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[Ideas For Design]
Simple Circuit Maintains Water Level Between Two Preset Limits

Ejaz ur Rehman  |   ED Online ID #9137  |   November 29, 2004


Here's an extremely simple water-level maintainer that keeps the water level between two predefined levels (see the figure). Due to the high input impedance of the LM311 IC (U1), practically no electrolysis of the metal is observed, and any non-toxic metal could successfully be used as sensors without any deterioration.

The circuit finds use in a variety of places. It can be successfully incorporated in all appliances where water levels are critical, such as chillers, boilers, and radiators. For those industries that must constantly monitor solvents and mixtures for their levels, this circuit can replace monitoring personnel. I tested this circuit for 15 days constantly. It worked perfectly, and the sensors weren't at all electrolyzed in water.

The LM311 was chosen for this circuit because it contains a built-in npn transistor at the output. The user sets the inverting input (pin 3), which is kept at a voltage level determined by the R2-R3 voltage divider. The noninverting input (pin 2) is connected to sensor B through R1 for lower-level detection of the water. The open collector of the built-in transistor (pin 7) is connected to the +12-V terminal. Also, the emitter of the built-in transistor (pin 1) is fed to the SCR's anode. And, the SCR's trigger is connected to sensor A for detecting the water's upper level. The anode, C, which is connected to the +12-V supply, is kept at the lowest water level, below B.

Assume you're starting with a full tank. Sensors A and B and anode C are covered. As sensor B gets a positive potential from anode C through hydrolysis in the water, the noninverting input of U1 is more positive than pin 3. Thus, the output state of the IC is high, and the SCR is also triggered because its gate (connected to sensor A) gets positive potential from anode C through hydrolysis and is in a conducting state. Relay RL1 is energized, and its contacts are open. Therefore, no current flows to the water pump.

Now suppose the water is used and its level drops below sensor A (upper-level sensor). The SCR continues conducting because the lower-level sensor B is still in the water and the IC output is high. As soon as the water level drops below sensor B (lower-level sensor), the output state of the IC changes to low, thereby turning the SCR off. As a result, the relay is de-energized and the water pump is turned on to fill water in the tank.

While the tank is filling with water, sensor B is covered first, which in turn changes the IC's output state to high. But the relay isn't energized because the SCR's gate (connected to the upper-level sensor A) isn't triggered yet. When the water touches the upper sensor A, the SCR is triggered, the relay is energized, the water pump is turned off, and the cycle repeats continuously.


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    Reader Comments

    email rhb57 -at- windstream.net

    Russ Blakeman -June 24, 2008

    So after the Mage modification to the circuit I still have to wonder after searching for a "D106" SCR - what type/number "general purpose" SCR have those sucessful with this circuit used? All I need this for is to tell me when water is low by LED and possibly buzzer for the reservoir/bubbler of a vehicular hydrogen system. It uses water with an electrolyte so it's conductive (to the person wanting to know about soy oil - it probably wont work as I think soy oil is not conductive). Your words of wisdom pertaining to what SCR to use and how that works with the modified circuit with R4 as 30k will be appreciated. Email me if possible.

    Russ Blakeman -June 24, 2008

    Yeah I made it and it works cool.But you should follow the link for right circuit diagram http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5705/waterlevelvn3.jpg

    Anonymous -May 31, 2008

    I spent 3 days trying to make this thing work. It does not.

    Ludmil -May 03, 2008

    iwant full water level controller circuit diagrags

    munnas -April 02, 2008

    pls send the circuit as soon as possible. Thankyou

    thirumurugan. -March 26, 2008

    i wants the complete circuit of water sensor 2 or 3 circuits

    muhammad faisal -March 24, 2008

    datz a gd hlpr 4 us!!!!!!!!!!111

    damini -February 18, 2008

    please send some more information and circuit diagrams for intelligent garden control based on microprocessor.

    group5 -January 24, 2008

    This circuit DOES NOT function. April fool!!! When I put circuit on web, it was a trick. GOT YOU!!! This circuit will NEVER work, as presented. Next time...try to make you own circuits. I WIN!!!!

