Ultrasonic level sensors – find manufacturers and suppliers

Ultrasonic level sensors are used for the non-contact measurement of liquids, solids and bulk materials.

They use high-frequency sound waves to detect the fill level and are widely used in many industries such as chemicals, food, water and wastewater technology as well as storage and conveyor technology.

Below you will find the mode of operation, the factors influencing the measurement and use of ultrasonic level sensors as well as an overview of their advantages:

How ultrasonic level sensors work:

Ultrasonic sensors are based on the transit time measurement of sound waves:

1. The sensor sends short ultrasonic pulses in the direction of the medium surface.
2. The sound waves are reflected by the surface and received again by the sensor.
3. The time between transmission and reception is measured and converted into a fill level.

Factors influencing the measurement:

1. The speed of sound varies with temperature, air pressure and humidity.
2. The surface properties influence the reflection (e.g. foam can cause measurement errors).
3. Ambient conditions such as dust, fog or steam can attenuate sound propagation.
4. Modern sensors have temperature compensation and algorithms for interference suppression.

Typical applications of ultrasonic level sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors are particularly suitable for liquids and fine-grained bulk materials, less so for heavily dusty or foamy environments.

1. Water and waste water technology:
Level measurement in tanks, reservoirs or clarifiers.

2. Chemical industry:
monitoring of liquid levels in aggressive media.

3. Food industry:
Level measurement in hygiene-sensitive applications.

4. Storage and conveyor technology.
Determination of the fill level of bulk goods in silos.

5. Oil and gas industry:
Level measurement of liquids in storage tanks.

Advantages of ultrasonic level sensors:

• No mechanical parts in the medium, therefore low maintenance.
• Usually mounted at the top of the tank, without complex modifications.
• Measurement over long distances - ranges of up to 25 meters possible.
• Often cheaper than radar or capacitive sensors.
• No influence from dielectric constant as with radar sensors.

Ultrasonic level sensors offer a proven, cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for non-contact level measurement in many industries. They are ideal for liquids and fine-grained bulk materials, but can reach their limits with highly reflective or sound-absorbing media.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when purchasing ultrasonic level sensors:

Purchasing ultrasonic level sensors requires a detailed analysis of the technical requirements, environmental conditions and economic factors.

• Before purchasing a sensor, carefully analyze the technical requirements for level measurement.
• common sensors measure from 0.2 m to 25 m.
• Deviations from ±1 mm to ±10 mm, depending on the quality of the sensor.
• Each ultrasonic sensor has a minimum measuring distance (e.g. 0.2 m), within which no reliable measurement can be made.
• The sensor should provide slightly more range than required for the maximum fill level.
• The temperature range should be taken into account. Standard models operate from -20 °C to +70 °C; special models up to +150 °C.
• Sensors with integrated temperature compensation minimize measurement errors due to changes in the speed of sound.
• Vaporous media such as foam, mist or dust can reduce the measuring accuracy.
• In dusty or vaporous environments, radar level sensors are a better alternative.
• The housing and protection class must be taken into account:
• Material: Plastic is inexpensive and resistant to chemicals. Stainless steel is robust and suitable for hygienic applications. Aluminum is particularly suitable for industrial use.
• Protection classes: IP65: Dust and splash-proof. IP67/IP68: Waterproof, for harsh environments. IP69K: High-pressure cleaning, ideal for the food industry
• Ensure high protection classes for outdoor or hygienic applications.
• Which communication interfaces are supported by the sensors?
• Analog (4-20 mA): Standard for many industrial applications.
• Digital (HART, PROFIBUS, Modbus, Ethernet/IP): For intelligent control systems.
• Wireless technology: For mobile or difficult-to-access applications.
• Sensors with digital interfaces offer more flexibility and compatibility with Industry 4.0 applications.
• Pay attention to the mounting options:
• Threaded connectionfor easy installation in tanks and containers.
• Flange mounting for secure attachment in larger tanks.
• Compression fitting for flexible integration into existing systems.
• Note whether the sensor needs to be integrated into an existing system.
• Does the sensor have adjustable attenuation to reduce signal interference from foam or moving surfaces?
• Ensure simple parameterization via PC, app or HMI interfaces.
• Sensors with user-friendly software make setup and maintenance easier.
• In addition to the purchase price, pay attention to long-term costs.
• Take maintenance and operating costs into account (ultrasonic sensors are usually maintenance-free).
• Quality pays off in the long term - pay attention to a long service life and reliability.
• Ask the manufacturer or dealer about availability at an early stage.
• Observe the manufacturer's certifications and quality standards:
• Depending on the industry, special requirements may apply:
• ATEX/IECEx for potentially explosive atmospheres.
• FDA/EHEDG for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• SIL certification for safety-critical applications.
• Check whether the sensor complies with the industry-specific standards.
• Pay attention to the technical support. Training and spare parts availability are crucial.

When purchasing ultrasonic level sensors, both technical requirements and economic factors should be taken into account. A well-thought-out selection ensures reliable, maintenance-free and precise level measurement.

Ultrasonic level sensors can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Ultrasonic level sensors from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.