CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background

The development of electronics technologies are currently increasing very

rapidly. This development is likely to lead to an increase in working speed
optimization and minimization. This means that equipment and electronic
components attempted use of materials and sizes are getting smaller but has the
capability of both speed and higher employment. Busyness user to perform
continuous control is also greatly affected. They tend to choose products that perform
automatic operation compared to the product manual manner of operation. With a
background backs in such case we tried to design a tool "WATER LEVEL
CONTROL", Water Level Control is one of many systems that exist in industry and
in everyday life. Besides simple, the system is widely used in industry and everyday
life. Let's say in the chemical industry. With the support of the monitoring system
(process industry can be monitored and controlled remotely, so they can save money,
time and energy), will increasingly provide an overview of the actual conditions that
exist in the world of industry. In everyday life this system has been widely applied to
facilitate the work of humans. From the foregoing, it is necessary to support
understanding in the field of control systems, especially in the field of control
systems at the level of the water.

1.2 Problem Identification

Whether the use of water level control can make people become energy efficient
or even waste energy?

1.3 Hypothesis

The use of water level control helps us to make life easier and can save energy.

1.4 Aim

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The main aim of Automatic water level monitoring and control is:
To save water which is the First necessity of human being
We k n o w t h a t t h e d e m a n d o f e l e c t r i c i t y i s v e r y h i g h t h a n
d e m a n d i n o u r c o u n t r y , s o Automatic water level monitoring
and control is to save electricity. when tank has been filled
completely user can be alarmed with buzzer to switch off the motor.

CHAPTER II
STUDY OF LITERATURES

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Level playing field
The simplest type of liquid-level monitoring is a limit detector. Typically
implemented as float switches, these detectors trip a mechanical or sensor-based
switch when a pre-determined level has been reached. In hermetically sealed
geometries, the float mechanisms come in a variety of materials suitable for different
types of caustic and noncaustic liquids.

The Meder LS01-1B66-PA-500W, as seen in Figure 1, is well suited to detect the fill
level of a petroleum-based tank. Its magnetic float configuration with a polyamide
stem and float materials make it an intrinsically safe way to detect harmful liquids
such as gasoline.

Figure 1: The Meder LS01 series is a magnetically triggered float switch capable of
switching up to 100 W in water or petroleum tanks.

Keep in mind that applications such as printers, automatic coffee makers or fuel
gauges require smaller, more cost-effective sensors and typically cant use this class
of sensor. These applications also demand more resolution; for example, a fuel gauge
wont be effective if it drops by one-fourth tank steps all at once.
The electronic approach

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Fluid levels can also be measured using electronic techniques. These include
resistive, capacitive, optical, sonic and gravity.

Resistive is the simplest technique and is reliable when using a consistent liquid with
a relatively small variation of resistance. With this approach, electronics can more
easily deal with the replication of individual sensors to provide level information and
limits, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Many resolution steps can be implemented using a resistive threshold

technique.

Here, a sensor-array probe uses the liquid level as part of the circuit path. The height
location of the sensor points correspond to the desired levels to detect, and the
contacts are made or coated with a material that wont corrode, oxidize or react with
the liquid in the tank.

The sensor points can be inserted directly into the tank. Terminal posts on the other
side can wire directly to the interface board, but most designers prefer a sensor board
that can be inserted and removed in a single location. The fewer holes drilled into a
tank, the fewer possible sources of leak and failure.

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Because the resistance of the fluid is known, a voltage drop across a series resistance
will change drastically from virtually an open circuit to a DC level when liquid
touches the probe point. Since each additional sensor increases the effective
resolution, this technique can be used to achieve a high level of resolution. For
example, 16 sensors are more than adequate to monitor water levels in an RV water
tank.

The simplest use of op amps in this case can create a nice bar-graph-style display
corresponding to the liquid level, which is shown in Figure 3. A general-purpose part
like the National Semiconductor LM324 is a good candidate and will drive the LEDs
directly.

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Figure 3: Replicating the same stage will provide as much resolution as needed. The
LEDs can be replaced or paralleled with optoisolators to drive logic signals with
high isolation.

The LEDs can be replaced by an optoisolator to provide galvanomically isolated

sensor outputs for systems needing electrical isolation. For example, the Analog
Devices ADUM6202CRWZ provides two channels of 5-kVrms isolation with logic-
level outputs in an SOIC 16 package. It incorporates its own DC/DC converter as
well with 5- or 3.3-V outputs.

