niveaumeters

Niveaumeter is a device used to measure the level of liquid within a tank, vessel, or open basin, providing a measurement of height or volume. The term derives from French niveau and Latin meter, and in English usage niveaumeter or level meter is used in industrial and laboratory contexts. Niveaumeters can be contact or non-contact devices and are chosen based on the liquid properties, required accuracy, and the environment.

Common methods include hydrostatic, ultrasonic, radar, capacitive, optical, and magnetic level sensing, as well as simple sight gauges. Hydrostatic or pressure-based niveaumeters measure the hydrostatic head and translate it into a level, often using a pressure transducer submerged in the liquid or located at the vessel bottom. Float-type sensors use a buoyant float that moves along a stem or with a magnet, offering a simple and robust solution but can be affected by foam or viscous liquids. Ultrasonic niveaumeters emit an ultrasonic pulse toward the surface and measure the echo time, providing non-contact measurement with good versatility, though foam or turbulence can interfere. Radar niveaumeters use microwaves for higher accuracy and can operate through vapor or non-contact with challenging liquids. Capacitive niveaumeters detect changes in capacitance caused by the liquid’s dielectric constant and are adaptable to various tank geometries and liquids. Optical niveaumeters rely on light interruption to detect the surface, often used in transparent vessels. Magnetic level gauges employ a sealed tube with a floating magnet read by external sensors, offering robustness in harsh environments. Sight gauges provide a direct, simple visual indication of level.

Applications span chemical plants, oil and gas, water treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where level information supports process control, inventory management, and safety. Key considerations include liquid density and temperature, compatibility with coatings and materials, presence of foam or vapors, and required accuracy.