The water level sensor is used to control the liquid level in various tanks. These devices are used to prevent floods, to control the rise of water in dams and reservoirs; in everyday life they are used in washing machines, when organizing plumbing and heating systems, etc.
Classification and description
These devices, depending on the measurement method, can be divided into contact and non-contact. The water level sensor of the first type is located directly on the wall of the tank, it switches contacts when the liquid reaches the mark on which it is placed. In addition, water level measurement can be carried out by the following methods: capacitive, magnetic, optical, ultrasonic, etc. The optical water level sensor has no moving parts, it is mounted on the tank wall and is triggered when a predetermined level is reached. Interruption of optical beams causes a change in the signal at the output of the device.
Water level sensor (float),is a versatile precision device designed for a wide variety of applications requiring ultra-precise liquid flow measurements. Such devices are single- and multi-level, as well as linear (analogue).
The non-contact water level sensor can work with various liquids, bulk solids and materials with varying degrees of toxicity and viscosity. Such devices are divided into ultrasonic and capacitive devices.
Contact devices (level gauges) are in contact with the liquid they measure. They can be submerged in water (like radar or hydrostatic) or driven into the tank wall at a given height (optical, fork vibrating devices). They come in optical, piezoelectric fork, radar or radar, hydrostatic and fiber optic.
How to make a water level sensor in the tank?
If you are not satisfied with the products sold in stores, try to make such a device yourself, especially since it is quite simple. The sensor, brought to your attention, is used to control the level of liquid in various containers. By the signal of this device, the water pump or signaling device is turned on or off. The device is an elementary DC amplifier, which is made on two transistors. The tuning resistor allows you to set the required sensitivity of the device. The transistors are protected by a semiconductor diode. The device provides an indication in the form of oneLED located on the collector of the first transistor. For assembly, we need resistors (220 kOhm, 10 kOhm - 3 pcs., 1, 2 kOhm), one capacitor (470 uF / 50 V), two transistors (BC547), a diode (1N4001) and one LED. Such a circuit is powered by a constant voltage of 6-15V and consumes an electric current of 75 mA.
Foiled fiberglass plates (10 x 50 mm) can be used as a sensor. They must be set at a distance of 3 mm with foil inward.
Conclusion
Summarizing, we note that such devices are very useful, especially in the private sector. Judge for yourself: such a sensor can be installed in a tank for a shower or a bath, when organizing irrigation in a garden plot, as well as in the storage water supply systems of your home.
