Elvaco LoRaWAN Ultrasonic Level Sensors

Powered by Proven Elsys Technology for Containers, Sewers and Cisterns

Reliable monitoring of containers, sewers and cisterns is essential for utilities and industrial operators - whether dealing with waste, wastewater or rainwater. Manual inspections are not only time-consuming and error-prone, but also costly.

A modern level sensor addresses these challenges by providing precise measurement data without the need for on-site inspections. Technologies such as ultrasound enable accurate level detection even in demanding environments.

With a LoRaWAN level sensor, the solution becomes even smarter. Non-contact measurement, battery-powered operation and flexible installation enable continuous monitoring in hard-to-access locations.

These sensors provide real-time data, support demand-based emptying instead of fixed service intervals, and significantly reduce operating costs by eliminating manual inspections and two-person safety procedures. At the same time, operational safety increases through reliable early warnings - for example in the event of rising water levels or flooding.

Level Measurement Technologies at a Glance – Ultrasonic, Capacitive and Hydrostatic

A level sensor can be based on different measurement technologies, depending on the medium, installation environment and required accuracy.

• Ultrasonic level sensors operate without contact by measuring the distance to the liquid surface using sound waves. They are ideally suited for applications such as cisterns, water tanks, containers and sewers. The use of an ultrasonic level sensor is particularly common due to its robustness, flexibility and wide range of applications. 

• Radar level sensors: Operate non-contact using electromagnetic waves (microwaves) and are well suited for demanding environments where ultrasonic measurement reaches its limits, such as vapor, condensation, foam or outdoor installations. Radar sensors can reliably measure through non-conductive materials or protective housings, enabling enclosed and low-maintenance installations. 

• Capacitive level sensors respond to changes in electrical capacitance and are suitable for certain liquids and bulk materials. They typically require direct contact with the medium, which makes them less flexible in wet or aggressive environments. 

• Hydrostatic level sensors measure the pressure exerted by a column of liquid on the sensor. They are well established in traditional applications such as wastewater tanks or industrial liquids, but usually require more maintenance.

For utilities and industrial use cases, non-contact ultrasonic level sensors offer clear advantages: no buildup on the sensor, reduced maintenance effort, flexible installation and high operational reliability.

LoRaWAN as a Game Changer for Level Monitoring in Utilities and Industry

A LoRaWAN level sensor takes established level measurement technologies - such as ultrasonic, capacitive or hydrostatic sensing - to the next level. In addition, modern radar-based level sensors expand the range of applications, especially in demanding outdoor environments where conventional technologies reach their limits.

The combination of low-power wide-area connectivity and robust sensor technology delivers clear operational advantages in day-to-day use:

• Battery-powered operation: Typical battery lifetimes of up to five years, even with short measurement and transmission intervals. 

• Flexible installation: Independent of fixed power supplies, enabling deployment in remote or underground locations without electrical infrastructure. 

• Real-time data availability: Fill levels of sewers, containers or tanks are accessible at any time, enabling demand-driven servicing instead of fixed schedules. 

• Broader technology choice: In addition to ultrasonic sensors, radar-based level sensors are available that measure precise distances and can operate reliably through housings or non-metallic materials. 

• Seamless system integration: Direct integration into existing IoT, SCADA or smart metering platforms for centralized monitoring and analysis.
  
  

The result is reliable monitoring of waste and water levels, early detection of risks such as overfilling or flooding, and significantly more efficient operational processes across multiple sites.

Practical Use Case with Elvaco: Sewer and Container Monitoring

Manual inspection of sewers, water levels or waste containers remains a daily challenge for many utilities and industrial operators. The process is inefficient, time-consuming and prone to error - especially when multiple locations must be monitored regularly. This is where modern ultrasonic level sensors demonstrate their strengths. Using proven sensor technology from the Elsys ELT range, distances and fill levels are measured accurately, with model-dependent measurement ranges of 0.3 to 5 metres or 0.3 to 10 metres and a resolution of 1 mm.

