Measuring Instruments

Measuring instruments are fundamental tools in instrumentation that are

used to observe, monitor, and quantify physical quantities. These instruments
are essential in science, engineering, manufacturing, and process control. They
convert physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and
electrical signals into readable and recordable data.

Here we will discuss some common types of measuring instruments used for
these purposes:

Level Measuring Instruments

Level measurement refers to the monitoring of the height or amount of

material (liquid, solid, or slurry) in a container, tank, or silo. It is crucial in
process industries such as oil and gas, chemical, water treatment, and food
processing. These instruments are used to determine the height or depth of a
liquid or bulk solid material within a container.

Types of Level Measurement Methods: There are two types of level measuring
instrument, these are

Direct Level Measurement Method: This method physically contacts the material
(liquid or solid) and visually or mechanically indicates the level.

Direct level measurement include:

a. Sight glass
b. Float and tape gauge
c. Dip stick

a. Sight Glass:
liquid level inside. It works by allowing the liquid in the glass to rise or fall
to the same height as the liquid in the tank due to pressure balance. It is
commonly used in boilers, water tanks, and fuel. A sight glass is a
transparent tube installed vertically on the side of a tank to show the storage
 systems. To use it, the sight glass is connected at both the top and bottom of
the tank, and the operator reads the liquid level directly through the glass.

b. Float switch

Float switch level indicator is a device used to detect and monitor the level of liquid in a tank or
container. It operates using a float that moves with the liquid level, triggering a switch to indicate
whether the liquid has reached a specific high, low, or intermediate level. These devices are
widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications for liquid level control, such
as in water tanks, sumps, or chemical storage systems.
c. Dip Stick:
A dip stick is a simple, marked rod or stick used to manually measure the liquid
level in a tank. It works by dipping the stick into the tank until it reaches the
bottom, then pulling it out to check the wet portion, which indicates the level. It is
commonly used in oil, fuel, or water tanks. To use it, insert the stick fully into the
tank, let it settle, withdraw it, and read the level using the markings on the stick.
Indirect Level Measurement Methods

This method measures another variable (like pressure, weight, or ultrasonic

reflection) and reads the level from it.

Indirect level measurement include:

a. Ultrasonic level sensor (uses sound waves)

 b. Radar level sensor (uses microwaves)
c. Differential pressure transmitter (uses fluid pressure)
d. Capacitance level sensor
e. Radiation level detector

a. Ultrasonic Level Sensor:

The ultrasonic level sensor is a non-contact device that measures the level of
liquids or solids by sending out high-frequency sound waves. These waves travel
through the air, reflect off the surface of the material, and return to the sensor. The
time taken for the echo to return is used to calculate the distance and determine the
level. It is commonly used in water tanks, silos, and chemical vessels. To use, the
sensor is mounted above the tank opening, connected to a display unit, and
calibrated for the height of the tank.

Ultrasonic Level Sensor

b. Radar Level Sensor:

Radar level sensors use microwave signals to detect the level of a substance inside
a tank. The sensor emits microwave pulses that travel to the material surface and
reflect back. The time delay is measured to determine the level accurately. These
sensors are reliable in high-pressure, high-temperature, or vapor-filled
environments like oil refineries and chemical plants. Installation involves placing
the sensor on top of the tank, connecting it to a control panel, and setting the
parameters for level calculation.

Radar Level Sensor

c. Differential Pressure Transmitter:

A differential pressure transmitter measures the difference in pressure between the
bottom and the top (or a reference point) of a tank. As the liquid level changes, the
pressure at the bottom changes, and the sensor calculates the level based on this
pressure difference. This method is widely used in closed tanks, especially in water
treatment and process industries. To operate, sensor ports are installed at two
different points on the tank, connected to the transmitter, and calibrated to match
the tank’s height and fluid type.

d. Capacitance Level Sensor:

This sensor uses the principle of capacitance change to detect levels. A probe is
inserted into the tank, and as the level of the material rises or falls, the capacitance
between the probe and the tank wall changes. The sensor measures this change and
converts it into a level reading. It is suitable for use in both liquid and solid
materials, especially in food, pharmaceutical, and plastic industries. Installation
involves placing the probe vertically in the tank, connecting it to the monitoring
unit, and calibrating it for the specific material.

Capacitance Level Sensor

[Link] Level Detector:

A radiation level detector uses a radioactive source and a detector placed on
opposite sides of the tank. As the material level changes, it affects how much
radiation passes through to the detector. The system then converts this signal into a
level measurement. This method is used in extreme environments such as nuclear
plants and high-temperature furnaces. For use, the source and detector are fixed
securely outside the tank, aligned properly, and connected to a control system for
continuous monitoring.
 Radiation Level Detector

Pressure Measuring Instruments

Pressure is the force applied by a fluid (liquid or gas) per unit area. It is a key parameter in
process control and monitoring systems. Accurate pressure measurement is essential in
industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, manufacturing, and power
generation.

Pressure is commonly measured in units such as Pascals (Pa), bar, psi (pounds per square
inch), atm (atmospheres), or millimeter of mercury (mmHg).

Types of Pressure Measuring Instruments

The major types include:

a. Manometers

b. Pressure Transmitters

c. pressure switch

d. Pressure Transducers and Transmitters

a. Manometers:
A manometer is a simple instrument that measures pressure using a column of liquid,
such as mercury or water, inside a U-shaped or straight transparent tube. When pressure
is applied, the liquid level changes in the tube, and the height difference indicates the
pressure value. Manometers are commonly used in laboratories, Heating, Ventilation, and
Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and calibration setups. To use, connect the pressure
source to one end of the tube and read the height difference of the fluid to calculate the
pressure.

Manometer

b. Pressure Transmitters: These convert pressure into an electrical

signal, which can be processed and transmitted for monitoring and
control purposes. Common types include piezoresistive, capacitive, and
strain gauge-based device
10bar Pressure Gauge Full Stainless Steel Steam Pressure Measurement
Instruments

c. Pressure Switches: These are used for monitoring and controlling

pressure levels. When the pressure exceeds a set threshold, the switch
can activate an alarm or initiate a system response
 Digital Pressure Switches

d. Pressure Transducers and Transmitters:

Pressure transducers and transmitters are electronic instruments that convert applied
pressure into an electrical signal, often used in digital control and monitoring systems.
They work by using internal sensors like strain gauges or piezoelectric crystals that
deform under pressure to produce a voltage output. These devices are used in automation,
oil and gas, and remote process control. To use, install the transducer at the pressure
point, wire it to a power source and monitoring device, and calibrate the system to read
pressure electronically.

Pressure Transducers and Transmitters