The voltages used should not cause electrolysis in the tank. Its important not to build
up explosive gasses. One technique is to sense every so often rather than in real time.
This ensures that power is off to the entire array for most of the time, only powered
up when needed for a quick measurement. Also, shunting each side of the sensor to
ground when not in use will not let a charge build up.

Capacitive sensing
Like resistive, a capacitive type of sensor can be an array of sensors that creates a
piecewise linear step detector. But capacitive sensing techniques can also operate as a
pure linear function. This means a single sensor can sense empty, full or anywhere in
between.

The capacitive sensor creates or changes a time constant that controls an oscillator or
pulse generator. Because current can be controlled or fixed at a set limit, the
frequency of an oscillator directly reflects the relative level of the liquid.

A simple strip sensor in 2D shows how this works in Figure 4. When there is no
fluid, there is virtually no capacitance. A baseline capacitor in parallel with the probe
sensor will cause an oscillator to oscillate at the highest frequency.

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Figure 4: The capacitive sensor will exhibit a lower frequency when liquid levels are
higher. A parallel capacitor can set the open-circuit oscillator base frequency.

As soon as liquid touches the bottom part of the probe, the capacitance will change
abruptly to a lower frequency, which begins the measurement range. As the level
rises, more capacitance lowers the frequency linearly. At the highest fill level, the
lowest frequency will be measured.

Since capacitance is directly proportional to surface area, a concentric tube

arrangement gives higher working capacitance ranges than a strip sensor that just has
two conductive paths, as seen in Figure 5.

Figure 5: The tube within a tube cap sensor maximizes surface area and can be
made to any length making it an ideal topology for small or large tanks.

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A simple oscillator circuit such as a 555 can create a frequency range that a micro
can measure, shown in Figure 6. The 555 can also be used in a one-shot monostable
multivibrator mode that uses the capacitance to control the pulsewidth.

Figure 6: A typical oscillator can be made using a 555 timer. The frequency of the
oscillator indicates the liquid level.

Level Measurement Technology in Transition

The simplest and oldest industrial level measuring device is, of course, the sight
glass. A manual approach to measurement, sight glasses have always had a number
of limitations. The material used for its transparency can suffer catastrophic failure,
with ensuing environmental insult, hazardous conditions for personnel, and/or fire
and explosion. Seals are prone to leak, and buildup, if present, obscures the visible
level. It can be stated without reservation that conventional sight glasses are the
weakest link of any installation. They are therefore being rapidly replaced by more
advanced technologies.

Other level-detection devices include those based on specific gravity, the physical
property most commonly used to sense the level surface. A simple float having a
specific gravity between those of the process fluid and the headspace vapor will float

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at the surface, accurately following its rises and falls. Hydrostatic head
measurements have also been widely used to infer level.

When more complex physical principles are involved, emerging technologies often
use computers to perform the calculations. This requires sending data in a machine-
readable format from the sensor to the control or monitoring system. Useful
transducer output signal formats for computer automation are current loops, analog
voltages, and digital signals. Analog voltages are simple to set up and deal with, but
may have serious noise and interference issues. 4-20 mA current loops (where the
loop current varies with the level measurement) are the most common output
mechanism today. Current loops can carry signals over longer distances with less
degradation. Digital signals coded in any of a number of protocols (e.g., Foundation
Fieldbus, Hart, Honeywell DE, Profibus, and RS-232) are the most robust, but the
older technologies such as RS-232 can handle only limited distances. New wireless
capabilities can be found in the latest transmitters' signals, allowing them to be sent
over tremendous distances with virtually no degradation.

As for the more advanced measurement technologies (e.g., ultrasonic, radar, and
laser), the more sophisticated digital encoding formats require digital computer
intelligence to format the codes. Combining this requirement with the need for
advanced communication capabilities and digital calibration schemes explains the
trend toward embedding microprocessor-based computers in virtually all level
measurement products (see Figure 7).

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Figure 7. Level measurement determines the position of
the level relative to the top or bottom of the process
fluid storage vessel. A variety of technologies can be
used, determined by the characteristics of the fluid and
its process conditions.

