[Water Level Sensor] Can the liquid level be detected through a wall?

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Can the water surface be detected correctly even if there is a wall (obstruction) between the sensor and the water surface?

Using the water surface sensor introduced in the previous article, we investigated whether the water surface could be detected even if there was a wall (obstruction) between the sensor and the water surface.

In the experiment, we placed an obstacle between the water surface sensor and the water surface to verify whether it was possible to measure the distance to the water surface. We believe that by conducting a test in a more realistic environment (for example, when checking the remaining amount of chemicals in an industrial tank, or when placing the sensor inside a housing), you will be able to get a more concrete image.

We will also consider possible future applications.

Detects the water level through the barrel

Experimental Overview

In this experiment, we prepared several materials as obstructions and investigated the effect they had on the water surface sensor. To compare the effect of each material on water surface detection, data was collected under certain conditions and the results were used for discussion.

Equipment and environment used

Testing whether the sensor can pass through walls

The equipment and environmental conditions used in the experiment are as follows: Materials with various physical properties, such as vinyl mats, wood, and metal, were selected to examine their influence on the detection ability of the water surface sensor.

equipment:
・Water surface sensor (Specifications are Previous Article (See
・Various types of cover (Vinyl mat, wood, (Uses multiple materials, including metal and cloth)
・Case filled with water

conditions:
The distance to the water surface 50cm
The size of the water surface is approximately 20 cm square
・Experiments are conducted indoors, with constant environmental conditions

Based on these conditions, we conducted experiments by changing the material of the shielding.

Experimental result

Different materials responded differently to the effect that each obstruction had on water surface detection.

Vinyl Mat	The distance to the water surface beyond was measured with almost no disturbance.
cloth	The distance to the water surface beyond was measured with almost no disturbance.
tree	Although it did show a certain reaction to the tree, it was able to measure the distance to the water surface beyond that.
resin	Although there was a certain reaction to the resin, the distance to the water surface beyond that could be measured.
acrylic	Although it did show a certain reaction to the acrylic, it was possible to measure the distance to the water surface beyond that.
aluminum	If there was metal between the sensor and the water surface, the water surface beyond it could not be detected.

Discussion of results

From the experimental results, we were able to confirm the effect of another material getting between the water surface sensor and the target water surface. Some materials had no effect on water surface detection, while others made it impossible to detect the water surface at all.

In particular, they found that metal significantly hindered the sensor's detection performance. On the other hand, materials such as vinyl mats and cloth had almost no effect, and the sensor was able to measure the distance to the water surface.

Although wood and acrylic show a certain reaction, we were able to confirm that water surface detection is possible. To be precise, it detects both wood and the water surface, so the app needs to determine which is the measurement data for the water surface.

However, when the experimental materials were overly wet, there were cases where the material itself was detected as the water surface, so it seems advisable to conduct thorough verification in the expected real-life environment.

Benefits of being able to measure distance through walls

High degree of design freedom and highly waterproof housing

Perforated housing — Example of a housing with a hole for a sensor

This water surface sensor does not require the window that is unique to optical sensors. Therefore, there is no need to drill holes in the housing, making it possible to create a housing with high waterproof reliability. The water surface sensor used here has a waterproof performance equivalent to IP67, and can be installed in outdoor environments such as rivers, lakes, and rice paddies, and will continue to operate without failure even when exposed to splashes of water, rain, or snow.

Furthermore, the lack of a window allows for greater freedom in the design of the housing, allowing for flexible designs to suit a variety of installation conditions, and meeting the needs of users who place importance on the appearance of their products.

Can be retrofitted

The water surface can be detected even if there is a wall (obstruction) between the water surface sensor and the target water surface, which allows for a variety of possible use cases. It can measure the water surface in places that are invisible and cannot be easily entered or approached by people. Another feature is that the sensor can be installed later for detection (non-destructive to the target object).

For example, chemical tanks and large water storage tanks at plants are sealed, but if the lid is made of rubber or resin, a water level sensor can be placed on the lid to detect the liquid level inside the tank through the lid. Water level sensors that are less affected by water droplets and obstacles are also thought to be effective in ships (ballast water) and flood monitoring systems.

The acquired data can be sent to the cloud via LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) and an IoT-like notification of an alarm can be sent to a smartphone. Wired power supply and wired communication can also be used depending on the application.

Wired power supply and wired communication depending on the application

The acquired data is transmitted to the cloud via LPWA

Services provided by Monocon® (Manufacturing Consulting)

Even if an application seems to be measurable, it is affected by the surroundings, so we recommend that you actually measure it. Knowledge acquired from the webis often not applicable. Also, the subject is not limited to the water surface.

example)
Q. Can snow accumulation be measured?
A. Compacted snowcan be measured. New, fluffy snow requires further investigation.

In the case of measuring snow, there were some issues that became apparent only after the actual measurements were taken, such as "detection accuracy changes too much over time." We will support you in carrying out pre-implementation verification by assuming various use cases.

At Monocon®, we would like to conduct experiments with people who are interested in this technology. We are also happy to discuss data measurements and experimental conditions, so please feel free to contact us.
*Please note that as this is a service aimed at businesses, we cannot respond to inquiries that do not apply to our services.