Water Flow Measurement for Pipes and Open Channels

Water flow measurement is common in both industry and life. You may often hear about the use of electromagnetic flowmeters to measure wastewater. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter measures large water pipes. The establishment of a new irrigation system requires monitoring of water flow. Even rivers and open channels need water flow detection. Use various water flow meters to detect flow and output 4-20mA or RS485 digital signals. Helps us effectively monitor and manage water flow.

Next, we will boldly analyze and sort out the method of Water flow measurement.

Ways to Water Flow Measurement

Water Flow Measurement

Water Flow Measurement can be simply divided into the following two situations: closed pipes and open channels.

Among them, pipeline water flow measurement is divided into full pipe and non-full pipe measurement. Open channel water flow measurement can be divided into regular channels and irregular rivers.

Extended Reading: LORA water meter

Water flow measurement in water pipes generally refers to measuring the water velocity or water flow in the pipe.

In closed pipes, water flow measurement can be divided into two situations: full pipe and non-full pipe.

Full Pipe measurement:

Full pipe measurement, as the name suggests, refers to the situation when the pipe is completely filled with water. At this time we usually use electromagnetic flowmeter or ultrasonic flowmeter for measurement.

The electromagnetic flowmeter uses the Faraday electromagnetic induction principle to accurately measure the water flow velocity and then calculate the flow rate.

The ultrasonic flow meter determines the flow rate by detecting the time difference in the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the fluid.

Partially full pipe measurement:

For non-full pipes, the situation is slightly more complicated. A partial pipe means that the water does not fill the entire pipe. In this case, we usually use a special electromagnetic flowmeter to measure it.

Further reading: Inline water flow meters

Open channel flow meters can be used in harsh environments. Such as urban water supply diversion channels, sewage treatment inflow and discharge channels, and corporate wastewater discharge.
Next, we will introduce to you the specific method of open channel flowmeter such as flow measurement.

And when our sight shifts from underground pipes to open channels on the ground, there are different methods for measuring water flow.

Regular drains:

In a regular channel, the shape and size of the flow are known. In this case we usually use a weir or Farrer flume to measure the flow. From the change in height of the water as it passes over these structures, we can calculate the amount of water flowing through.

Irregular river channels:

For irregular river channels, due to the complex and changeable shapes of the river bed and river banks, we generally use a current meter to directly measure the speed of the water flow and calculate the flow of the entire river channel based on the cross-sectional information of the river channel.

Extended reading: Make Ultrasonic Open Channel Flow Meter Work for You

Extended reading: non contact flow meter

Water Flow Measurement Methods

With the development of science and technology and production, many places need to measure the flow of different liquids under different conditions. For this reason, after research, a variety of flow meters have been developed. These methods can be summarized as:

  1. Container method. Including weight method, volume method.
  2. Throttling method. Including orifice plate, nozzle, venturi tube, venturi nozzle, etc.
  3. Weir flow method. Including right-angled triangle weir, rectangular weir, full-width weir and other methods.
  4. Differential pressure method. Including volute differential pressure, elbow differential pressure, runner differential pressure, draft tube differential pressure, etc.
  5. Flow meter method.
  6. Tracer method. Including concentration method, integral method, transit time method, etc.
  7. Water hammer method.
  8. Ultrasonic method.
  9. Metering method. Including electromagnetic flowmeter, turbine flowmeter, vortex flowmeter, etc.
  10. Other methods. Including laser flow measurement technology, Pitot tube method, etc.

Extended reading: Ultrasonic Flow Meters Types & Technical Guide

Types of Water Flow Meter

A water flow meter measures the amount of water flowing through a pipe. We have several kinds to choose from, depending on the application, maintenance needs, and budget.

Extended reading: 2 inch Water Flow Meter

There are four common water flow meter types:

Turbine (also called mechanical), Vortex, Ultrasonic, and Magnetic. We will tell you everything you need to know about them and help you choose one for your application.

The electromagnetic flowmeter can measure the speed of the water by using a simple magnetic field.

When water passes through a magnetic field, a voltage is generated. In this way, higher flow rates always generate more voltage when sent through the electromagnetic flowmeter. The electronic system connected to this meter will receive the voltage signal and convert it into volume flow.

Remember that the water needs ions to generate voltage, which means that the electromagnetic flowmeter cannot be used with pure water without pollutants.

Guess you like: Magnetic Flow Meters types and technical guide

Extended Reading: 3 inch (3″) Water Meter

Turbine flow meters easily become the most common flow meters around, mainly because these flow meters are more affordable than other types.

The mechanical flow meter measures the water flow through the rotation of the turbine, which uses a basic propeller, blade, or split flow design. The flow rate of water is equal to the speed of the blades.

If mechanical flow meters are to be used, they may become clogged if the water is dirty or more contaminated than expected.

Therefore, you probably should not use this kind of flowmeter to measure the flow of slurry. Since these flow meters can become clogged, they are more frequently maintained than other flow meters.

Know more about: Turbine type Flow Meter for Liquid & Gas technology

The vortex flowmeter is a unique flowmeter that measures the flow of water by using vortex flow.

When the fluid pushes over the obstacle, it will produce a vortex and form a vortex. The flowmeter is equipped with a sensor tab. As long as the vortex flows through the sensor tab, the tab will bend, which will produce a frequency output indicating the flow rate of the water.

If you decide to choose a multivariable vortex flowmeter, it can measure up to five different variables that are useful for your specific application.

These variables include mass flow, temperature, density, flow rate and pressure. These meters are especially suitable for large pipelines.

Extended reading: High Pressure Rotameter for Liquids/gas-Upto 25 Mpa

Ultrasonic flow meters are designed to use ultrasonic technology to measure the speed of water as it passes through the pipeline.

You should understand two basic types of ultrasonic flow meters, including runtime flow meters and clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters.

If you choose a run-time flow meter, send a standard ultrasonic signal downstream before sending another signal upstream. These two signals are then compared to determine the water flow rate. This is mostly a pipeline water flow meter. It is often used for household water.

For clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters, can be placed outside the pipe and are designed to emit acoustic pulses through the pipe wall in order to receive the measured value. Since they can be installed outside the pipeline, they can be used for almost any application and can be used with larger pipelines.

Extended reading: Industrial VS Residential inline water flow meters

Rotameter is also called float flowmeter. Rotameter is composed of three units: float flow sensor part, displacement-angle conversion mechanism part, and information conversion processing part. It is a traditional variable area flow measurement device. When the flow rate changes, the float moves up and down in the vertical tapered tube. The circular flow area formed between the cone and the float changes. It is a volumetric flow meter that realizes flow measurement based on this principle.

Extended reading: Metal Tube Flow Meter-Variable Area Flow Meters Principle

Rotameter can measure water and gas. But you must explain the medium and flow range with the manufacturer when selecting the model. The method of calibration by the manufacturer is different. The completed flowmeter cannot be used mutually.

Extended reading: Liquid Bitumen/Asphalt Flow Meter

Read more about: Hydrostatic Submersible Level Transmitter-Straight Rod Insertion

There are several methods/flow meters that can be used to measure open channels:

Use a flow meter to directly measure the flow of the river. There are many types of flow meters, mainly including differential pressure, electromagnetic, launder, and weir flow meters. It can be selected and used according to the actual flow rate range and test accuracy requirements.

Extended Reading: Chilled Water Flow Meter

Put the river water into a container of known capacity. Measure the time it takes to fill the container. Repeat the measurement several times. Find the average value t(s). A method to calculate the amount of water.

This method is simple and easy to implement, and the measurement accuracy is high. It is suitable for rivers with small river flows. However, there should be a proper drop between the overflow outlet and the receiving water body or an error can be formed by the aqueduct.

Select a straight river section. Measure the area of ​​the cross-section of the water flow within a 2m interval of the river section. Find the area of ​​the average cross-section.
Put a buoy in the upper reaches of the river and measure the time it takes for the buoy to flow through a certain section (L). Repeat the measurement several times. Get the average of the required time (t), and then calculate the flow velocity (L/t). The flow can be calculated as follows:

In the formula, Q is the water flow, the unit is m^3/min. v is the average flow velocity of the water flow, and its value is generally 0.7L/t, and m/s.S is the average cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow, the unit is m^2.

Calculate the river flow by measuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow, measuring the river water velocity with a flow meter.
During the measurement, the number of vertical and horizontal measurement points at the point must be determined according to the depth and width of the channel. The method is simple, but it is easily affected by water quality and difficult to achieve continuous measurement.

Understanding the relationship between Flow Rate and Pressure may help you calculate mass or volume flow.

Acoustic Doppler flow measurement is developed using the principle of Acoustic Doppler. It can simultaneously measure the cross-sectional shape, water depth, velocity, and flow of the river bed at one time, and is suitable for flow monitoring of large rivers.

