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Address: Shahrah-e-Liaquat,
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Call Us: +92 319 3961178
Email Us: info@sshussain.com
Quick Answer
If your level or flow instrument gives a wrong reading, sets off a false alarm, or looks damaged, check it. This does not always mean it is broken. Tannery wastewater has chromium, sulfide, chloride, and fat in it. This mix rusts metal parts and coats the sensor faster than normal wastewater does. Check the wiring, the calibration, and the material first. If the problem is still there, the instrument may need cleaning, a better type of instrument, or a full replacement.
Why Tannery Wastewater Is Different
Tannery wastewater has chromium from tanning, sulfide from cleaning the hides, chloride, and a lot of fat and waste material. This causes two different problems. Chloride and sulfide rust metal parts, fittings, and welds. Fat and waste material build up on the sensor and cause wrong readings. Knowing which one is happening tells you what to fix.
Sign 1: Your Level Reading Doesn’t Match the Tank
Ultrasonic level meters get confused by foam and steam. Guided wave radar and high frequency radar handle this better, since foam and steam bother them less. But dirt on the probe, or the sensor placed at a bad angle, can still cause wrong readings over time.
Check these before you replace anything:
- The real tank level, using a dip tape, sight glass, or another instrument
- Signal strength. A weak signal usually means dirt buildup. A sudden jump usually means loose parts or something blocking it
- Power, wiring, and grounding
- Calibration
If the reading is still wrong after this, the instrument may need cleaning, moving to a better spot, or replacing.
Sign 2: Your Alarms Go Off Without a Real Problem
This is usually caused by wrong settings, loose wiring, weak power, or normal things like foam or a pump turning on. It is not always a damaged sensor. This happens a lot with tuning fork level switches, which are used to warn about high or low levels.
Check these first:
- Alarm settings
- Wiring and power
- Grounding and electrical noise
- Whether the alarm actually matches what’s really happening in the tank
Sign 3: You Can See Damage on the Instrument
This is the easiest sign to catch. If you see damage, don’t wait to see if the reading proves it.
Look for:
- Rust on welds, screws, or mounting parts
- Cracks on the sensor body
- Loose or rusted wires
- A seal that doesn’t close properly anymore
The material matters a lot here. Regular stainless steel can get small holes when it’s exposed to this much chloride and sulfide. Ask your supplier what corrosion-resistant material options are available for your instrument before you buy the same part again. If the same instrument keeps rusting, the wrong material was probably used from the start.
Sign 4: Your Reports Don’t Match What You See On-Site
If your report looks fine on paper, but the tank looks or smells wrong, check it. Don’t assume the sensor is broken right away.
This kind of mismatch can come from a bad sensor, a bad sample, a change in the process, or a sensor that’s out of calibration. Check with another method first. A wrong reading alone usually will not cause a fine, since regulators check real test results. But bad data makes it harder to catch a real problem early, like high chromium levels.
Sign 5: The Instrument Is Old and Keeps Needing Repair
There’s no fixed number of years an instrument should last. It depends on the type, how harsh the wastewater is, and how well it’s maintained.
An instrument placed in raw wastewater before treatment wears out faster than one placed after treatment. If you keep repairing the same instrument, it may be cheaper in the long run to switch to a better-suited one instead of fixing the same one again and again.
What to Check Before You Replace Anything
| Step | What It Tells You |
| Check the real level or flow | Confirms if the problem is the instrument or the tank |
| Check signal strength | Weak signal means dirt. Sudden jump means debris |
| Check wiring, power, and grounding | Rules out electrical problems |
| Check calibration | Rules out drift |
| Check the material and seals | Confirms if the right material was used |
The Bottom Line
Most repeat problems come from using the wrong instrument or material for tannery wastewater. We supply guided wave radar, high frequency radar, ultrasonic level meters, tuning fork level switches, and flow meters (diesel, ultrasonic, oval gear, and vortex types) for different tanks and processes. Tell us where your instrument sits (before or after treatment) and your tank conditions, and we’ll help you pick the right one. Get a Quote
FAQs
How do I know if I need cleaning or a new instrument?
Check the real tank level first. If cleaning and recalibrating fix the reading, you don’t need to replace it.
Why does tannery wastewater rust instruments faster?
Chloride and sulfide from tanning and hide cleaning attack metal and seals faster than normal wastewater. Regular stainless steel can get small holes from this.
Which instrument works best for tannery wastewater?
Guided wave and high frequency radar usually handle foam and rough conditions better than ultrasonic. The best choice still depends on your tank and setup.
How long should these instruments last?
There’s no fixed number. It depends on the material, where it’s placed, and how it’s maintained. Ask your supplier for a realistic estimate for your setup.
Should I replace one instrument or check the others too?
Replace the one that failed, but also check similar instruments that are the same age or in the same conditions.