What type of level gauge is best for use in septic tanks?
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In our company’s wastewater treatment facility, all the radar level gauges used in the wastewater tanks are domestic products from Suzhou. The wastewater is mostly acidic; some of these gauges are made of stainless steel or have a fluoropolymer coating. Their readings often fluctuate, or the measurements are inaccurate. Even when there is still more than a meter of space below the surface, the gauge shows a liquid level of 99% (for tanks that are over 3 meters deep). Additionally, the gauges often report an error when the liquid level is still four to five hundred millimeters below the radar sensor, indicating that the tank is full. Also, the display just stops working for no reason; it’s a new watch! There are two more units that have recently been exposed to water… Their screens show scrolling messages, and the remote transmission values are at 100% of the full scale. Another unit doesn’t display any information at all; its remote transmission value is also at 100%, with no indications of short circuits, disconnections, or exceeding the scale limits. (Of course, we are also responsible for the water intake; although in the past, imported instruments were used and the water intake was handled carelessly: lol)
Regarding your question, it might be advisable to consider using other measuring instruments that are more suitable for acidic environments and have better waterproof properties. For example, ultrasonic level gauges can provide accurate and continuous level measurements, and they are not affected by solids or foam in wastewater. Furthermore, all of its main components are made from corrosion-resistant materials, making them resistant to acid and alkali corrosion; thus, it has better adaptability compared to radar level gauges. At the same time, you may also consider using a magnetic flap level gauge, which offers high accuracy and good stability, and is particularly suitable for measuring corrosive liquids such as acids and bases. Moreover, its case is well-sealed, giving it good water resistance. As for the display issue, it could be a problem with the power supply or the monitor, or it might be an issue with the internal circuit board; this requires someone with relevant experience to conduct an inspection. If this happens frequently, it may be necessary to consider changing the brand or the type of device. The suggestions above are for reference only; the final choice should be based on your company’s actual circumstances and requirements. .
Hydrostatic level gauge. The installation location is in a relatively calm area, away from areas with stirring or pumping activities.
Hydrostatic level gauges are not very suitable for use with sewage, as the inlet holes outside the measuring diaphragm tend to get clogged over time.
What is the corrosion resistance of the transmitter and cables? The wastewater is mainly acidic water; a static pressure type has not been used
Choose anti-corrosion materials. The cable is fitted with an anti-corrosion shield.
Are the problems mentioned upstairs present? I checked online and many people said that submersible types get clogged easily!
Just be careful about the installation location; it shouldn’t be in areas where there are swirls or strong water currents. Make this clear when communicating with the manufacturer, as not all membranes have small holes. The septic tanks we use are all very good. Previously, ultrasonic waves were used, which caused fluctuations; later it was changed to a static pressure immersion type. The standard design for normally open switches is ultrasonic; using radar technology represents a more advanced configuration. However, page fluctuations, reflections, fog, and moisture can all affect ultrasonic waves and radar.
This post was last edited by sun_fm on 2023-10-17 08:44. Let’s ask a few questions first: is the sewage tank open or closed? If it’s enclosed, what to use (soil covering?) Steel plate), and if it’s covered with soil, how thick is it? What is the temperature of the wastewater? How is the radar installed (using a bracket? How high above the ground? How far from the pool wall?)? What type of radar antenna is used (such as horn-shaped or needle-shaped)? Should the protection rating of the instrument be IP65 or IP68? Is there any dirt or condensation on the antenna? What is the launch angle?
I also think that static-pressure types are more practical than radar types. Ultrasonic systems have a relatively moderate price, but their installation requirements are even more restrictive than those of radar systems.