The host and transducer of the flowmeter are installed in a waterproof container. All are immersed in water when working and are connected with a portable computer through a waterproof cable. The operation and control of the flowmeter are carried out on the portable computer.
From the initial blind zone above 1m, it is reduced to the so-called “zero blind zones”. The profile unit is reduced to the current 0.05~0.25m. It is possible to apply it on wide and shallow rivers.

Extended reading: Insertion Ultrasonic Water Flow Meter – Designed for Agricultural Irrigation, Garden Management

Read more about: 5 Types of Flowmeters | 2023 New Guide to Flowmeter Types 

Featured Water Flow Measurement Devices

Read more about: How to Measure River Water Level?

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Flow is the volume of fluid that passes in a unit of time. In water resources, flow is often measured in units of cubic feet per second (cfs), cubic meters per second (cms), gallons per minute (gpm), or other various units.

Read more about: Flow Unit Conversion Table

Users can also choose unit of flow rate. For volume flow, L/s, L/min, L/h, m3/s, m3/min and m3/h are available; while for mass flow, kg/s、kg/m、kg/h、t/s、t/m、t/h can be selected from. It is up to the habits and application requirements to pick up a proper unit.

Extended reading: Liquid Bitumen/Asphalt Flow Meter

There are many ways to calculate flow.
For example, Using the Flow Rate Formula: Q​ = ​A​ × ​v​.
where ​Q​ is the flow rate, ​A​ is the cross-sectional area at a point in the path of the flow and ​v​ is the velocity of the liquid at that point.

Or, Flow Rate Calculation Using Pressure:

Extended reading: Orifice Plate Flow Meter

A water flow meter is an instrument that can measure the amount of water passing through a pipe. There are a variety of water flow meter technologies to choose from. It depends on the water measurement application, budget terms, and maintenance requirements. Each of these flowmeter types has novel process principles, overall use value and unique advantages in use.

The water flow meter can measure hot water, cold water, clean water, dirty water and mud.

Extended reading: Hot Water Flow Meters Improve Heating-Boiler System

To measure the flow of water in a river, you can use the following methods:

  • Choose a suitable measuring point: Find a relatively regular place in the river with smooth water flow for measurement.
  • Using a current meter: Deploy a current meter (such as an electromagnetic current meter or buoy) into the river to measure flow velocity at different depths and locations.
  • Calculate the cross-sectional area: measure the width and depth of the river, draw the flow cross-section, and calculate the cross-sectional area.
  • Integrating the data: Multiply the flow velocity by the cross-sectional area to get a value for flow, usually expressed in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
  • Multi-point measurements: To get a more accurate estimate of flow across an entire river channel, measurements may need to be taken at a number of different locations and then averaged.

For example, radar flow measurement is currently a commonly used method. It consists of a vertical pole, a horizontal arm, a chassis, a solar power supply system, a collection equipment, a radar flow meter, and a radar water level meter.

Choose a suitable position for the pole and cross arm on the shore. The length can be used to fix the sensor radar current meter and radar water level meter above the river surface, facing the water flow, and can monitor the river surface flow rate and real-time water level at the same time. The collection and transmission equipment RTU in the chassis is then used to receive and process the real-time data and then wirelessly transmit it to the remote platform. Time can be set for real-time viewing, threshold alarm, etc.

For mechanical flow meters, there is usually a rotating needle or a series of rollers to display the flow rate. Record the readings on all rollers, from left to right, which represent the total amount of water that has flowed through since installation.

For electronic flow meters, just read the value on the digital display directly. The electronic flow meters we supply from Sino-Inst can display instantaneous flow and cumulative flow.

Read more about: Flow Meter Selection Guide

More Liquid and Gas Flow measurement techniques

Sino-Inst offers over 30 water flow meter products for Water Flow Measurement. About 50% of these are differential pressure flow meters. 40% are water meters (like the Insertion Turbine Flow Meter), and 40% are water treatment (like the Annubar flow meter ).

A wide variety of water flow meter for Water Flow Measurement options are available to you, such as free samples, paid samples.

Sino-Inst is a globally recognized supplier and manufacturer of water flow meters, located in China.

The top supplying country is China (Mainland), which supply 100% of the water flow meter respectively.

Sino-Inst sells through a mature distribution network that reaches all 50 states and 30 countries worldwide. Water flow meter products for Water Flow Measurement are most popular in Domestic Market, Southeast Asia, and Mid East.

You can ensure product safety by selecting from certified suppliers, with ISO9001, ISO14001 certification.

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Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Pressure Transducers | How to Choose?

In industrial control systems, Pressure Transducers play a key role in monitoring and regulating pressure. You must have heard of 4-20mA pressure transmitter, 0-10V pressure transmitter, RS485 pressure transmitter, etc. When it comes to analog Pressure Transducers and digital Pressure Transducers, although they have the same goal – to accurately deliver a pressure signal, the technical details and practical application are very different.

Next, we’ll dive into the differences between analog Pressure Transducers and digital Pressure Transducers. Help you make informed decisions and ensure your control system operates efficiently and accurately.

We Sino-Inst are professional pressure transmitter manufacturers. More than 50 types of pressure transmitters are available to choose from. The output signals of the pressure transmitter are available in a variety of options: mV/V, 0/5 V, 0/10 V, 4/20 mA, as well as RS485, HART, etc. We also offer multiple levels of customization to meet your needs. Including customization of installation dimensions, measurement range, explosion-proof and anti-corrosion, high temperature, low temperature, etc.

Featured Analog & Digital Pressure Transducers

SI-303 Low-Pressure Transducer
Low pressure transducers for air and non-corrosive gases low pressure measurement. 0 ~ 2.5kPa to 0 ~ 30kPa measurable.
SI-703 Flush diaphragm pressure sensor
Flush membrane / diaphragm structure, anti-blocking design. Pressure measurement of viscous media.
SI-10 Liquid pressure sensor
Liquid pressure sensor is widely used for pressure measurement of various liquids. Like water or oils. IP68 waterproof.
SI-702S Ultra-High Pressure Senors
Pressure sensor for Ultra high pressure applications. Ultra high pressures up to 15,00MPa. 0-2000MPa to 0-7000MPa (customized).Ball head M20 × 1.5, cone head M20 × 1.5.
SI-512H High Temperature Pressure Sensor
High Temperature Pressure Sensor for pressure measurement of high temperature gas or liquid. Such as steam pressure. High temperature up to 800 ℃.
SI-350 Sanitary Pressure Transmitter
Sanitary Pressure Transmitter, also called tri clamp pressure transmitter,
is the pressure transducer with the flush diaphragm (flat membrane) as the pressure sensor.
SI-300 Pressure Transducer 4-20mA/Voltage
The 4-20mA/ Voltage Pressure Transducer,
also called pressure transmitter 4-20mA,
is a pressure sensor with4-20ma/Voltage output.
SI-390 Industrial Pressure Transmitter
Pressure transmitters for general industrial applicaitons. -0.1kPa ~ 0 ~ 0.01kPa ~ 100MPa ~150MPa. 0.1% FS, 0.25% FS, 0.5% FS. 4-20mA (2-wire system), 0-5 / 1-5 / 0-10V (3-wire system)
SI-520 Digital Pressure Sensor
Digital Pressure Sensor is particularly suitable for use in computer control systems. RS485 half-duplex working mode.
SI-706 Combined Pressure and Temperature Sensor-Dual function
Combined pressure and temperature sensor for Simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature.
Thermocouple types: J, K, E type or PT100 platinum resistance. Two outputs do not affect each other. 

More about pressure transmitters

The pressure transmitter converts the pressure changes of the medium into electrical signal output. When the pressure of the medium acts on the sensor, the sensor will produce corresponding physical deformation. This deformation is converted into an electrical signal through an electronic circuit, usually a standard signal such as 4-20mA or 0-10V. In this way, pressure changes can be read and processed by the control system or display device. This enables the monitoring and control of pressure in industrial processes.

Different types of pressure transmitters use a number of different operating principles to achieve this:

Pressure Transmitter Working Principle

Submersible pressure transducer is a sensor specially designed for measuring liquid pressure and can be completely immersed in liquid.

The static pressure of the liquid is sensed through the sensitive diaphragm of the sensor, and this pressure is converted into an electrical signal output. Common output signals include 4-20mA or 0-10V, etc.

Submersible pressure transmitters have good waterproof characteristics and are widely used in water level monitoring, deep well measurement, sewage treatment and other fields. Able to accurately provide pressure readings in harsh environments. Because its structural design allows it to withstand extended dives, it is particularly useful in applications requiring long-term or continuous water pressure monitoring.

