Product category:
Pressure sensors
News Release from: Sensor-Technik UK | Subject: Pressure transmitters
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 September 2007
Pressure transmitter takes dual role
A novel pressure-sensor-based solution allows operators of water spraying vehicles to monitor both water level and flow rate.
The engineering team at Bedford-based Sensor-Technik UK recently provided a robust system for monitoring water levels which overcame some typically unpredictable challenges In land fill sites, road construction, open quarries and coal mines, keeping dust to a minimum is vital so as not to disturb local residents and to keep the ground compacted This is achieved by constant spraying with water
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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But is important for vehicle operators to know exactly how much is being sprayed.
Also, it is just as important to know how much water is left in the tank at any given time so that the vehicles can be used most efficiently between refills.
Sensor-Technik was asked to implement a level sensing and control solution for one vehicle manufacturer which would provide operators with accurate information on water use.
The sensor had to be very robust and operate over a wide temperature range as the vehicles are exported all over the world and used in extreme climatic conditions.
Further, the solution had to be suitable for use by unskilled operators, providing simple setpoints and audio alarms.
Sensor-Technik suggested the use of a pressure transmitter fitted to the bottom of the tank and connected to a digital readout.
This single sensor solution would provide readings for both the level in the tank and the rate of delivery of water.
Although the implementation and installation were conceptually simple for Sensor-Technik, two issues had to be resolved.
The first was that, during filling of the tank, the water pressure on the sensor from the jet stream was greater than under normal operation, leading to overpressure readings.
This was overcome by moving the sensor to a quieter corner of the tank.
Secondly, operators reported some instability of readings.
This turned out to be due to the fact that the sensor was very sensitive compared with the digital display.
The problem was overcome with filtering electronics to average the sensor output, with Sensor-Technik striking the right balance in the filter to combine stability of the reading with accuracy.
By combining a simple display and a pressure transmitter, a cost-effective solution was developed that helped maximise the efficiency of vehicle use, reducing wear and delivering operators savings on time, fuel and money. Request a free brochure from Sensor-Technik UK ...
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