New Ultrasonic Sensor From Morgan Can Detect Liquid Level Without Physical Contact

Relying on acoustic wave reflection, the new level sensor sends an ultrasonic burst and then ‘listens’ for an echo at a point in time depending on the container size. The signal changes when the liquid drops below a pre-determined level, with the ability to trigger an alert for corrective action to be taken. The sensor can also operate in continuous mode when positioned at the base of a container, detecting liquid depth. In this mode, its operation relies on wave reflection from the liquid/air interface.

The transducer simply mounts onto the container exterior with an adjustable strap, making positioning and removal straightforward. To further ease its use, the sensor is based on a ‘dry-coupled’ design which is not reliant on separate liquid or gel couplants that leave unwanted residue. Instead it uses an innovative compliant layer that only requires moderate pressure against the desired container to operate.

Its ability to detect liquid levels from outside the container makes it ideal for use with drip chambers and in any other application where the liquid is not intended to come into contact with the sensor. This is particularly relevant in medical applications where sterilised and traceable materials would otherwise be required but also in applications where a corrosive or harmful liquid is being used.

This is the first system of its kind able to work accurately with cylindrical containers below 2” (51mm) in diameter, with capacities between 20mm and 300mm. It is available with or without electronics, depending on the customer requirement.

Oliver Ridd of Morgan Advanced Materials explained: “There are many medical and laboratory applications where the levels of small quantities of liquid need to be measured accurately but where the physical presence of a sensor could contaminate the liquid. Needing no separate fixing media, the new sensor can be quickly and conveniently fitted to even a very small container, rapidly producing an accurate reading of the liquid level which can then be used to ensure it remains above the safe or desired minimum.”