A differential pressure transducer is an instrument used to measure the pressure difference between two pressure points. It converts the voltage difference into a continuous electrical signal output, such as 4-20mA or 0-10V.
This type of transmitter is widely used in areas such as flow measurement, liquid level monitoring and filter clogging detection. By measuring the pressure difference between two points in a pipe, tank or system. Differential pressure transducers can provide important information about fluid flow characteristics and system performance to help achieve precise process control and optimization.

There are subtle functional differences between pressure transducers and pressure sensors.
A pressure sensor generally refers to a device that detects pressure and converts it into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is generally raw and unprocessed and requires further conversion and amplification.
The pressure transducer not only contains all the functions of the pressure sensor, but also standardizes this electrical signal. Output industry standard signals such as 4-20mA or 0-10V. Can be read directly by the control system or display device.

In short, pressure sensors focus more on the detection of pressure, while pressure transducers provide a complete pressure measurement solution that can be used by the system.

Pressure transmitters can be divided into analog output and digital output according to the output signal. Analog output means that the output signal is an analog quantity, such as 4-20mA, 0-5V, etc. Digital output means that the output signal is a digital quantity, such as RS485, CAN bus, etc.

Analog Pressure Transducers

Analog Pressure Transducers convert mechanical pressure into continuous analog electrical signals, such as 4-20mA current or 0-10V voltage. This conversion occurs through physical pressure acting on the sensor’s sensitive element (usually a diaphragm or piezoelectric material), causing it to deform. This deformation is then converted into an electrical signal, the size of which is proportional to the pressure acting on the sensor.

The advantages of Analog Pressure Transducers are their simple structure, low cost, and durability. They typically do not require complex programming or special interfaces, making them easy to integrate with existing systems. In addition, analog signals can withstand electrical noise during long-distance transmission, which makes analog transmitters ideal for use in industrial environments with high electromagnetic interference.

Digital Pressure Transducers

Digital Pressure Transducers convert pressure information into digital signals. In terms of working mechanism, these transmitters usually contain a pressure sensor that senses pressure changes and converts it into an electrical signal, and then converts the analog signal into a digital signal through a built-in analog-to-digital converter (ADC). During this process, the transmitter will also perform signal amplification, filtering and digital processing to ensure the accuracy and stability of the output signal.

The advantages of Digital Pressure Transducers are significant. First, they provide greater accuracy and resolution because digital signals are not as susceptible to noise as analog signals.
Second, digital transmitters often have self-calibrating capabilities, reducing maintenance.
Furthermore, these transmitters can interface directly with computer systems to facilitate remote monitoring and data logging.

Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Pressure Transducers

Accuracy comparison

Digital Pressure Transducers: Typically provide greater accuracy. The high resolution of digital signals and their resistance to external interference. This gives digital transmitters an advantage in providing accurate readings.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Can provide relatively accurate measurements in environments without severe electromagnetic interference. However, signal attenuation may occur in long-distance transmission or high-interference environments.

Stability

Digital Pressure Transducers: In theory, digital technology can provide better stability, but special designs may be needed to protect electronic components in extreme environments.

Analog Pressure Transducers: With simple structure and mature technology, they are more suitable for harsh industrial environments, especially in high temperature, high pressure, and high vibration situations.

Responding speed

Digital Pressure Transducers: Fast response times, especially where fast change detection is required.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Relatively slow to respond, but generally adequate for most industrial applications.

Ease of use

Digital Pressure Transducers: Can integrate directly with computer systems and modern control systems to provide easy-to-understand digital readouts, but may require complex programming and configuration.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Simple to install, easy to use, no complex configuration required, suitable for users of different technical levels.

Cost-benefit ratio and long-term return on investment

Digital Pressure Transducers: The initial investment is higher, but in the long term, accurate data collection and processing increases efficiency and reduces maintenance costs, thus potentially providing a better return on investment.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Low initial cost, suitable for projects with limited budgets. While long-term maintenance costs may be higher, its stability and durability may reduce overall replacement and repair costs.

When selecting a suitable pressure transmitter, all of the above factors should be considered to ensure that performance requirements are met while maximizing cost-effectiveness within the budget.

More Pressure Measurement Solutions

When faced with choosing between Analog Pressure Transducers or Digital Pressure Transducers, the key is to understand the capabilities and benefits of each. Analog Pressure Transducers are known for their stability and cost-effectiveness, while Digital Pressure Transducers are favored for their high accuracy and ease of integration.

We at Sino-Inst not only offer a wide range of pressure transmitters, but also cover a wide range of flow, level and temperature measuring instruments. These instruments have excellent performance in the fields of crude oil flow measurement, liquid level measurement, and temperature measurement.

If you are looking for reliable pressure measurement solutions, please contact us. Sino-Inst will provide you with professional advice and customized services to help your project succeed.

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Vacuum Pressure Transducers | Product List and FAQs

What is a vacuum pressure transducer?

Vacuum pressure transducer is an instrument that can measure and convert vacuum pressure signals into standard electrical signals (such as 4-20mA, 0-5V, etc.). Typically used for precise monitoring and control of pressure in closed systems with high vacuum levels. The measurement range is usually from below atmospheric pressure to a specific low pressure value. It is widely used in vacuum acquisition and control systems in chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing and other industries as well as scientific research experiments.

Sino-Inst manufactures and supplies a range of pressure transmitters. This covers negative pressure transmitters, absolute pressure transmitters, high vacuum absolute pressure transmitters, etc.

The high vacuum absolute pressure transmitter uses imported metal film capacitor and ionization gauge technology. The minimum range can be extended to 200Pa to achieve true high vacuum pressure measurement.
The negative gauge pressure transmitter uses a MEMS diffused silicon sensor. Through range migration and equipped with a dedicated signal processing unit, accurate measurement of negative pressure can be achieved. The product has stable performance and long service life, and the measuring range can be selected arbitrarily between 0~-100KPa.
It can be specially designed and customized according to the specific requirements of users to meet various practical application needs.

Featured Pressure and Vacuum Transmitters

FAQs

Can pressure transmitters measure vacuum?

Pressure transmitters do measure vacuum. Pressure transmitters designed specifically for measuring vacuum are capable of measuring pressure levels below atmospheric pressure and are often referred to as vacuum pressure transducers.

How does a negative pressure transmitter work?

The working principle of a negative pressure transmitter is usually to use pressure sensing elements (such as piezoelectric, capacitive, strain gauge, etc.) to sense the pressure difference, and then convert the physical pressure changes into electrical signals. In a negative pressure environment, the sensing element of the transmitter will deform accordingly according to the magnitude of the negative pressure, thereby changing the resistance, capacitance or other electrical performance parameters. These changes are converted into a standard electrical signal output through the signal processing circuit, such as 420mA. Or 05V, etc. to facilitate pressure monitoring and control.

How many PSI is full vacuum?

A complete vacuum is a state without any gas molecules at all, and its pressure is zero. In pressure measurement, atmospheric pressure is usually used as the reference. The standard value of atmospheric pressure is 14.696 PSI (pounds per square inch), so the pressure in a full vacuum state can be considered to be 0 PSI. In technical applications, this complete vacuum state is difficult to achieve. What is often called “full vacuum” is a relative term. In fact, there may be very slight pressure.

Are vacuum pressure transducers and negative pressure transducers the same?

Vacuum pressure transducers and negative pressure transducers have similarities in application, but there are differences between them.

Vacuum pressure transducers are usually used to measure pressure below atmospheric pressure, mainly for measuring vacuum. Its measurement range is usually from standard atmospheric pressure (101.325 kPa) to absolute zero pressure, which is a complete vacuum state.

Negative pressure transducers are used to measure pressure below atmospheric pressure but not reaching a vacuum state, also called negative pressure or negative differential pressure. Its measurement range is usually from above atmospheric pressure to some low pressure value, but not to a complete vacuum.

Both are devices that work at standard atmospheric pressure and are used for pressure measurement in low-pressure environments of varying degrees. When selecting equipment, you need to determine whether to use vacuum pressure transducers or negative pressure transducers according to the pressure range of the specific measurement environment.

What are the types of pressure sensors?

Pressure sensors can be classified based on the range of pressures they measure over the operating temperature range and, most importantly, the type of pressure they measure. Pressure sensors have different names depending on their purpose, but the same technology may be used under different names.

  1. Absolute pressure sensor
    • This pressure sensor measures pressure relative to a complete vacuum.
  1. Gauge pressure sensor
    • This pressure sensor measures pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. A tire pressure gauge is an example of a gauge pressure measurement; when it indicates zero, it is measuring the same pressure as the ambient pressure.
  1. Vacuum pressure transducers
    • Used to describe sensors that measure pressure below atmospheric pressure, showing the difference between low and atmospheric pressure, but can also be used to describe sensors that measure absolute pressure relative to a vacuum.
  1. Differential pressure sensor
    • This sensor measures the difference between two pressures, one attached to each side of the sensor. Differential pressure sensors are used to measure many properties. For example, pressure drop across an oil filter or air filter, fluid level (by comparing the pressure above and below the fluid), or flow rate (by measuring the change in pressure within a limited range). Technically, most pressure sensors are actually differential pressure sensors; for example, a gauge pressure sensor is just a differential pressure sensor with one side open to the surrounding atmosphere.