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2.1 Common literatures

AquaPlumb - Water Level Sensors

The AquaPlumb series of liquid level sensor measure liquid level in tanks,
reservoirs, and in the environment, without any moving parts.

The sensing probe element consists of a special wire cable which is capable of
accurately sensing the surface level of nearly any fluid, including water, salt water,
and oils.

The sensor element is electrically insulated

and isolated from the liquid into which it is
inserted, and will not corrode over time.
Unlike, other sensors, the measurement range
is adjustable from a few centimeters to over
several meters.

The reading is reported back as an analog voltage ranging from 0V to 3V where 0V

represents the sensor not beingsubmersed, and 3V represents the maximum water
level.

The AquaPlumb water level sensor can be easily calibrated to nearly any range and
any fluid in the field with the use of two buttons. One button records the minimum
fluid level (0V level), and the the other button records the maximum fluid level (3V
level). After being calibrated, the sensor will return a value of 0 to 3 volts linear with
the liquid level.

The AquaPlumb water level sensor is compact, low cost, low power, easy to use, and

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can take an accurate reading in less than a second.

The AquaPlumb has an easy to mount water resistant enclosure. The cable can be
made taut with a cable clamp, which can be mounted to the side of a reservoir, to a
small weight, or to a stick.

The normal operating mode power is only 1.2 mA, so this system can be loop
powered in 4-20mA current loops. During calibration mode the sensor consumes up
to 20mA, but this is only used during calibration for the initial setup.

When ordering the AquaPlumb sensors, you can select the length of the power cable
in standard 2 meter, 5 meter or 10 meter lengths. The sensing cable comes in the
standard lengths of 1 meter and 3 meter lengths. See the ordering table below.

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AquaPlumb Water Level Sensor Measuring Water (Display is not included.)

Water Level Sensor Probe Applications

Flood and spill alarms.

Rain barrel monitoring.

Reservoir monitoring.

Environmental monitoring.

Water conservation applications.

Mechanical float replacement.

Electronic toilets.

Aquaponics.

Monitoring of Aquariums.

Sensor for Internet of Things.

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The AquaPlumb Measuring the Level of Olive Oil

Water Level Sensor Probe Features

Output Voltage is proportional to liquid level.

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 No moving parts.

Measures large changes in water.

Low cost with volume pricing.

Not conductivity based.

Probe does not corrode over time.

Rugged design for long term use.

Compact size.

Very low power operation.

Precise measurement.

Works with many different type of fluids.

Wide supply voltage range.

Water resistant enclosure.

Compatible with Arduino.

UCL-510 Ultrasonic Water Level Sensor

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 49-Inch (1245 mm) Range
2" (51 mm) Dead Band and Beam Width Optimized for Small Tank
Applications
1" NPT Mounting
Non-Contact Alternative To Float and Conductivity Level Sensors

The UCL-510 offers an innovative, non-contact ultrasonic level sensor with no

moving parts built for challenging fluid measurement. This accurate and reliable
sensor is built for general purpose, small tank applications 49.2" (1250 mm) or less
and offers switch, controller and transmitter capabilities in one multi-function
transmitter. The UCL-510 is suited for corrosive and dirty applications and is
virtually maintenance free and reduces tank system hardware. The UCL-510
combines 4 relays, 4-20mA output and pump/valve control in one small sensor. The
UCL-510 offers a total solution for fluid handling and automation.

Applications:
Water and Waste Water
Control Automation
Chemical Feed

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 Food and Beverage
Acids, Inks, Paints
Slurries

2.2 Theories

Circuit diagram of liquid level sensor

Components required

1. Power supply (or 6V battery)

2. Resistors (1k x 3; 100 x 3)
3. Transistors (BC548 x 4)
4. IC 7432 Buzzer

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Working of water level detector

The basic principle of this circuit is switching property of NPN transistors.

