When installing an ultrasonic or radar level sensor, the approach depends on your tank type, material, and sensing technology.
Tank types:
- Open tanks – e.g., sumps or reservoirs
- Closed tanks – e.g., IBCs or silos
- Tank materials:
- Plastic – corrosion resistance
- Fiberglass – height
- Metal – strength
- Concrete – below-grade structures
Sensor behavior:
- Ultrasonic reflects off plastic, fiberglass, metal, and concrete.
- Radar passes through plastic/fiberglass but reflects off metal/concrete.
- Avoid tall fittings or reflective structures below sensors. Use low-profile fittings with smooth inner diameters for clean signal transmission.
Fitting guidelines:
- Adapters (plastic tanks): Install directly or use a Flowline plastic reducer. Avoid multiple reducers.
- Flanges (fiberglass/metal tanks): Riser height ≤ 2× inner diameter. Use a reducer if needed, but only one.
- Brackets (open tanks): Use Flowline plastic or metal brackets. Radar can also be used in concrete sumps with brackets. Swivels help with aiming in solids.
- Couplings (metal tanks): Use half couplings with clean welds. Avoid full couplings. Use a Flowline reducer if oversized.
Summary:
Choose the correct fitting based on tank type, material, and sensing technology. Follow these best practices, and your ultrasonic or radar sensor will perform reliably.
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