More About: Unraveling the Pressure Puzzle: Absolute Pressure vs Gauge Pressure

pressure conversion tools

Tools for converting and calculating pressure values. Help users choose suitable pressure sensors and transmitters!

Absolute pressure-Gauge pressure ConverterPressure Unit ConverterLiquid Depth/Level to Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
Differential Pressure CalculatorPressure Transducer 4-20ma Output CalculatorPressure to Liquid Level Calculator

In many industrial situations, a closed environment needs to be evacuated. At this time, the vacuum pressure transducers can be used to detect the vacuum degree of the closed environment in real time. Generally, vacuum pressure transducers that measure negative pressure have the function of detecting negative pressure and positive pressure at the same time.

We at Sino-Inst are professional pressure transmitter manufacturers. We offer over 50 types of pressure transmitters. Can measure gauge pressure and absolute pressure. Negative pressure, vacuum, differential pressure, etc. Features a variety of analog outputs including 4-20ma, 0-10 VDC and 0.5-4.5 VDC proportional outputs. We also offer industry-proven rugged vacuum sensor designs and flexible, low-cost and reliable OEM solutions.

Do you need the right equipment to measure vacuum pressure? Please feel free to contact our sales engineers for consultation!

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Industrial Helium Flow Meters

Helium is a noble gas. Helium is widely used due to its unique properties as a rare gas, such as in ultra-low temperature coolants, aeronautics, welding, leak testing, semiconductors and other application fields.

Sino-Inst offers 4 common helium flow meters. Vortex flowmeter, thermal gas flowmeter, precession vortex flowmeter and metal rotor flowmeter. Meets helium flow measurement for pipe sizes from DN10 to DN1000.

Helium flow meters

Thermal mass flow meter for helium gas flow measurement

Helium (He) is an inert gas that does not easily react with other elements and is widely used in many industrial applications. Therefore, helium flow measurement devices are very important.

Thermal gas mass flowmeter is a flowmeter that can directly measure the mass flow of helium gas. Not only is it not affected by temperature, it is also not affected by pressure. The user does not have to make corrections for pressure and temperature. And for pipes above DN65 size, plug-in installation can be selected. Effectively reduce measurement costs.

The thermal gas mass flow meter produced by Sino-Inst to measure helium has the following advantages:

  1. A true mass flow meter does not require temperature and pressure compensation for gas flow measurement, and the measurement is convenient and accurate. The mass flow rate or standard volume flow rate of the gas can be obtained.
  2. Wide range ratio, can measure gases with flow rates as high as 100Nm/s and as low as 0.5Nm/s. It can be used for gas leak detection.
  3. Good seismic resistance and long service life. The sensor has no moving parts and pressure sensing parts, and is not affected by vibration on measurement accuracy.
  4. Easy to install and maintain. If site conditions permit, non-stop installation and maintenance can be achieved. (Special customization required)
  5. Digital design. Overall digital circuit measurement, accurate measurement and easy maintenance.
  6. Adopt RS-485 communication or HART communication. Factory automation, integration, and optional wireless remote monitoring can be realized.
  7. The power supply is optional AC220V, DC24V or AC220V/DC24V dual power supply.
  8. Display content: standard voltage, instantaneous flow, cumulative total, standard flow rate, etc.;
  9. Display units: NL/m, NL/h, Nm3/m, Nm3/h, L/h, Kg/h, Kg/m, t/h, t/m, g/S;
Applications of Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Vortex flow meter for helium gas flow measurement

The vortex flowmeter is based on the Karman vortex principle. That is, when the fluid flows through an object without flow resistance placed in the flow channel, alternating vortices will be formed behind it. Suitable for various industrial gases.

This flow meter has the following advantages for measuring helium flow:

  • High accuracy and repeatability: For low-density gases such as helium, it can accurately detect the vortex frequency formed after flowing through the probe. This frequency is directly proportional to the flow rate, allowing for accurate measurement.
  • No need for temperature and pressure compensation: Since helium is a single-component gas, its physical properties have little impact on flow rate due to changes in temperature and pressure within a certain range. Vortex flowmeters can directly measure volume flow without the need for additional temperature or pressure compensation.
  • Wide flow range: Vortex flowmeter has a wide flow measurement range. Able to adapt to the variable flow requirements of helium in different industrial applications.
  • High temperature and high pressure resistance: Vortex flowmeter can work at higher temperatures and pressures. This makes it possible to measure helium flow in harsh industrial environments.

Therefore, vortex flowmeters are ideal for measuring helium flow. Whether in precision measurements in the laboratory or in large-scale applications in industrial production processes.

Precession Vortex Flow Meter for helium gas

The intelligent precession vortex flowmeter is a new type of gas flow meter. This flowmeter integrates flow, temperature and pressure detection functions. And can automatically compensate for temperature, pressure and compression factor. It is widely used in petroleum, chemical industry, electric power, metallurgy, urban gas supply and other industries to measure various gas flows.

Therefore, the advantages of using a precession vortex flowmeter to measure helium are obvious. Installing a precession vortex flowmeter eliminates the need to install pressure sensors and temperature sensors. This also saves costs and installation time.

Metal Rotameter for helium gas flow measurement

Metal rotor flowmeter is an area flow measurement instrument commonly used in industrial automation process control. It has small size and stable and reliable operation. Suitable for measuring liquids, gases, various flow rates and use in various environments.

The metal rotor flowmeter is only suitable for helium flow measurement in DN15~DN150 pipelines. But its measurement also has unique advantages:

  • Suitable for flow measurement of small diameter and low flow velocity media;
  • The requirements for the front and rear straight pipe sections are low; More about: Flow Meter Straight Length Requirements Guide;
  • The pointer indicates instantaneous flow, and the double-row LCD displays instantaneous flow and cumulative total (optional);
  • All-metal structure, suitable for high temperature, high pressure and highly corrosive media;
  • Can be used in flammable and explosive hazardous locations;
  • With data backup and power-off protection functions (LCD display type);
  • Reliable work, low maintenance and long life;
  • Wider range ratio 10:1;
  • Multi-parameter calibration, keyboard setting alarm (with alarm type);
  • Optional external power supply or built-in 3.6V lithium battery power supply;

More Gas Flow Measurement Soluitons

Helium is very inert and does not easily react chemically with other substances. It can be widely used in various industries. Additionally, helium has low density, low boiling point, and high thermal conductivity properties, making it a very valuable gas.

In applications in the welding and metallurgical industries, helium can be used as a welding shielding gas;
In applications in cryogenic engineering, helium gas is usually used as the working medium of closed cycle cryogenic refrigerators.
Helium also has many special industrial applications.

We, Sino-Inst, are a professional flow meter manufacturer. In addition to helium flow meters, we also produce steam flow meters, oxygen flow meters, hydrogen flow meters, argon flow meters, and various other liquid and solid powder flow meters.

If you need to measure helium flow or purchase a helium flow meter, you can contact our engineers for technical support at any time!

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How to check Level in Underground Tanks? What Tank Level Indicators to Choose?

Underground tanks refer to tanks installed below the ground for storing gas or liquid. So is measuring the level of an underground tank the same as measuring the level of a tank above ground? The answer is no. Most underground tanks come pre-assembled. Once installed, it will not change year after year. The most common ones are underground oil storage tanks at gas stations.

So how to measure the liquid level of underground tanks? What tank level indicators are available? Let’s take a look together.

Underground tanks are generally installed pre-buried. After installation, it is difficult to make changes to the bottom, sides, etc. of the tank. Of course, underground tanks generally have reserved manholes, feed openings, discharge openings, etc. Some will also reserve installation locations specifically for level meters.

Based on our experience, underground tank level indicators can be divided into two categories: contact and non-contact. For example, ultrasonic level meter and radar level meter are commonly used non-contact level indicators. For example, Hydrostatic Level Sensor, float level sensor, and magnetostrictive level meter are commonly used contact level indicators.

The specific choice needs to be determined based on the conditions of the medium in the storage tank. The second half of our blog will explain this with examples.

Below are the various underground tank level indicators we supply at Sino-Inst. You can choose to delve deeper into the measurement parameters:

Available underground tanks level indicators

OK Next, we will use our actual cases to hand over the choice of underground tank level indicators for you.

Gas station underground oil storage tanks

We all know that most diesel and gasoline at gas stations are stored in underground tanks. The oil level needs to be accurately monitored in real time. Including when feeding and discharging materials. The accuracy of this tank level indicator needs to be very high. Because it is directly linked to money.

