Level measurement is one of the most universally required functions in industrial process control, and one of the most technically diverse. From monitoring liquid levels in storage tanks and process vessels to detecting solids in silos, slurries in sumps, and interfaces between immiscible liquids in separators, the range of applications, and the range of technologies available to address them — is broader than almost any other measurement discipline.
For process engineers and instrumentation specialists at industrial facilities across Quebec, selecting the right level measurement technology is a decision with long-term consequences. A technology that is well-matched to the application will deliver years of reliable, low-maintenance operation. A poor match, whether due to incompatibility with the process fluid, inadequate performance in the vessel geometry, or a technology that cannot tolerate the process conditions, leads to chronic measurement problems, excessive maintenance, and ultimately, a costly replacement.
This guide provides a structured framework for evaluating level measurement instrumentation in Quebec, comparing the most widely used technologies, and identifying the selection criteria that matter most for your specific application. It also explains what to look for when choosing an industrial level measurement supplier in Quebec with the application engineering expertise to recommend the right solution and support it over its full operating life.
What Is Industrial Level Measurement?
Industrial level measurement refers to the continuous or point detection of the height of a liquid, solid, slurry, or powder within a vessel, tank, silo, or open body. Level measurement instruments are classified into two broad categories: continuous level sensors, which provide an analog output proportional to the level across the full measurement range, and point level sensors, which detect the presence or absence of material at a single discrete point, typically used for high-level alarms, low-level alarms, and pump protection.
The choice between continuous and point measurement, and among the many available technologies within each category, depends on the fluid properties, vessel geometry, process conditions, required accuracy, and regulatory or safety requirements of the application.
The Seven Most Common Level Measurement Technologies
Understanding the operating principle and application envelope of each technology is the foundation of a good selection decision.
Radar level transmitters (also called guided wave radar or free-space radar) measure level by emitting microwave pulses toward the liquid or solid surface and measuring the time of flight of the reflected signal. Free-space radar is non-contact and non-intrusive, making it ideal for aggressive, corrosive, or high-temperature liquids, as well as for solids and powders in silos. A radar level transmitter in Quebec is increasingly the technology of choice for demanding applications where other technologies struggle, including foaming liquids, turbulent surfaces, vapour-laden atmospheres, and high-pressure vessels. CTH distributes the Foxboro Level Wave Radar series, which provides a universal measurement solution for all liquids including corrosive, viscous, sticky, and foaming media, as well as solids.
Ultrasonic level sensors measure level by emitting ultrasonic pulses toward the surface and measuring the echo return time. They are non-contact, require no process penetration, and are well-suited for clean liquids, water and wastewater, and open channel flow measurement. An ultrasonic level sensor in Canada is a cost-effective and reliable choice for applications where the process fluid is not aggressive, the temperature and pressure are moderate, and the vessel geometry is straightforward. CTH distributes Pulsar Process Measurement ultrasonic instruments for level, volume, open channel flow, and sludge interface measurement across a wide range of industrial applications.
RF admittance (RF capacitance) level sensors measure level by detecting the change in electrical admittance between a probe and the vessel wall as the material level changes. They are highly versatile, capable of measuring liquids, slurries, solids, and powders, and are available in configurations for high-temperature, high-pressure, and hazardous area applications. Ametek Drexelbrook, CTH’s primary level measurement brand, is the global leader in RF admittance technology, with probe designs specifically engineered for applications including hot oil measurement at extreme temperatures, LNG at cryogenic temperatures as low as -350°C, and leak detection in pipeline pump recovery tanks.
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) / guided wave radar sensors transmit microwave pulses along a probe inserted into the vessel and detect the reflection from the liquid surface. They are less affected by vapour, foam, and turbulence than free-space radar, making them well-suited for interface measurement, agitated vessels, and applications with low dielectric constant media. Ametek Drexelbrook offers TDR-based level transmitters as part of its eight-technology portfolio.
Magnetostrictive level transmitters provide extremely high-accuracy continuous level measurement for clean liquids in tanks, using a magnetostrictive wire and a float. They are the preferred technology for custody transfer tank gauging and high-accuracy inventory management in petroleum storage and chemical tank farms.
Hydrostatic pressure transmitters measure level by detecting the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of a vessel, which is proportional to the liquid height and density. They are simple, reliable, and cost-effective for open tanks and wells, and are widely used in water and wastewater treatment, municipal reservoirs, and groundwater monitoring applications.
Nuclear (radiometric) level measurement provides a completely non-invasive measurement solution for the most challenging applications, including vessels containing toxic, caustic, explosive, or carcinogenic materials, and processes operating at extreme temperatures or pressures. The Ronan X90 system, available through CTH, mounts entirely externally to the vessel with no process penetration required, making it the only viable technology for applications where vessel modifications or process shutdowns for maintenance are not acceptable.
