What is an Evaporation Sensor | How does it work?

Introduction

Evaporation sensors measure the rate of evaporation of water. It is used by researchers to analyze the climate and take readings, whereas farmers use it for making a budget. A conventional evaporimeter is a large & bulky setup used for the same purpose. But, modern electronic evaporation sensors are way too small and does not need a hectic setup to get it up and running.

Almost all modern evaporation sensors come in a plug and play mode. You can connect it to any evaporation pan setup and gather readings. The readings are usually taken every 10 minutes or less. The voltage readings from the sensor are then converted to water evaporation rate equivalents.

How does it work?

Evaporation sensors are electronic devices. They measure the decrease in the amount of water to calculate the evaporation rate. They find applications mostly in evaporation pan for studies. An evaporation sensor gathers the water level reading at certain intervals of time. This analog data is then stored in the data logger in digital form. The data logger allows the user to read the data in evaporation rate equivalence.

Specifications

There is a wide range of evaporation sensors, from cheap ones to accurate expensive ones. Each evaporation sensor is rated for a range from Xmm to Ymm. An inexpensive pressure type sensor provides a range of 30mm to 300mm. But, more precise electric probe variants offer a range from 0mm to 1000mm. The resolution of different type of sensors also differ. The cheap ones come with a linear resolution of 10mm whereas more accurate models even feature 0.1mm resolution.

However, the voltage and current ratings are very similar irrespective of their type. Evaporation sensors are usually rated for 12V voltage. The output current may range somewhere between 4-20mA as well. Most accurate sensors are rated for a particular output current value(let’s say 12mA), whereas the cheaper ones are rated for a range of values(4-20mA).

Choosing the right one for you

When we talk about finding a good product, we are mentioning a product that meets our requirements. Similarly, there is no best sensor, but there might be a sensor that fulfills your need. If you are a researcher making precise readings for your research, you should not settle for the cheaper sensors. Else, if you are a farmer trying to make a budget analysis, you might not need a high-end precise electric probe type sensor. Contact any manufacturer to find what is best for your system.

Almost all modern evaporation sensors come in a plug and play mode. You can connect it to any evaporation pan setup and gather readings. The readings are usually taken every 10 minutes or less. The voltage readings from the sensor are then converted to water evaporation rate equivalents.

How does it work?

Evaporation sensors are electronic devices. They measure the decrease in the amount of water to calculate the evaporation rate. They find applications mostly in evaporation pan for studies. An evaporation sensor gathers the water level reading at certain intervals of time. This analog data is then stored in the data logger in digital form. The data logger allows the user to read the data in evaporation rate equivalence.

Specifications

There is a wide range of evaporation sensors, from cheap ones to accurate expensive ones. Each evaporation sensor is rated for a range from Xmm to Ymm. An inexpensive pressure type sensor provides a range of 30mm to 300mm. But, more precise electric probe variants offer a range from 0mm to 1000mm. The resolution of different type of sensors also differ. The cheap ones come with a linear resolution of 10mm whereas more accurate models even feature 0.1mm resolution.

However, the voltage and current ratings are very similar irrespective of their type. Evaporation sensors are usually rated for 12V voltage. The output current may range somewhere between 4-20mA as well. Most accurate sensors are rated for a particular output current value(let’s say 12mA), whereas the cheaper ones are rated for a range of values(4-20mA).

Choosing the right one for you

When we talk about finding a good product, we are mentioning a product that meets our requirements. Similarly, there is no best sensor, but there might be a sensor that fulfills your need. If you are a researcher making precise readings for your research, you should not settle for the cheaper sensors. Else, if you are a farmer trying to make a budget analysis, you might not need a high-end precise electric probe type sensor. Contact any manufacturer to find what is best for your system.