Solutions
Liquid Level Control with Stand Pipe
Customer Ask:
Ability to Record Waste Water Flow
A waste water treatment plan wanted to record waste water flow from the v-notch wier (an open channel hi-volume flow measurement device) to satisfy their EPA discharge permit requirements. The other challenges facing the customer included that the v-notch wier is a non-linear device and the water flow is turbulent.
Application Requirements:
- A sensor with an analog output
- An operational range of 36 inches
- A sensor with a high level of accuracy
- A sealed, self contained sensor
- A narrow beam sensor
- A sensor solution within their budget
The Migatron Solution
Our experts recommended the RPS-401A-40. By inverting the the RPS-401A‘s 4-20mA analog output, we were able to allow the customer to set the 4mA at zero flow and the 20mA at maximum flow. The 4-20mA signal was sent to a chart recorder, which had a square-root chart. The chart recorder converted the 4-20mA linear signal to an accurate flow graph, meeting one of the client’s requirements. The RPS-401A-40 sensor also met the customer’s other requirements.
Did You Know:
Ultrasonic signals are like audible sound waves, only the frequencies are much higher. Migatron’s ultrasonic transducers have piezoelectric crystals which resonate to a desired frequency and convery electrical energy and vise versa.
Ultrasonic sensors operate by transmitting a series of ultrasonic sound waves in a cones shaped pattern. The sound waves reflect from a target and are received by the sensor. The sensor measures the time interval between transmitting and receiving the sound wave. Calculated by the speed of sound, the time interval is converted to a distance measurement.
Customer Satisfaction
The solution to this customer’s requirements required some creative thinking to handle the turbulence problem. Migatron recommended that the RPS-401A be mounted into a section of PVC pipe. The 3″ diameter standpipe was then set below water level to eliminate the turbulence problem. With the unique features of the RPS-401A, and the benefits it provides the customer, they selected it as a replacement for a mechanical float.
The RPS-401A was quickly approved by the EPA with flying colors, because of the high level of accuracy of the sensor and ease of calibration, and easily met the customer’s budget requirement.
RPS-401A-40 features:
- A sensing range of 4″ to 40″
- A narrow sensing beam
- Adjustable zero & span controls
- LED strength indicator, for easy setup
- Short circuit protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- Analog current & voltage outputs
- Inverted & non-inverted analog outputs
- A solid state sensor that will provide the customer with a virtually unlimited maintenance free life-span
Other environmental monitoring applications that require a history of data collection, where the RPS-401A can be applied are:
- Fresh water and waste flow monitoring
- Stream level reservoir data
Migatron Ultrasonic Sensors
Proximity Sensor
Analog Sensors
High Accuracy Sensor