So based on our experience, in this case we would recommend users to choose Magnetostrictive liquid level sensor.

Mainly because Magnetostrictive liquid level sensor can meet the following characteristics:

  1. Large range: 0.2m~25m;
  2. Meet the explosion-proof requirements of gas stations. Explosion-proof level: ExdⅡCT6 Gb;
  3. High precision. Magnetostrictive level transmitter has a maximum accuracy of 1mm;
  4. Can meet high temperature, high pressure and other parameter customization. -40 ℃ ~ +350 ℃, 10MPa;
  5. The installation size can be customized. According to the installation requirements of underground oil storage tanks, threaded or flange installation can be configured.
  6. Support signal output, 4~20mA, 0~5V, 0~10V, HART, RS-485. It is convenient for real-time monitoring of oil level in the office.
  7. The Magnetostrictive level transmitter can also be customized according to needs: interface output (measurement of oil-water interface), and simultaneous output of temperature and liquid level (up to 8 RTD temperature sensors can be installed for temperature detection).

Read more about: Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter Working Principle

Of course, if the measurement accuracy requirements are not high. Then it is also possible to choose explosion-proof ultrasonic level meter.

Underground sewage storage tanks

Here is an example of a measurement taken by one of our users. Their 2 storage tanks are underground tanks for sewage.

  1. The 2 storage tanks are sewer septic tanks;
  2. The on-site storage tanks are underground storage tanks; horizontal tanks; the heights are 1800mm and 1500mm respectively;
  3. The tank has a reserved manhole of Φ450mm.

Comprehensive consideration of measurement parameters and installation dimensions. We configure anti-corrosion antennas for the optional 80G radar level meter. Customized installation dimensions for reserved manhole installation in the tank.

Read more about: Crude Oil Measurement, 80G Radar Level Meter Should Be Your First Choice!

Chemical corrosive raw material storage tanks

The capacity of underground storage tanks in the chemical industry can range from thousands to millions of gallons. For example, some large chemical plants may have underground storage tanks with a capacity of 300,000 gallons for storing raw materials such as ethylene and benzene.

This type of Underground Tanks level measurement will be more complicated than the above two. We need to comprehensively consider many factors, especially the characteristics of the medium:

  1. The size and shape of the tank.
  2. The temperature, pressure, viscosity, corrosiveness, etc. of the medium.
  3. Is there stirring in the tank?
  4. The installation position of the inlet and outlet, etc.;

Here we discuss the level indicators available for corrosive media. Generally there are radar level meters and guided wave radar level meters. Or customize an anti-corrosion input level sensor made of PTFE.

The following is also a case of measurement by one of our customers. The measuring medium is: a metal tank containing 98% sulfuric acid. The tank is large and comes with a picture of the level transmitter installed.

We equipped him with an antenna made of PTFE anti-corrosion material to meet the measurement requirements:

Radar level meter
Model: FMW11
80G
Measuring the level in a sulfuric acid tank
PTFE antenna,
Temperature resistance: -40-80℃,
Pressure: -0.1-0.3MPa
Mounting Dimensions: 1 1/2″ NPT PTFE Coated
Digital display with measurement and programming
24VDC
4-20mA (two wires) +HART
1/2″ NPT Head Electrical Connections

FAQ

To check the water level in your underground tank, there are several methods you can use:

  • Manual measurement: Use a dipstick or water measuring rope to lower it into the water tank to directly measure the water level.
  • Install a water level sensor: Install a float or pressure water level sensor in the water tank, which can monitor the water level in real time.
  • Electronic water level indicator: uses an electronic probe to monitor the water level and displays the water level height through a digital display.
  • Ultrasonic water level meter: Ultrasonic waves are emitted from the top of the water tank and the water level height is calculated based on its reflection time.
  • Radar water level gauge: Using the principle of radar waves, the signal is also emitted from the top of the water tank and the reflection time is measured to determine the water level height.

The best water level indicator depends on the specific application scenario and needs, such as accuracy requirements, installation environment, maintenance costs and budget. The more commonly used ones at present are:

  • Ultrasonic water level meter: non-contact measurement, less maintenance, suitable for most application scenarios.
  • Radar water level gauge: It is also non-contact and suitable for extreme working conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosive media and other environments.
  • Float water level switch: simple and reliable, low cost, but average accuracy.
  • Capacitive water level sensor: high accuracy, but relatively complex to install and expensive.

The main difference between a water level indicator and a water level gauge is their function and usage:

Water level indicator (Level Indicator) usually refers to a visual or electronic display of the water level inside the container. It can be a simple window or a complex electronic device that converts water level information into readable data.

Water level gauge (Level Gauge) refers more to a measuring tool or device, which is used to accurately measure and read water level. Water level gauges often provide more detailed water level data, such as precise readings in millimeters or inches.

Simply put, water level indicators tend to visually display water level status, while water level gauges provide more precise measurements. In actual industrial applications, the water level indicator may be part of the water level gauge for visual display, while the water level gauge is part of the entire measurement system.

More Level Measurement Solutions

An important reason for using underground storage tanks is that they can reduce the occupation of surface space. At the same time, they have certain functions of thermal insulation, fire prevention and reducing environmental pollution. However, underground storage tanks also require strict compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards to prevent leaks and contamination of soil and groundwater. Liquid level monitoring of underground storage tanks can effectively avoid economic losses.

We at Sino-Inst are professional suppliers of Underground Tanks level indicators. We provide users with various standard and customized level meters. It can meet the liquid level measurement needs of various tanks with different parameters.

If you need to measure Underground Tanks level, please feel free to contact our sales engineers for consultation.

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What Is Psi in Pressure Sensor?

You may have seen the word “Psi” in various equipment specifications, or you may need to use this unit for measurement and adjustment during work. But do you really understand what Psi stands for?

PSI is the abbreviation of pounds per square inch. It is one of the pressure units used to indicate the pressure of liquid or gas. Widely used in automobiles, bicycles, gas tanks and air compressors, etc. On pressure sensors and pressure transmitters, commonly used pressure units include bar (Bar) and kilopascal (KPa). But in the United States and the United Kingdom, PSI is the most commonly used unit of pressure. 1 PSI is equal to 0.0689476 bar or 6.89476 kPa.

Pressure sensors are available in a variety of reading units. Psi (pounds per square inch), as one of them, is widely used in industrial systems in many countries.

Why is it preferred over other units in some situations? Let’s learn together What Is Psi in Pressure Sensor. I believe this article can help you better understand this key indicator of pressure sensors. let’s start!

0-50/100/21755/101526 PSI High Accuracy Pressure Transducers

What Is Psi in Pressure Sensor?

Before we delve into the world of pressure sensors, we first need to understand the unit of measurement for pressure – Psi. Psi stands for “pounds per square inch” and is a unit of pressure. It is widely used in many aspects of industry, engineering and daily life.

The definition and origin of Psi

Psi is a unit of pressure measurement that belongs to the Imperial system of units. It measures how many pounds of force are exerted on a square inch of area.

From a historical perspective, imperial units have been widely used in industry since the early industrial revolution originated in England. Although many countries in the world today use the metric system, which is Newtons per square meter (Pascals). But in countries such as the United States, Psi is still one of the most commonly used units of pressure.

More Common Units Of Pressure.

Conversion relationship between Psi and other pressure units

1 Psi is equal to 6894.76 Pascals (Pa).
Likewise, 1 Pascal is equal to 0.000145038 Psi.

In addition to Pascal, Bar is also common, and 1 Bar is equal to 14.5038 Psi.
These conversion relationships are crucial to engineers. Because they need to be able to switch between different measurement systems to ensure accuracy and versatility.
There are many convenient pressure unit conversion tools available:

Absolute pressure-Gauge pressure ConverterPressure Unit ConverterLiquid Depth/Level to Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
Differential Pressure CalculatorPressure Transducer 4-20ma Output CalculatorPressure to Liquid Level Calculator

More About Psi and Pressure Sensors

Understanding Psi is fundamental to using pressure sensors. For example, when inflating car tires, we often see the recommended Psi value, which tells us the standard air pressure that should be tolerated per square inch inside the tire. Similarly, various hydraulic systems, air compressors, etc. will use Psi as the measurement and reference unit for pressure.

In industrial applications, Psi allows engineers and technicians to accurately monitor and regulate the pressure in the system. This is crucial to ensuring the normal operation of equipment, preventing accidents, and maintaining production quality.

We at Sino-Inst supply various pressure transmitters with PSI display units. And the display unit can be adjusted to various common pressure units such as MPa, Bar, KPa, etc. If you happen to need it, please feel free to contact our sales engineers!

