Design of a Sensor System Using Fiber Bragg Grating for Liquid Level and Liquid Density Measurement

Abstract

In this work, a simple but versatile sensing system for very accurate sensing of liquid level and liquid density is presented. The sensor works based on basic strain sensitivity of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and principle of liquid obeying Archimedes’ law of buoyancy. In this system, a cylindrical shaped mass suspended from a Fiber Bragg Grating and partially immersed in the liquid to be sensed. If the liquid level in the container or liquid density varies, that change the up thrust on the suspended mass and load on the Fiber will be changed accordingly. The change in the load on Fiber changes strain on the FBG and the reflected Bragg wavelength also changes. The proposed device with proper calibration should be able to carry out real time and nonstop liquid level and liquid density measurements. A mathematical analysis of the system considering liquid properties and geometrical structure of the suspended mass is presented here. Sensitivity of the system for liquid level monitoring is also reported. Achieved results shows the path for the utilization of the proposed sensor system for precise liquid density measurement and liquid level sensing in very large storage tanks used for commercial/residential applications.