Ultrasonic pulse source, echo receiver, electrical processing unit and level indicator are the
components used in construction. It operates by generating an ultrasonic pulse and measuring
the time it takes for echo to return. When an ultrasonic transmitter is mounted at the top of
the tank, the pulse travels in air at a speed of 331 m/s at 00C (usually at 1496m/s at 250C).
The time of travel is an indication of the depth of vapour space above the liquid in tank.
Temperature compensation is essential in ultrasonic level measurement because the velocity
of sound is proportional to the square root of temperature.

4.2.  

) 

aV They are non contact type measurement technique.

aV ßeliability of reading is unaffected by changes in the composition, density, moisture
content, electrical conductivity or dielectric constant of the fluid.

4.3. &


) 

aV Temperature compensation is essential.

aV Dirt, irregular and slope surfaces affect the accuracy of measurement.
aV It is subjected to many interferences, which affect the strength of echo it receives.



They are basically used in many industries likes:

aV Petro chemical industries.

aV canufacturing industries.
aV Food industries
aV Shipping industries and many more.