Pressure sensors are commonly used to monitor the fluid levels of tanks in a variety of industries. Lack of accuracy in these pressure measurements can lead to equipment damage, alterations to the process, and other costly consequences, especially when working with small tanks and low pressure ranges.   Many different types of fluid level sensors are available in the market, including floating, ultrasonic, and laser, that meet the requirements of most applications. Sometimes, however, these sensors are too complicated to install, too expensive, or too imprecise, and it is more expedient to find the fluid level in another way. How? The pressure measured in a fluid is proportional to the height of the column of fluid above the pressure sensor. Therefore, the fluid level can be calculated using the pressure measured in the tank and the known density of the fluid.

Importance of Accuracy When Monitoring Fluid Levels

When using pressure sensors for fluid level measurement, some important factors to consider are accuracy (the difference between the measurement and the actual value) and the ways inaccurate pressure measurements can affect processes. Inaccurate pressure measurements and, therefore, inaccurate fluid level assessments, can cause a tank to overflow, a pump to run dry, or a lubricating system to run out of fluid. These situations can result in equipment damage, delays, alterations to the process, and extra costs. These issues are particularly significant for small tanks that work with low pressure ranges. Even small errors can have dire consequences when monitoring fluid levels in equipment such as:

  • Agricultural spraying truck tanks
  • Lubrication and hydraulic system reservoir tanks
  • Firetruck water and foam tanks
  • Material handling systems that use low pressure air to move products

There are currently several pressure sensors in the market that work at pressures of 5 psi or lower. To avoid costly problems, however, you must be certain that these devices can maintain accuracy specifications when used at low pressure ranges. Many do not.

WIKA’s Answer to Accuracy Problems

WIKA has improved its model A-10 pressure transmitter for general industrial applications by extending the working lower range to perform from 20inWC to 15,000 psi. A significant feature of the new standard A-10 is that it not only offers extremely accurate measurements, but it also maintains standard non-linearity per BFSL (Best Fit Straight Line) of ≤± 0.5% of span for all pressure ranges – even for the lowest ones. WIKA can also produce the new A-10 with even more stringent accuracy features, if needed. The new A-10 still has a compact design, a very competitive price, and WIKA’s worldwide support. When it comes to accurately measuring pressure in machine tools, hydraulics and pneumatics, pumps and compressors, and process control and automation, the new A-10 pressure transmitter offers unmatched configurations and optional features. Call WIKA’s experts today to discuss which pressure instrumentation best fits your needs.




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