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What Is a Hydraulic Pressure Transducer? and Product List

What is a hydraulic pressure transducer?

A hydraulic pressure sensor is a sensor used to measure pressure in a hydraulic system. It can monitor and control the pressure of the hydraulic system by converting the pressure into electrical signals. to ensure the pressure within the system is at the correct level, or to allow the controller to increase or decrease pressure.

Hydraulic Pressure Transducers are used in a variety of hydraulic systems such as power steering systems, shock absorbers, braking systems, utility vehicles such as excavators and aerial work platforms, lifts and industrial machinery such as hydraulic presses.

As a manufacturer of pressure transmitters, we at Sino-Inst supply a variety of Hydraulic Pressure Transducers. Including customized high pressure, high temperature, and other product parameters. The product list below is for your reference.

Hydraulic Pressure Transducers

hydraulic pressure transducer Applications

Hydraulic pressure transducer is a device that converts hydraulic signals into electrical signals and is widely used in a variety of hydraulic systems and industrial processes. The following are several main applications of hydraulic pressure sensors: booster cylinders, superchargers, gas-liquid booster cylinders, gas-liquid boosters, presses, compressors, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and other fields.

  1. Hydraulic system monitoring and control: Hydraulic pressure sensors can be used to monitor the working pressure in the hydraulic system to ensure its normal operation. When the pressure reaches or exceeds the set upper or lower limit, the alarm or control system can respond. Such as adjusting the output of the pump, opening or closing valves, etc.
  2. Aerospace applications: In the hydraulic systems of aircraft and spacecraft, pressure sensors are used to ensure the normal operation of the system. Monitor the pressure status of the aircraft landing gear, brakes and flight control systems.
  3. Automobile industry: In the hydraulic brake system, power steering system and suspension system of automobiles, pressure sensors may be used to ensure the normal operation and safety of the system.
  4. Industrial automation and manufacturing: In production lines, injection molding machines, pressure forming machines and other equipment, hydraulic pressure sensors are used to monitor and control the process to ensure product quality.
  5. Medical Equipment: In some medical equipment, such as cardiac assist equipment, hydraulic pressure sensors are used to monitor and control the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid.
  6. Energy and power industry: In power stations and renewable energy equipment, hydraulic pressure sensors can be used to monitor the pressure of liquid media (such as hydraulic oil) to ensure normal operation of the equipment.

Hydraulic Pressure Transducers Installation

The installation location of the hydraulic pressure sensor should be determined based on the actual conditions of the hydraulic system. Generally speaking, the sensor should be installed at the most important position in the hydraulic system to monitor the highest pressure of the hydraulic system.

Common installation locations include the following:

  1. Pump outlet: Installed at the pump outlet, the output pressure of the pump can be monitored to ensure the normal operation of the pump.
  2. The inlet of the oil cylinder: Installed at the inlet of the oil cylinder, the pressure of the oil cylinder can be monitored to ensure the normal operation of the oil cylinder.
  3. The outlet of the oil cylinder: Installed at the outlet of the oil cylinder, the output pressure of the oil cylinder can be monitored to ensure the normal operation of the oil cylinder.
  4. High-pressure side of the oil line: Installed on the high-pressure side of the oil line, the highest pressure of the entire hydraulic system can be monitored to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic system.

More about Pressure Transmitter Installation Guide.

FAQ

The function of the pressure sensor is to convert the pressure signal into an electrical signal. It usually consists of sensitive components and conversion components. When subjected to pressure, the sensitive element will produce physical or chemical changes, and then this change will be converted into an electrical signal output through the conversion element.

The 4-20mA pressure transducer is a pressure sensor that outputs a 4-20mA current signal. The 4-20mA signal is a standard signal in industrial automation. It has good anti-interference and can be transmitted over long distances. In this type of sensor, 4mA usually represents the lowest pressure value, while 20mA represents the maximum pressure value.

The three common pressure transmitters are:

  • Strain gauge pressure sensor: This sensor detects pressure by measuring the resistance change of a strain gauge. When pressure is applied to a strain gauge, its shape and size change, causing its resistance value to change.
  • Capacitive Pressure Sensor: In a capacitive sensor, the pressure changes the distance between two conductive plates or the dielectric constant of the medium, thereby changing the capacitance value.
  • Piezoelectric pressure sensors: When certain materials, such as quartz, are subjected to pressure, they generate an electrical charge. Piezoelectric sensors take advantage of this property to measure pressure.

More Pressure Measurement Solutions

The Hydraulic Pressure Transducer is a transducer used to measure pressure in hydraulic systems. It can monitor and control the pressure of the hydraulic system by converting the pressure into electrical signals. It is essential for the safe operation of hydraulic systems. By understanding its working principle and correct use method, you can better utilize its characteristics and improve production efficiency and work safety.

Sino-Inst is a professional Hydraulic Pressure Transducer manufacturer. Our Hydraulic Pressure Transducers are widely used in various industrial hydraulic systems. If you need to purchase Hydraulic Pressure Transducers or have related technical questions, please feel free to contact our sales engineers!

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Pressure Transmitter Installation Guide

How to install the pressure transmitter? This question may be something you need to consider before starting to purchase a pressure transmitter. A clear understanding of the installation requirements and installation methods of pressure transmitters will help in the design and construction of our process systems. And it can better ensure the measurement accuracy of our pressure transmitter.

We, Sino-Inst, are a manufacturer of pressure transmitters. We have provided pressure transmitters and pressure transmitter installation suggestions for process measurement and control in various industries for many years. The installation guide below is a summary of our many years of experience. Hope this can provide you with some help.

Preparation before installation

  1. The situation of measuring medium: Is the medium that needs to be measured gas, steam or liquid? High temperature or extremely low temperature? Whether there is corrosion, etc.
  2. Check the equipment: Because the equipment and design suppliers and models are different. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the transmitter corresponding to each tag number based on the measuring range, design and installation method, and the material required by the process medium.
  3. Determine the installation location: Is it installed on the tank? On the pipeline? Or on the pressure tube?

Various series of pressure transmitters adopt waterproof and dustproof structures and can be installed in any place.

However, it should be considered from the aspects of facilitating daily operation and maintenance, extending service life, and ensuring reliability. The installation location has the following requirements:

  • There is sufficient working space around, and the distance from adjacent objects (in any direction) is greater than 0.5m;
  • There is no serious corrosive gas around;
  • Not subject to surrounding thermal radiation and direct sunlight;
  • To prevent interference with the output due to vibration of the transmitter and pressure-guiding tube (capillary tube), the transmitter should be installed in a vibration-free place.

Selection of Pressure Transmitter Installation location

The installation location is also our pressure measuring point.

  • The selected pressure measuring point can reflect the actual situation of the measured pressure.
  • It should be selected in the pipe section where the measured medium flows in a straight line, and not in the pipeline bends, bifurcations, dead corners or other places where vortices are easy to form.
  • When measuring the pressure of a flowing medium, the pressure point should be perpendicular to the flow direction.
  • When measuring gas, the pressure point should be above the pipe so that there is no liquid in the pressure pipe.
  • When measuring liquid pressure, the pressure point should be at the lower part of the pipe so that there is no gas in the pressure pipe.
  • When the transmitter is installed lower than the pressure pipe, the liquid column pressure between the pressure gauge and the pressure pipe should be subtracted.
  • When measuring steam pressure, a condensate pipe should be installed to prevent high-temperature steam from directly contacting the pressure measuring element.

Precautions for installing pressure transmitter

  • The pressure transmitter should be installed in a place where it is easy to observe and inspect.
  • The installation location should be protected from vibration and high temperature.
  • Avoid installation in corrosive environments.
  • When the measured medium is prone to condensation or freezing, insulation and heating pipelines must be added.
  • A stop valve should be installed between the pressure tapping port and the transmitter, and should be close to the pressure tapping port.
  • Sealing gaskets and polytetrafluoro tape should be installed at the connection of the pressure transmitter. Generally, asbestos paper or aluminum sheets are used when the temperature is lower than 80℃ and 2Mpa. When the temperature and pressure (50MPa) are higher, annealed copper pads or lead pads are used.

How to install the pressure transmitter

There are many ways to install a pressure transmitter, and the following three are currently commonly used.

⑴Pressure transmitter installation on pipe, this installation method is simple and uses less material.

If it is a high-temperature pipe, you can add 1 or 2 circles of conduit to reduce the temperature.
An isolation valve can also be added to facilitate the later disassembly and replacement of the pressure transmitter.

⑵Flange installation, mainly used for liquid level measurement, using the static pressure of the liquid to measure the liquid level.

⑶ Bracket installation (pipe-mounted flat bracket). Most of them adopt this installation method, which is convenient for installation and maintenance. If it is in an open-air location, an instrument box can be used to protect the pressure transmitter from dust and rain. Of course, our pressure transmitter is well protected, with a protection level of IP65. The working environment temperature is -40~+75℃. Resistant to vibration, dust and rain. Maintenance-free for 5 years.

