Ultrasonic level sensors are widely used in industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, oil storage, and metallurgy. To ensure long-term stability and accuracy, selecting the proper sensor housing material is critical, especially in harsh or corrosive environments. This guide introduces commonly used materials, their properties, application scenarios, and provides selection recommendations for specific conditions.
1. Common Material Types for Ultrasonic Level Sensor Transducers
1.1 Stainless Steel (304/316L)
Properties:
Excellent mechanical strength and good corrosion resistance against mild acids and alkalis.Applications:
Suitable for general industrial use, such as chemical and oil storage tanks where only slight corrosion resistance is required.
1.2 PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
Properties:
Exceptional chemical resistance against strong acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. High stability even in extreme corrosive environments.Applications:
Ideal for applications involving strong acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid.
1.3 PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Properties:
Superior chemical resistance, broader temperature tolerance from -200°C to +260°C. However, it has relatively low mechanical strength and can be fragile under mechanical impact.Applications:
Used in high-temperature or highly corrosive environments, including concentrated nitric acid and chlorine-alkali solutions.
1.4 Composite Materials (e.g., metal-plastic hybrids)
Properties:
Combine the mechanical strength of metal with the corrosion resistance of plastics. Balanced performance and cost.Applications:
Suitable for applications requiring both impact resistance and corrosion protection, such as outdoor or mobile tank systems.
2. Key Factors in Material Selection
2.1 Corrosion Resistance Priority
For extremely corrosive media (e.g., hydrofluoric acid or concentrated alkalis), PVDF or PTFE is recommended.
For mild to moderate corrosive environments, stainless steel or composite materials are often sufficient.
2.2 Temperature Resistance
PVDF: Operates effectively between -40°C and +120°C.
PTFE: Offers the widest range of temperature tolerance, up to +260°C.
2.3 Mechanical Strength vs. Cost
Stainless Steel: High mechanical strength, durable, but relatively expensive.
PTFE: Chemically superior but less impact-resistant and more delicate.
Composite Materials: Mid-range cost, good impact resistance.
3. Recommended Material Selection for Special Conditions
| Application Scenario | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Sealed chemical storage tanks | PVDF or PTFE |
| High-temperature/high-pressure environments | PTFE |
| Environments with mechanical impact or vibration | Stainless Steel or Composite |
4. Conclusion and Selection Advice
Proper material selection not only extends the service life of ultrasonic level sensors but also enhances measurement stability and reduces maintenance costs. For example, using PVDF in highly corrosive conditions can reduce probe degradation by up to 70%.
When selecting the appropriate material, users should consider:
Type and concentration of the medium
Operating temperature and pressure
Required mechanical durability
Budget and installation conditions
For complex or uncertain conditions, we recommend consulting with our technical team at Dalian Zero Instrument Technology Co., LTD to receive expert advice and customized solutions.