Float, Level Sensors

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLS-020B-3PPI

PLS-020B-3PPI

PIC GmbH

WORLD'S SMALLEST MAGNETIC LEVEL

360

PLS-051A-3PPI

PLS-051A-3PPI

PIC GmbH

STANDARD LEVEL SENSOR

489

PLS-051B-6PPI

PLS-051B-6PPI

PIC GmbH

POWER LEVEL SENSOR

497

PLS-031B-6PAI

PLS-031B-6PAI

PIC GmbH

POWER LEVEL SENSOR

489

PLS-045A-3VAI

PLS-045A-3VAI

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL LEVEL SENSOR

10

PLS-081A-3VAI

PLS-081A-3VAI

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL LEVEL SENSOR

79

PLS-031B-6PPI

PLS-031B-6PPI

PIC GmbH

POWER LEVEL SENSOR

45

PLS-081B-6VAI

PLS-081B-6VAI

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL POWER LEVEL SENS

52

PLS-041A-6PAI

PLS-041A-6PAI

PIC GmbH

POWER LEVEL SENSOR

483

PLS-031A-3PAI

PLS-031A-3PAI

PIC GmbH

MINIATURE LEVEL SENSOR

142

PLS-020A-3PPI

PLS-020A-3PPI

PIC GmbH

WORLD'S SMALLEST MAGNETIC LEVEL

313

PLS-041B-6PAI

PLS-041B-6PAI

PIC GmbH

POWER LEVEL SENSOR

489

PLS-080B-6VAL

PLS-080B-6VAL

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL POWER LEVEL SENS

99

PLS-041A-3PAI

PLS-041A-3PAI

PIC GmbH

STANDARD LEVEL SENSOR

422

PLS-080A-6VAL

PLS-080A-6VAL

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL POWER LEVEL SENS

72

PLS-080A-3VAL

PLS-080A-3VAL

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL LEVEL SENSOR

96

PLS-092A-3PPH

PLS-092A-3PPH

PIC GmbH

HORIZONTAL LEVEL SENSOR

248

PLS-092A-6PPH

PLS-092A-6PPH

PIC GmbH

HORIZONTAL POWER LEVEL SENSOR

122

PLS-031B-3PAI

PLS-031B-3PAI

PIC GmbH

MINIATURE LEVEL SENSOR

352

PLS-045B-6VAI

PLS-045B-6VAI

PIC GmbH

STAINLESS STEEL POWER LEVEL SENS

104

Float, Level Sensors

1. Overview

Float level sensors are electromechanical devices that measure liquid levels using buoyancy principles. They consist of a floating element mechanically linked to a sensing component, providing continuous or point-level detection. These sensors play a critical role in industrial automation, ensuring process efficiency, safety, and resource optimization across sectors like water treatment, energy, and manufacturing.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Magnetic Float SwitchesHermetically sealed contacts activated by float movementWater tanks, fuel storage
Mechanical Lever ArmPhysical linkage translating float motion to potentiometerIndustrial boilers, hydraulic systems
Guided Tube FloatFloat moves along a vertical tube, triggering reed switchesChemical processing, corrosive environments
Optical Float SensorsCombines float mechanism with infrared detectionMedical equipment, cleanrooms

3. Structure and Components

A typical float level sensor comprises: - Float Element: Hollow cylinder made of stainless steel, plastic, or titanium - Guide Mechanism: Rigid rod or cable for vertical movement guidance - Sensing Assembly: Reed switches, potentiometers, or Hall-effect sensors - Enclosure: IP65-rated housing with process connections (NPT, flanges) - Electrical Interface: Terminal block or industrial connectors (M12, etc.) The design ensures reliable operation in media with specific gravity 0.5 and temperatures up to 200 C.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Measurement Range0.1 10 metersDetermines application suitability
Accuracy 1 3% FSProcess control reliability
Output Signal4 20 mA, 0 10V, SPSTSystem integration capability
Environmental Temp.-40 C to +85 COperational stability
Process Connection1/2" 4" NPT, DINInstallation compatibility
Material CompatibilityPVDF, SS316, EPDMChemical resistance

5. Application Fields

  • Water/Wastewater Treatment: Reservoir level monitoring
  • Oil & Gas: Crude oil storage tank level detection
  • Pharmaceuticals: Reactor vessel fill control
  • Power Generation: Cooling tower water level management
  • Food & Beverage: Syrup level detection in processing tanks

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerKey ProductFeatures
SiemensFloat Switch Series 8MEATEX-certified, 0.1% repeatability
HoneywellLM Series Level Switches316SS construction, SIL2 rated
TE ConnectivityMini-Level SwitchCompact 6mm diameter design
Endress+HauserProsonic M Float SwitchDual-limit detection with IO-Link

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include: - Media properties (corrosiveness, viscosity, density) - Required measurement range and resolution - Electrical requirements (analog/digital output) - Environmental conditions (vibration, ambient temperature) - Hazardous area classification (ATEX, IECEx) - Maintenance accessibility and calibration frequency

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include: - Integration with wireless communication protocols (WirelessHART) - Multiparameter sensors combining level, temperature, and pressure - Self-powered IoT-enabled devices using energy harvesting - Advanced materials for extreme pH environments - Smart diagnostics with predictive maintenance capabilities

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