In addition to the above three, there is also an installation method using a pressure tube, which is also very common.

About pressure transmitter tapping point with impulse tubing

A pressure tap generally refers to taking a small portion of fluid (which may be a gas or liquid) from a process and introducing it to a pressure transmitter to measure the pressure of that fluid. This is a way of directing fluid from a real work process to a measuring device so that it can be monitored or analyzed.

In actual operation, in order to ensure the accuracy of measurement and avoid damage to the pressure transmitter due to fluid characteristics (such as high temperature, corrosiveness, etc.), a specific impulse tubing device or isolation mechanism may be used. These devices cool, filter or otherwise treat the fluid to ensure it is suitable for being measured and to ensure the safety and accuracy of the measuring equipment.

The impulse tube is also a commonly used accessory in the installation of differential pressure transmitters.

Pressure transformer installation with impulse tubing

The pressure transmitter is not installed directly on the pipe, but is connected to the connection joint of the pressure transmitter through an impulse tube with a diameter of 14 mm. The pressure transmitter body is installed next to the device.

When welding this pipe with the impulse tube device (actually a 50-75mm metal pipe) installed on the pipe, the welding angle ends up being about 45°. This will not easily cause dust accumulation. In addition, there is a pipe thread on the head of the metal pipe, which can be tightened with a plug to prevent air leakage. It is easy to open when inspecting the air pipe and check whether there is dust accumulation in the air pipe. The instrument air intake pipe is welded to the upper part of the air intake pipe, which will not easily cause dust accumulation.

The impulse tube of the pressure transmitter should be equipped with 4 instrument valves. If the measured pressure is an air pipe with low pressure, the instrument valve on the upper part of the air pipe can be omitted. This valve is generally called a primary valve, but this valve cannot be omitted when measuring high-pressure gas and water. When the pressure transmitter is working, open the valve at the upper part of the gas intake pipe and the valve at the upper part of the tee, which is generally called the secondary door. Close the lowermost valve, generally called the exhaust valve. Slowly open the valve connected to the pressure transmitter to allow the pressure transmitter to pressurize.

Pressure transmitter wiring

At present, pressure transmitters are more commonly used in DCS control systems. The pressure transmitters installed on site are equipped with 4-20mA output and digital communication functions. Connect to the input of the on-site power room via shielded cable.

For wiring instructions of the pressure transmitter, please refer to: Pressure Transducer Wiring Diagram Guide: 2 Wire-3 Wire-4 Wire

More Pressure Measurement Solutions

No matter what type of pressure transmitter you plan to purchase or have purchased, you need to consider the Pressure Transmitter Installation. Compact pressure sensor, explosion-proof pressure transmitter, flange-mounted pressure transmitter, or capacitive pressure transmitter, etc.

We at Sino-Inst are professional pressure transmitter manufacturers. If you plan to install a pressure transmitter or are ready to purchase a pressure transmitter and have any questions about the Pressure Transmitter Installation, please feel free to contact our sales engineers!

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What Is Pressure Transducer Output Signal? and Types

There are four commonly used Pressure Transducer Output Signals: 4-20mA current signal, 0-5V or 0-10V voltage signal, digital signals such as HART and MODBUS, and frequency/pulse signals. When the pressure transmitter is working and connected to the power supply and pressure source, the pressure sensor will produce an output signal proportional to the pressure.

Featured Pressure Transducers

If you are new to the industry, you may need to know the basics about pressure sensors and pressure transmitters:

OK Next, let’s take a detailed look at these four Pressure Transducer Output Signals.

Pressure Transducer Output Signal types

1. Current signal output (for example 4-20mA):

Definition: This signal output method uses a certain range of current to represent the change of the measured physical quantity. For example, 4-20mA means that the minimum and maximum measurements correspond to an output of 4mA and 20mA respectively.

Advantage:
Able to transmit over long distances without being affected by voltage loss.
Has its own fault detection capabilities (for example, output below 4mA can be used for fault detection).
Excellent performance in electromagnetic interference environments.

Best applications: Suitable for long-distance transmission or situations with a lot of electromagnetic interference in industrial environments.

Maximum distance: up to 1000 meters or more.

2. Voltage signal output (such as 0-5V or 0-10V):

Definition: This signal output method represents the size of the measured physical quantity through changing voltage values.

Advantage:
Connections between voltage output devices and devices are relatively simple.
Often easier to understand and measure.

Disadvantages: Long distance transmission may be affected by voltage drops caused by resistors.

Best Applications: In short-distance connections, such as in a laboratory environment or close industrial equipment.

Maximum distance: usually within 15 meters, as long distances may be affected by voltage drops caused by resistors.

3. Digital signal output (such as HART and MODBUS):

Definition: These are digital communication protocols that allow two-way communication between a device and a host computer or other device.

Advantage:
A variety of information other than measured values can be transmitted, such as device status, diagnostic information, etc.
Data transmission is stable and highly reliable.
Ability to remotely configure and diagnose.

Best applications: Suitable for occasions where remote monitoring, diagnosis or configuration is required, or where there are multiple devices in the system that require data exchange.

Maximum distance: HART can reach about 1000 meters; MODBUS can reach about 1200 meters on the RS-485 interface.

4. Frequency/pulse signal output:

Definition: The frequency or number of pulses output is proportional to the measured physical quantity.

Advantage:
Interfaces directly with devices requiring frequency input or pulse counting.
For some systems or devices, it may be easier to integrate.

Disadvantages: Additional transformation or processing may be required in complex systems.

Best Applications: Direct connection to equipment requiring frequency input or pulse counting, such as flow meters or direct connection to certain types of PLCs.

Maximum distance: Since it is usually a digital signal, it can be up to several hundred meters. But the exact distance depends on the signal type and transmission medium.

FAQ

A pressure transmitter is a device that converts a received pressure signal into an electrical signal output. That is to say, the output of the pressure transmitter is a signal representing the measured pressure value. This signal can be a voltage, current, frequency, digital or other type of output.

The output signal of the transducer is a signal that represents the physical quantity it measures (such as pressure, temperature, flow, etc.). The signal can be analog (such as voltage or current) or digital (such as HART, MODBUS).
Here are not just pressure transmitters, but also flow transmitters (that is, flow meters), level transmitters, temperature transmitters, density meters, etc.

The response of a pressure transmitter describes the change in the transmitter output signal when the input pressure changes.

An ideal pressure transmitter will produce an immediate, accurate and linear response to input pressure changes.

Pressure sensors measure pressure by converting the pressure of an object into an electrical signal output. Our naked eyes cannot distinguish the magnitude of physical pressure. So, we need Pressure Transducer Output Signal. Pressure Transducer Output Signal converts invisible signals into signals that we can identify, count, and control. This is more conducive to our industrial process measurement and control.

Sino-Inst is a professional pressure transmitter manufacturer. We produce various pressure transmitters, including more than 50 types of high-frequency dynamic pressure transmitters, ultra-high temperature pressure transmitters, extremely low temperature pressure transmitters, explosion-proof pressure transmitters, etc. Our pressure transmitters can be configured with a variety of common Pressure Transducer Output Signals. They can be configured according to the signals you require.

If you have any questions about the configuration of Pressure Transducer Output Signal, please feel free to contact our sales engineers!

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Enhancing Marine Tank Monitoring with Advanced Marine Water Tank Level Sensors

Marine Water Tank Level Sensors have always been an important part of the marine tank monitoring system. There are many places on ships where water levels need to be detected. Such as fuel, fresh water and sewage storage tanks. The liquids in these tanks are a critical resource for ship operations and require constant monitoring to ensure supply and appropriate storage. For example, the water level in the water storage tanks and pipelines of the fire protection system also needs to be monitored to ensure that there is sufficient water supply in an emergency. Even equipment that handles seawater, sewage or other waste liquids needs to monitor water levels to ensure proper operation of the equipment.

What are Marine Water Tank Level Sensors?

Marine Water Tank Level Sensors are specially designed to measure the water level inside ships. For example, in fresh and drinking water as well as gray water or waste water storage tanks on ships, Marine Water Tank Level Sensors can detect liquid levels from very low to very high.

Marine Water Tank Level Sensors generally use capacitive, hydrostatic, or radar measurement technologies. Convert the water level into an analog signal and then transmit it to the marine tank monitoring system. To effectively monitor, record and control the liquid level in the tank. And the sensors are often used in conjunction with alarm systems to alert users when the level in the tank reaches a certain level.

marine tank monitoring system

Marine Tank Monitoring System is a system used on ships to monitor the liquid levels of various storage tanks (such as oil, fresh water, sewage, etc.) in real time. It is an important part of ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ships.