    Ejaz ur Rehman -December 27, 2007

    Sir, i want to make water level circuit and i have no clue how build can u plz help me out im realy in tention thanks.

    hani -December 11, 2007

    Sir, I want to implement water level detectors. So doing this, i want to pay attention to micro controller also to control the system also.

    Anuradha -November 26, 2007

    Sir, I want to implement water level detectors. So doing this, i want to pay attention to micro controller also to control the system also.

    Anuradha -November 26, 2007

    I have tried to construct this, also tried all the modifications/suggestions...no luck. I can get it to switch on, but not off. I am trying to control a water pump. The holding tank already has the common, lower and upper limit levels sensors. I would greatly appriciate any help from you or others to email to jaredmcg(at)comcast.net . Thanks.

    JP -November 24, 2007

    sir...can you send me a correct circuit diagram for water-level sensor...instead of water pump, it would be an alarm and L.E.D. i tried your previous design, and it is work well. THANK YOU.....

    lhanz -September 19, 2007

    sir...can you send me a correct circuit diagram...instead of water pump, it would be an alarm and L.E.D. THANK YOU.....

    lhanz -September 19, 2007

    Built it and it works flawlessly, but the schematic is not entirely correct - check out the link provided by MageMinds for correct circuit layout. I substituted the R4 for 500k and it works fine, however I had to upp the voltage a bit to approx. 13.5V in order for the relay to operate properly, should probably substitute the 12V relay for a 9V relay instead.

    Mooki -September 04, 2007

    sir can you send me the corrected schematic diagram at zajioftheasuka@yahoo.com.ph and other circuits on water level sensor...

    thanx...

    rodel -August 02, 2007

    can tell me about circuit of a counter which can provide the time of travell of us waves with of water level(upcoming level)and can sense that at certain situation this time is fixed

    satyam mishra -August 01, 2007

    whether furnace oil is conduct the current...., this same system we can use for oil level controller in the awarded oil tank...

    Anonymous -July 12, 2007

    In the simple level sensor circiut which i tried and it trgers the relay, when the vcc and the lower electrode and the upper electrode are droped in a water The upper electrode trigers the relay and below the lower electrode it remains, until the water droped below electrode the relay will disengage that should be the normalfunction but in this case after building the circiut when the upper electrode is out and the water goes below the lower elctrods sometime it disengage but some times it doesn't disengage. Please i want an improvement on the circuit for it to work accurate as it is expalined in the manual.

    emma 4real -July 10, 2007

    In the simple level sensor circiut which i tried and it trgers the relay, when the vcc and the lower electrode and the upper electrode are droped in a water The upper electrode trigers the relay and below the lower electrode it remains, until the water droped below electrode the relay will disengage that should be the normalfunction but in this case after building the circiut when the upper electrode is out and the water goes below the lower elctrods sometime it disengage but some times it doesn't disengage. Please i want an improvement on the circuit for it to work accurate as it is expalined in the manual.

    Anonymous -July 08, 2007

    Rating Only

    Rating Only -June 30, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    please send some more information and circuit diagrams for tank level alarm

    Ankita -June 30, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    sir, please send a copy circuit, i will try it for my project...thanks a lot

    vincent -June 28, 2007

    Sorry Circuit re-built by MageMinds not arunprabu..Kenneth

    Kenneth -June 25, 2007

    I build the circuit as suggested & modified by arunprabu. It worked very well. R4 should be 30k not 2.7meg. Another thing, probes A&B should be placed at least 5cms appart. C is the container or another probe seperated from A&B. I used 8mm probes while thinner(5mm)worked as well. Thanks for the circuit...much appriciated. Kenneth

    Kenneth -June 25, 2007

    kindly send me the detail project report on the water pump controller and level indicator with dry pump alarm circuit. for htis act of kindness of yours i shall ever remain grateful to you.

    partha nath -June 15, 2007

    Rating Only

    Rating Only -June 08, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    it is a wonderful project pls sent the project to me as sonn as possible. thanks.