Comparing Level Measurement Technologies for Common Industrial Applications
| Technology | Contact/Non-Contact | Best Applications | Key Limitation |
| Free-space radar | Non-contact | Aggressive liquids, solids, foam, high temp/pressure | Higher cost vs. ultrasonic |
| Guided wave radar (TDR) | Contact (probe) | Interface measurement, low dielectric liquids, agitated vessels | Probe fouling in viscous media |
| Ultrasonic | Non-contact | Clean liquids, water/wastewater, open channel | Not suitable for foam, vapour, or vacuum |
| RF admittance | Contact (probe) | Liquids, slurries, solids, extreme temp/pressure | Requires probe cleaning in fouling applications |
| Magnetostrictive | Contact (float) | High-accuracy tank gauging, custody transfer | Not suitable for slurries or solids |
| Hydrostatic pressure | Contact | Open tanks, wells, water/wastewater | Affected by density changes |
| Nuclear (radiometric) | Non-contact/external | Toxic, caustic, extreme conditions | Regulatory requirements for radioactive sources |
Key Selection Criteria for Level Measurement Instrumentation in Quebec
Selecting the right technology requires a systematic evaluation of the application parameters. The following criteria are the most important to assess before specifying a level measurement instrument.
Fluid properties — including whether the medium is liquid, solid, slurry, or powder; its dielectric constant; its viscosity and tendency to foul; and whether it is conductive, corrosive, or hazardous, are the primary drivers of technology selection. RF admittance and guided wave radar are the most versatile technologies for difficult fluids. Non-contact radar and ultrasonic sensors are preferred when probe fouling or process contamination is a concern.
Process conditions — including operating temperature, pressure, and the presence of vapour, foam, or turbulence, determine which technologies can physically perform in the application. Radar and nuclear measurement are the most tolerant of extreme conditions. Ultrasonic sensors are limited by vapour and foam. Magnetostrictive transmitters are limited to moderate temperatures and clean liquids.
Vessel geometry and installation constraints — including tank height, nozzle size and location, and the presence of internal agitators, heating coils, or structural obstructions, affect which technologies can be installed and will perform reliably. Non-contact radar and ultrasonic sensors require a clear line of sight to the surface. Guided wave radar and RF admittance probes must be sized and positioned to avoid contact with vessel internals.
Accuracy and output requirements — including whether the application requires a 4-20 mA analog output, digital communication (HART, Modbus, PROFIBUS), or relay outputs for point level alarms, determine the appropriate instrument specification and integration approach.
Why CTH Industrial Controls Is Quebec’s Trusted Level Measurement Partner
CTH Industrial Controls has been supplying and supporting level measurement instrumentation in Quebec for over 50 years. As the authorized distributor for Ametek Drexelbrook, which manufactures products using eight different level measurement technologies, as well as Foxboro, Pulsar, Ronan, and SOR, CTH offers the most comprehensive level measurement portfolio available from a single supplier in Eastern Canada.
More importantly, CTH brings the application engineering expertise to evaluate your specific process conditions and recommend the right technology from across its full portfolio, not just the technology it happens to have in stock. Whether you need a radar level transmitter in Quebec for a challenging petrochemical application, an ultrasonic level sensor in Canada for a water treatment facility, or a nuclear measurement system for a vessel that cannot be penetrated, CTH’s technical team has the experience to get it right.
Ready to specify your level measurement solution? Visit cth.ca/solutions/level-measurement or call 450-671-2181 to speak with a level measurement specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best level measurement technology for industrial tanks in Quebec?
The best level measurement technology for industrial tanks in Quebec depends on the fluid properties and process conditions. For aggressive, corrosive, or foaming liquids, a non-contact radar level transmitter is typically the best choice. For clean liquids at moderate temperatures, an ultrasonic level sensor is a cost-effective option. For extreme applications involving toxic or caustic materials, nuclear (radiometric) measurement provides a fully non-invasive solution. CTH Industrial Controls can evaluate your specific application and recommend the right technology from its full portfolio.
What is the difference between a radar level transmitter and an ultrasonic level sensor?
A radar level transmitter uses microwave pulses and is unaffected by vapour, foam, temperature changes, and most process conditions, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications. An ultrasonic level sensor uses sound waves and is a cost-effective non-contact option for clean liquids and water applications, but is limited by foam, vapour, and vacuum conditions. CTH distributes both technologies and can help you determine which is right for your application.
Who is the best industrial level measurement supplier in Quebec?
CTH Industrial Controls is one of Quebec’s most experienced industrial level measurement suppliers, with over 50 years of application expertise and authorized distributor relationships with Ametek Drexelbrook, Foxboro, Pulsar, Ronan, and SOR. CTH offers eight level measurement technologies from a single supplier, supported by technical application engineering and after-sales service across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
What level measurement technology is best for measuring solids and powders in silos in Quebec?
For solids and powders in silos, free-space radar is typically the preferred technology, as it is non-contact, unaffected by dust and vapour, and capable of measuring through difficult surface conditions including uneven powder surfaces and material buildup. The Foxboro Level Wave Radar series, available through CTH, is designed specifically for solids applications. RF admittance probes from Ametek Drexelbrook are also used for point level detection in silos and hoppers.
Can RF admittance level sensors measure hot oil and cryogenic liquids in Quebec industrial facilities?
Yes. Ametek Drexelbrook’s RF admittance probes, available through CTH, are specifically engineered for extreme temperature applications. The ceramic-construction probe is designed for very high temperature hot oil applications, while the RF admittance technology is also rated for cryogenic LNG applications at temperatures as low as -350°C. This versatility makes RF admittance one of the most widely applicable level measurement technologies in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries.