Bubble Tube Level Measurement Principle

In the bubble type level system, liquid level is determined by measuring the pressure required to force a gas into a liquid at a point beneath the surface.

This method uses a source of clean air or gas and is connected through a restriction to a bubble tube immersed at a fixed depth into the vessel.  The restriction reduces the airflow to a very small amount. As the pressure builds, bubbles are released from the end of the bubble tube.

Pressure is maintained as air bubbles escape through the liquid.  Changes in the liquid level cause the air pressure in the bubble tube to vary. At the top of the bubble tube is where a pressure sensor detects differences in pressure as the level changes.

Most tubes use a small V-notch at the bottom to assist with the release of a constant stream of bubbles.   This is preferable for consistent measurement rather than intermittent large bubbles.

The Bubbler System is an inexpensive but accurate means of measuring the fluid level in open or vented containers, especially those in harsh environments such as cooling tower sumps, swimming pools, reservoirs, vented fuel tanks, drain sumps, air washers, etc. The system consists of a source of compressed air, air flow restrictor, sensing tube and pressure transmitter. The only component of the Bubbler System that is exposed to the elements is the sensing tube. All other components can be remotely located in a protected area.

The sense tube is installed in the tank and connected to the pressure transmitter and the air supply through the flow restrictor as shown in Figure. Since the pressure required to displace the liquid is determined by the depth of the fluid, the transmitter output indicates the fluid depth above the open end of the sense tube.

Note that it is not necessary to extend the sense tube to the bottom of the container if you are only interested in the fluid height in the top part of the container. Using a shorter sense tube and lower range pressure transmitter will improve the resolution and accuracy of the system.

It may be necessary to install a check valve at the high point in the air line if the fluid level is above the air supply and pressure transmitter. This may prevent siphoning of the fluid back to the transmitter and air compressor if there is a power failure.

Principle:

Bubblers, are all hydrostatic measurement devices. This technology is used in vessels (tanks) that operate under atmospheric pressure.  A dip tube having its open end near the vessel bottom carries a purge gas (typically air, although an inert gas such as dry nitrogen may be used when there is danger of contamination of or an oxidative reaction with the process fluid) into the tank.

As gas flows down to the dip tube’s outlet, the pressure in the tube rises until it overcomes the hydrostatic pressure produced by the liquid level at the outlet. That pressure equals the process fluid’s density multiplied by its depth from the end of the dip tube to the surface and is monitored by a pressure transducer connected to the tube.

Advantages

• Simple assembly
• Suitable for use with corrosive fluids.
• Intrinsically safe
• High temp applications

Disadvantages

• Requires compressed air and installation of air lines
• Build-up of material on bubble tube not permissible
• Not suited to pressurised vessels
• Mechanical wear

Application Limitations

Bubble tube devices are susceptible to density variations, freezing and plugging or coating by the process fluid or debris.  The gas that is used can introduce unwanted materials into the process as it is purged.

Also the device must be capable of withstanding the maximum air pressure imposed if the pipe should become blocked. Rodding to clean the pipe is assisted by installing a tee section.

Also See: Bubble Level Measurement Animation

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