    Anonymous -June 08, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    I have not seen the circuit yet, pls send it tom as soon as possible.

    vickky -June 08, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    this circuit is a useful one and i need the circuit. i will be glad if the circuit can be sent to my box as soon as possible. thans

    Ipe Victor -June 08, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    thanks

    sakinder -May 25, 2007

    thanks

    Anonymous -May 25, 2007

    i urgently require few electronic based autometic waterlebel controller circuits for my project.

    kiranjit -May 07, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    I have modified the schematics of the circuit according to Gene Rozea recommendations and it's working for me. Since I didn't had the 2.7M for R4 I used a 30K and it's working, if it's not working for you try putting a higher value there.

    http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5705/waterlevelvn3.jpg

    MageMinds -April 12, 2007

    great.

    arunprabu -April 02, 2007

    Sir,I need more(different)circuits on this project.Thanks.

    Ibraheem ndagi Babako gbale -March 29, 2007

    Sir,I need more(different)circuits on this project.Thanks.

    Ibraheem ndagi Babako gbale -March 29, 2007

    Hi..i found that your project is very interesting and wish to build it for school project. can u send me the full circuit of the project please?

    Leon -March 21, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    Hi..i found that your project is very interesting and wish to build it for school project. can u send me the full circuit of the project please?

    Leon -March 21, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    hello. i m developing project which is aquatious with this article. so can u suggest me a simple circuit for water sensor which cost me negligible amount.

    Nishit -March 15, 2007   (Article Rating: )

    can u give me the full circuit diagram pls??i have to do project for college..pls help me..

    jit -March 14, 2007

    here circuit diagram is not complete. no 5 & 6 terminals r not connected and also not specified.so it cdoesn't give a complete diagram of the project,pls send me the compete diagram with no.5 & 6 terminals connection.thanx. niranjan

    niranjan behera -March 10, 2007

    I want to do a project

    nigus -February 26, 2007

    please provide me corrected ckt diagram.ty

    brenger -February 16, 2007

    I am completly baffled as to why pin 1 is not connected to GND and pin 7 is connected to +Vcc, please forward me a correct diagram, or explain the reason for this, Many thanks

    Anonymous -December 01, 2006

    its good, but where is the schematic diagram?

    Anonymous -November 17, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Can you send me circuit diagrams of water level. for your information, i want to mix two element, water and oil...but i want its mix automatically when i push a start button.level for water is 3 liter and oil is 1 liter.how to make circuit diagram for this problem.

    kurie_sagg -November 15, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Please,i want water level monitor controller circuit.please include calculations where necessary and principle of operation.to be used as a project.

    Joseph -August 19, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    thanks a lot for the correction!!! Saves my but BIG time!!!

    Anonymous -July 12, 2006

    sir, would u please send me the detailed circuit digram which consist of an buzzer during its on/off stages.and please identify the component in the cylinderical in shape in ur circiut diagram. please do mail me the above.

    ur circuit is very much useful to the daily life

    mithun -July 09, 2006

    please give me full circuit of u water level controller

    very good information -June 15, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    This article is useless without a schematic or diagram to analyze.

    Anonymous -June 11, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    I have checked it was a little bit wrong.The connection b/w R3 and D1 must be grounded.All other connections are o.k. #dilruba from UET LAHORE.

    dilruba siddiqi -May 20, 2006

    will you send the circuit diagram of water level detector using opernational amplifer

    akhter -May 18, 2006

    Sir, please sent me detailed ckt.I tried the ckt given but failed.I could not understand what u ment by sensor A given to SCR.Please give some simplifid diagram so that i will be able to work successfully on it.please suggest some other ckt for SPDT.Please give a note on the ckt right of SCR.

    Anonymous -May 05, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Can you send me circuit diagrams of water level alarms you have because i am hoping to buy one for my family and i need to see whats inside

    Ben -April 24, 2006

    How can you guys call yourselves “The Authority on Emerging Technologies for Design Solutions” when you let people post circuits, like this one that obviously will not work as is; there isn’t even a gate lead for the SCR and it’s one of the inputs! Probably posted by an India.

    Indian Bob -April 24, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    This circuit does not work!!!