That is when a transistor is OFF its collector voltage is Vcc (6V) and when
it is in ON state the collector voltage falls to 0.02V (approx. 0V).
0.6V is required to turn ON a transistor (BC548). At normal condition Q1=
OFF, Q2=ON and Q3=ON. Thus both inputs of OR gate are zero..!
We have dipped 3 wires in the water tank. 1 wire is from power supply and
other 2 wires from the base terminals of Q2 and Q3.
When water level goes below h1 the wire from transistor Q3 disconnects
from the power supply, hence Q3 becomes OFF. Thus its collector voltage
will be Vcc.
This high voltage is applied to the OR gate (IC7432). Hence its output
becomes high (if any one of the input of OR gate is high, output will be
High) and it leads to the turning ON of the driver transistor Q4. Thus the
buzzer produces a beep sound.
When the water level goes above h2 Q1 becomes ON because its base
terminal is energized by Vcc in the water, due to this Q2 will be in OFF
state. So the collector voltage of Q2 becomes High.
Again this High voltage is given to the OR gate making its output High
and it causes turning ON of the driver transistor Q4. Buzzer will start
producing sound.

Level Height Calculations

Liquid level sensing is based on the theory of a ratiometric measurement,

using three sensors as shown in Figure 2:

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 1. LEVEL The capacitance of the LEVEL electrode is proportional to the
liquid height (hw). It has to be as high as the maximum (MAX) allowed
liquid level.
2. REFERENCE LIQUID (RL) The REFERENCE liquid electrode
accounts for the incremental unit measurements of the level electrode. The
liquid level has to be higher than the RL height in order to have a liquid
and temperature independent measurement system.
3. REFERENCE ENVIRONMENT (RE) A second (optional) reference
electrode accounts for container properties. It has to be placed above the
maximum (MAX) allow level of liquid to isolate it from the liquid level,
allowing it to track environmental factors rather than the primary target
(the liquid in the container).
A key aspect of this approach is that all three sensors are driven with the same
excitation signal. Changes in the excitation signal due to changing capacitance are
measured and used to calculate the corresponding liquid level.

The working principle of the liquid level sensing involves measuring the fringing
capacitance between the primary LEVEL electrode (CINx) and a ground (GND)
electrode in the parallel fingers topology. The fringing capacitance becomes a
function of the dielectric variation in the x-axis direction, and proportional to the
liquid height, as given by:
+ ( )
Equation 1: Capacitance proportional due to dielectric variation

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Where hL = maximum height of the liquid
hw = height of liquid
w = dielectric of liquid
a = dielectric of air

To calculate the level of the liquid at any interval height, the formula below is used:
= { (0)} /( )
Equation 2: Level height calculation
Where hRL = the unit height of the reference liquid sensor (often 1)
Clevel = capacitance of the LEVEL sensor
Clevel(0) = capacitance of the level sensor when no liquid is present (empty)
CRL = capacitance of the REFERENCE liquid sensor
CRE = capacitance of the reference environmental sensor
NOTE: If RE is not used in the system, replace CRE with CRL(0) in the equation
above.

Figure 2 also illustrates the use of a shield behind both electrodes, which focuses the
sensing direction toward the liquid target and provides a barrier from any
interference affecting the measurements from the backside. The FDC1004 features
two dedicated shield drivers which can drive up to 400 pF capacitance each. The
shield is driven with the same excitation signal as the other sensors. Because it is
charged to the same potential as the other sensors, there is no electric field on the
shield side of the sensors, so the only active field is in the direction of the liquid. The
sensor size of RE should be the same size as RL so the measurements can be
subtracted from one another. If the sensor sizes are not matched, a differential
measurement cannot be performed since fringing capacitance is not
linear/proportional to area size (unlike the parallel plate form).

Figure 3 illustrates an example of the capacitance of the LEVEL and REFERENCE

electrodes based on the liquid level height. The capacitance of the LEVEL electrode
increases linearly as the liquid level increases. Once the liquid level is above the hR

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height, the RL capacitance saturates and becomes constant. The reference empty
shows the behavior of the RE electrode and any change from environmental factors
with this electrode can be used to eliminate the change seen on the level and RL
electrode.

CHAPTER III
BIBLIOGRAPHY

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http://www.digikey.com/en/articles/techzone/2011/sep/liquid-level-sensing-is-key-
technology-for-todays-systems---part-1

http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/leak-level/a-dozen-ways-measure-fluid-level-
and-how-they-work-1067

http://www.vegetronix.com/Products/AquaPlumb/

http://www.gemssensors.com/Level/Continuous-Transmitters/Ultrasonic/UCL-510

http://www.circuitsgallery.com/2012/10/water-level-sensor-circuit-projects-for.html

http://www.ti.com/lit/ug/tidu736a/tidu736a.pdf

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