In addition to monitoring water levels, other liquid levels also need to be monitored on ships. The installation of liquid level measurement and alarm systems on oil tankers and chemical ships is to monitor cargo tanks and other oil and water tanks. On the one hand, by measuring the liquid level, the crew can keep track of the various conditions of the ship during navigation to ensure the best loading of the ship. More importantly, it is to prevent the liquid level from being too high and causing overflow. To avoid causing fires and contaminating the surrounding marine environment.

The following are some basic features and components of the system:

  • Function:
    • Monitor the liquid level in the storage tank in real time.
    • Record and analyze liquid level data.
    • Sounds an alarm when the liquid level exceeds the preset range.
    • Sometimes other parameters such as temperature and pressure of the storage tank can also be monitored.
  • Sensor:
    • The liquid level sensor is the core component and can be float type, capacitive type, radar type, pressure type, etc.
    • As needed, it may also include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.
  • Display and control terminal:
    • Usually located in the control room or bridge of the ship, it is used to display the liquid level information of each storage tank in real time.
    • Allows operators to set alarm thresholds, view historical data, and more.
  • Correspondence:
    • Communication is required between the sensors and control terminals within the system, which may be wired (such as RS485, Ethernet) or wireless.
    • In more advanced systems, remote monitoring capabilities may also be provided, allowing a land-based management center or other vessel to obtain data in real time.
  • Data processing and storage:
    • Systems will typically include a data processing unit to receive, process and store data collected from sensors.
    • Facilitate subsequent analysis, statistics and reporting.
  • Power and backup:
    • Considering the particularity of ship power supply, the system usually has its own power module with battery backup to ensure that it can still work normally in the event of a short-term power interruption.
  • Alarm function:
    • When the liquid level exceeds the preset safety range, the system will automatically send out an audible and visual alarm to remind the operator to handle it in time.

Marine Water Tank Level Sensors is important for better tank monitor

Through the above introduction, you should have understood that Marine Water Tank Level Sensors are important for better tank monitor.

Equipment for monitoring the level of liquids in ship water tanks (such as fresh water, sewage, drinking water, etc.). These sensors play a vital role in the operation and management of ships.

For example, the simplest thing is to ensure the safety of ships.

Sudden changes in tank level can be a sign of a leak or other malfunction on your vessel. Through real-time monitoring, potential problems can be discovered and dealt with in time to prevent accidents.

OK So if we want to configure Water Tank Level Sensors for our or our customers’ ships, which one should we choose? What types of Marine Water Tank Level Sensors are there?

Types of Marine Tank Level Sensors

Based on our many years of experience in liquid level measurement services at Sino-Inst, the level sensors commonly used for ship liquid level monitoring are as follows:

When the liquid level rises or falls, the float also rises or falls. Through the movement of the float on the vertical guide rod, the liquid level information can be output into an electrical signal.

  • Advantages: simple structure, low cost and high reliability.
  • Disadvantages: It may be interfered by sediments or viscous liquids, and is not suitable for use in high-temperature or high-pressure liquids.

The sensor is submerged in the liquid and measures the liquid level based on the water pressure generated by the liquid column. The higher the liquid height, the greater the water pressure.

  • Advantages: High accuracy, not affected by liquid properties (such as color, transparency), suitable for deep water storage tanks.
  • Disadvantages: Requires regular calibration and maintenance, may be affected by high temperatures and corrosive liquids.

The sensor acts as a part of a capacitor, and changes in the liquid level will cause changes in the capacitance value, thereby measuring the liquid level.

  • Advantages: Fast response and can be used with many types of liquids, including corrosive and viscous liquids.
  • Disadvantages: May be affected by sediment or other impurities and require periodic cleaning and calibration.

The sensor emits microwave or millimeter wave signals that are reflected back by the liquid surface. The liquid level height is calculated based on the time difference between the transmitted and received signals.

  • Advantages: High accuracy, not affected by liquid properties or sediments. Contactless design reduces maintenance requirements.
  • Disadvantages: Relatively high cost, installation and calibration may be complicated.

How to Choose Level Sensors for Marine Tanks?

Choosing a suitable marine liquid level meter requires comprehensive consideration based on practical applications and various factors to ensure that it can not only meet the measurement needs, but also have high cost performance and reliability.

Here are a few points to consider based on our experience:

  • Liquid properties:
    • Corrosiveness: For highly corrosive liquids, corrosion-resistant materials and sensor types need to be selected.
    • Viscosity: Some sensors may be interfered by highly viscous liquids or sediments.
    • Temperature and Pressure: The operating temperature and pressure of the liquid may place specific requirements on sensor materials and design.
  • Measuring range: The measuring range of the liquid level gauge needs to be clarified to ensure that it is suitable for the depth of the tank or the variation range of the liquid level.
  • Tank shape and installation location: The shape of the tank and installation space may limit the type of level sensor. For example, the tank may only have an external level sensor option.
  • Accuracy requirements: Determine the required measurement accuracy based on the requirements of the actual application.
  • Installation and maintenance:
    • Ease of installation: Some level gauges may require special tools or expertise to install.
    • Maintenance needs: Consider whether the sensor is easy to clean, calibrate, or replace.
  • Output and communication: Select the appropriate output interface (such as 4-20mA, RS485, Modbus, etc.) according to the ship’s monitoring system or other equipment.
  • Power requirements: Consider whether the ship’s power supply and the level gauge’s power requirements match.
  • Cost: In addition to the cost of the equipment itself, the total cost of installation, maintenance, and replacement should also be considered.
  • Environmental factors: Consider the environment the ship is in, such as whether there is a lot of salt spray, moisture, vibration, etc., and choose a liquid level gauge that can work stably under these conditions.
  • Additional functions: such as whether remote monitoring function is required, whether there is a built-in temperature or pressure sensor, whether there is an alarm function, etc.
  • Suppliers and brands: Choose suppliers or brands with good reputation and good after-sales service.

FAQ

You can use a specially designed liquid level sensor to monitor the liquid level of your water tank in real time.

These sensors are usually installed at the bottom or top of the water tank and connected to a display or monitoring system so that you can visually view the water level.

Read more about:

Water Tank Level Sensors for Level Control

Water Level Monitoring Sensor/System for Sewage-Wastewater

The Secret of Water Level Control

Tank level sensors determine the height of a liquid by measuring the pressure the liquid exerts on it, changes in capacitance, or by sending and receiving reflected signals such as radar or ultrasonic waves.

When the height of the liquid changes, the signal generated by the sensor changes, and these changes are converted into electrical signals and displayed as the liquid level.

More about: 7 Type Tank Level Senors For Liquid and Solid

There are many sensors used to maintain the water tank level, including float level sensors, submersible hydraulic level sensors, capacitive level sensors and radar level sensors. Which sensor you choose depends on your specific needs and the characteristics of your tank.

A liquid level sensor for water tanks is a device used to detect and measure the water level in a water storage container or tank in real time. It can be several types of sensors that work on different principles, such as those mentioned above.

A tank level monitoring system is an integrated system for real-time monitoring and recording of liquid levels in a storage tank or water tank. The system typically includes one or more level sensors, a central processing unit, display and possibly alarm equipment. When the liquid level exceeds the preset range, the system can automatically trigger an alarm or take other measures.

How to install the Marine Water Tank Sensor?

Installing a marine water tank sensor is a relatively specialized process that requires accuracy and safety. Here’s a basic guide we’ve put together with the installation steps:

  • Choose a suitable location: Choose a location close to the center of the water tank for easy later maintenance.
  • Cleaning and pre-treatment: Remove impurities and ensure the tank level is below the predetermined level if drilling is required.
  • Drilling and fixing: Drill holes and fix the sensor according to the sensor specifications to ensure a seal.
  • Connect the wires to the output: Connect the sensor output wire to the display and make sure the connection is waterproof.
  • Debugging and calibration: Turn on the power and calibrate the sensor according to the guide.
  • Safety and Protection: Provides protection for sensors and ensures wires are securely fastened.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance: Check sensor operation and clean or calibrate as needed.

Installing marine water tank sensors requires meticulous work and specialized knowledge. If you’re not sure how to proceed, it’s best to ask a professional or follow the manufacturer’s installation guide.

More Level Measurement Solutions

We, Sino-inst, are professional tank level gauge manufacturers and suppliers. We have been supplying various types of level sensors for a long time. Including: ultrasonic level meter, radar level meter, hydrostatic level meter, capacitive level sensor, differential pressure level transmitter, etc.

The Marine Water Tank Level Sensors we supply are widely exported to various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, Singapore, and many other countries.

If you have any technical questions about the purchase and installation of Marine Water Tank Level Sensors, please feel free to contact our sales engineers. We will provide you with customized solutions.

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