Wastewater level sensors for pumping stations

Level Sensor

The main purpose of the sensor is to provide feedback to the pump to send it a signal when to turn on or off. Typically, float-type sensors were used only to signal the pump to turn on and off at low or high levels. Today, there are various liquid level measurement technologies such as ultrasonic, radar, and conductive. However, they are either too expensive for a simple pumping system or unreliable for their operating conditions. In recent years, submerged hydrostatic pressure sensors have been developed to withstand environmental conditions and continuously provide control and reliability for pumping systems.

Technology

Several manufacturers, such as Keller, have specially designed sensors for this application. Examples include the 36KyX and 46X sensors.

Many different improvements have been specially designed and implemented in these level sensors to solve problems constantly faced by pumping stations. Since many stations are located in very remote areas, it is important for the sensors to have a robust design and reliable protection of the sensitive element, as this helps reduce costs for delivery, maintenance, and replacement of sensors. Due to the composition of the medium, the sensitive element must be resistant to deposits such as fats, oils, and lubricants. The amount of impurities in wastewater is closely related to the increase in the number of fast-food restaurants and service stations. The use of capacitive sensing technology with an open ceramic sensitive element in the 46X level sensors allows achieving accuracy up to 0.1%. A microprocessor signal conditioning circuit is also used, providing excellent accuracy and repeatability over a wide temperature compensation range. The housing, made of stainless steel 316L, is ideal for aggressive environments.

Another modification of the level sensor for aggressive environments is the 36KyX series. This sensor features a wide open diaphragm made of corrosion- and abrasion-resistant special plastic Kynar.

A pleasant feature of the design of our level sensors is the electrical output signals, which are suitable for pump control systems requiring the popular 2-wire (4 ... 20 mA, current loop) or 3-wire (0 ... 10 V) output signal from the sensor, as well as a digital RS485 interface. Through this interface, users can configure the analog output to any desired range within the standard pressure range. Optional lightning strike protection makes this Keller transducer ideal for installation in areas prone to regular damage caused by transient processes induced by lightning. At pumping stations where hazardous gases exist, all sensors have certification of compliance with the technical regulation on equipment safety for operation in explosive environments No. TR TS 012/2011. Keller level sensors are registered in the Russian Federation's measurement instruments registry.

Conclusion

Today, pressure sensors provide reliable control of pumping stations without requiring constant maintenance. All measurement values can be displayed and stored on a PC. All sensors continuously monitor wastewater levels considering all changes in control systems, as well as all information related to the pump, performance, and overall condition of the monitored facility.

If you need to select a level sensor, you can do so in the catalog or by contacting our specialists.