    Anonymous -April 23, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    i want to circuit idea related to transistor tester

    savita -March 17, 2006

    i worked on ths project some pins have to be changed can u pls give the corrected schematic

    vidhubalu -February 22, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    sir can u plz send me the correct and precised circuit diagram of waterlevel controller the circuit shown in ur web page seems to be not working .and i would appreciate if u could send me some ideas to modify this circuit to make it much more userfriendly and attractive

    rishi -February 08, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    Sir, i want a foolproof circuit to control 100% dry running protection

    Navneet Bhardwaj -January 30, 2006

    Voltage fluctuation and dry running are the two basic problems in running a domestic pump with such circuits. Please add such characteristics to your circuit.

    Navneet Bhardwaj -January 30, 2006

    can you send me the correct schematic diagram at my email cobalt_141@yahoo.com asap. I need to finish may prototype before monday.

    Anonymous -January 28, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    can you send me the correct schematic diagram at my email cobalt_141@yahoo.com asap. I need to finish may prototype before monday.

    Anonymous -January 28, 2006   (Article Rating: )

    ur. circuit do not works ,pls provide me the corrected circuit by email

    uday chandra -January 04, 2006

    dear sir,I am very much interested in ur ckt ,I tried but failed .Pls provide me the corrected ckt diagram.

    U.C.Gandhi -December 21, 2005

    dear sir,I am very much interested in ur ckt ,I tried but failed .Pls provide me the corrected ckt diagram.

    U.C.Gandhi -December 21, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    i made this circuit but found no operation pl email me another correct circuit

    mueen khan -December 09, 2005

    programmefor schematic

    oujdiali -November 29, 2005

    what type of sensors should be used with this circuit??? thanks

    ben -November 27, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    is you practically test this circuit? .tell me how can i use indication led which show the water level in the tank .

    mueen khan -November 18, 2005

    Please send me complete circuit diagram of water level indicatorwith alarm indicating when full, different level and when empty as soon as possible. Thanks!

    rupinder -November 14, 2005

    The LM311 in this circuit is used in an alternativ way. I also encountered problems because of the different use of the ground pin 1 and the output pin7. I had a closer look at the LM311 data sheet and then it was clear. Pin 7 ist the collector and pin 1 is the emitter of the LM311 internal output transitor circuitry. Now it runs fine!

    Eltor -October 14, 2005

    can u make it more simpler than this with alaram and visulisation (L.E.D)using op amp and please send me the circuit with details to my email ID as soon as possible. and will like to get a complete circuit diagram of water level indicator with alarm indicating when full, different levels and when empty.

    venu -September 17, 2005

    I've tested your circuit using LM311DP IC and it seems it doesn't work at all. This is a 8-pin DIP IC and im just wondering why pin 1 is connected to SCR where it should provide GND to the IC and pin8 is +Vcc.

    bryan -September 09, 2005

    can i use this circuit for soya oil tanks? will there be any problem? thanks!

    kelly -August 06, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    should tell more about what sensor can be used for the specified design.the full schematic diagram would be much more helpful to understand.

    Rams -July 24, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    can u make it more simpler than this with alaram and visulisation (L.E.D)using op amp and please send me the circuit with details to my email ID as soon as possible.

    sharath -July 20, 2005   (Article Rating: )

    will like to get a complete circuit diagram of water level indicator with alarm indicating when full, different levels and when empty.

    saiks -May 16, 2005

    would you mind me sending some more circuits on automatic water level controller . i would be glad to get response from you sincerely sandeep joshi

    sandeep joshi -May 02, 2005

    Voltage fluctuation and dry running are the two basic problems in running a domestic pump with such circuits. Please add such characteristics to your circuit.

    pranab -March 09, 2005

    I would like to request that Mr. Gene Rozea draw the circuit incorporating his comments. Thanks.

    Glmenil -February 06, 2005

    Found that the circuit appeared to be misdrawn: Junction of R3 - D1 anode U1 pin4 should all be ground. Also, the LM311 outoput transistor turns off when the non inverting pin is more positive than the inverting. Senosr "B" should be to pin 3 and the reference to pin 2. Works well. Also found that the floating on sensor B caused the input voltage to be above the reference value - add a pulldown - 2.7 meg to ground to fix that.

    Gene Rozea -December 22, 2004

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