Measuring The Level Of An Agitating Tank

If you know the density of the liquid then Load cells will allow you to calculate volume.

Either that or a Calibrated Sight tube.

Load cells, radar, floats, ultrasonic, sight tubes, sanitary dip tubes and strategically located transducers are all options depending on your tank design, agitator style and amount of agitation and liquid characteristics.

They all have certain advantages and disadvantages, especially if you are trying to retrofit an existing installation- CR4 is your best friend here! Just click the "search Globalspec" button in the top right corner and look for tank measurement suppliers in your area.

Is that an open budget?

we can't make these decisions for you. You and only you know what can be compromised.

Sartorius has load cell technology whose reponse does not have to be heavily damped to mask the jitter and noise associated with agitation.

3 minute video here:
http://tinyurl.com/lq57wvz

You might even get a crude number by just measuring the amount of real work the agitator motor is doing.

Crude is right, but with varying viscosity?...... and some food products do not have Newtonian characteristics.

Your point is quite valid if the fluid has varying viscosity and/or non-Newtonian characteristics. We once again have a question from an AP that ignores our guidlines. From the CR4 FAQ:

• Provide as much information as possible. The most frustrating questions on CR4 are like this one: "I need a sensor to test water flow - which is the best one." What are you testing for and what are you trying to determine? Is it in a stream, a pipe, or an aquifer? Are you looking to measure velocity or mass? Are you testing for particulates, mineral concentration, or pollution? Is it wastewater, potable water, slurry, etc.? The more you let us know, the better the chance that someone on the site will be able to help you find an answer.

I find it funny that the FAQ entry specifically mentions water. Maybe this dipstick could use a dipstick? (With appologies to those who know how to use their dipstick.)

Simple: put the agitated tank on weigh cells.

Most instrument manufacturers websites have a tutorial/applications/literature/library page where you can get such information. Here's one from Endress+Hauser. It's not exactly a tutorial but there is information that might help you.

https://portal.endress.com/wa001/dla/5000307/3876/000/11/FA00001F00EN1613.pdf

If your liquid is sticky or has solids or sediments, I prefer to use load cells. The residue may stick to your sensor and affect its reading but load cells are mounted outside and away from the product. The downside is if your sediments settle to the bottom or sticks to the wall, your tank will always have a reading even if it's actually empty. On the other hand, if your agitators are always running and properly selected, this might not be a problem for you.

regards,

Vulcan (",)