Measurement data is transmitted reliably via a LoRaWAN level sensor, even from locations without mains power or in hard-to-access underground environments. This enables continuous remote monitoring without the need for on-site inspections. The operational benefits are immediate: containers are emptied only when they are actually full, rather than according to fixed collection intervals. This reduces service costs, optimizes workforce deployment and improves overall safety - for example through early warnings when water levels in sewers begin to rise.

Elvaco Products in Focus – Powered by Elsys Sensor Technology

For these applications, Elvaco - together with its sister company Elsys - offers a range of robust, field-proven LoRaWAN level sensors designed for reliable operation in demanding environments.

• Elsys ELT LoRa: A compact outdoor sensor housed in an IP67 enclosure, suitable for harsh industrial and municipal conditions. The device supports analogue or digital inputs from external sensors and also includes integrated sensors for temperature, humidity, acceleration and atmospheric pressure. Typical battery lifetime is up to 10 years, depending on configuration and transmission intervals.

• Elsys ELT Ultrasonic 10m LoRa: Specifically designed for water level monitoring, waste container fill levels and cistern applications. This ultrasonic level sensordelivers accurate, non-contact measurements, operates on battery power and achieves a typical service life of up to five years, making it well suited for remote and hard-to-access locations. 

• Elsys ELT Distance Radar LoRa: A radar-based sensor in an IP67 enclosure for distance and level measurement. Using pulse-coherent radar technology, it measures distances from 15 to 15 metersand operates reliably even through non-metallic materials or protective housings. Typical use cases include smart parking, level monitoring and outdoor installations. In addition, the sensor records temperatures, humidity, air pressure and acceleration data.

All models can be configured easily via a mobile application, offer long battery lifetimes and integrate seamlessly into existing LoRaWAN networks - including qualified Elvaco gateways and network servers - for scalable, future-proof monitoring solutions.

High Value for Utilities and Industrial Operators

Using a LoRaWAN level sensor delivers clear benefits for municipalities, utilities and industrial organizations alike:

• Improved efficiency: Containers and sewers are serviced only when required, eliminating unnecessary data collection trips. 

• Sustainability: Fewer vehicle journeys result in lower emissions and reduced environmental impact. 

• Enhanced safety: Early warning capabilities for sewers and rising water levels increase operational and flood safety. 

• Cost efficiency: The investment typically pays for itself quickly by significantly reducing ongoing operating costs.

This transforms a conventional level sensor into an IoT-based monitoring solution that automates processes, reduces costs and measurably improves operational reliability.

Find out how Elvaco LoRaWAN level sensors, powered by proven Elsys technology, can make your monitoring processes more efficient and sustainable.

Contact Elvaco for Tailored LoRaWAN Level Sensor Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About Level Sensors

What is a level sensor? 

A level sensor measures how full a container, tank, cistern or similar asset is. It provides accurate level data and replaces manual inspections with automated, remote monitoring.

How does an ultrasonic level sensor work? 

An ultrasonic level sensor emits sound waves that are reflected by the surface of a liquid or material. The sensor calculates the distance based on the signal travel time and determines the current fill level.

Which technologies are used for level measurement? 

Common level measurement technologies include ultrasonic, radar, capacitive and hydrostatic methods. Ultrasonic sensors are non-contact and flexible, capacitive sensors detect changes in material properties, and hydrostatic sensors measure pressure caused by the liquid column.

What are the advantages of a LoRaWAN level sensor? 

A LoRaWAN level sensor enables long-range, wireless data transmission with low power consumption. It operates on battery power, requires no fixed power supply and is ideal for remote or hard-to-access locations.

Which applications are best suited for level sensors? 

Typical applications include cisterns, water tanks, sewers, wastewater systems and industrial containers. With LoRaWAN connectivity, these assets can be monitored remotely and in near real time.

How long does the battery of a level sensor last? 

Battery lifetime depends on the sensor model, transmission interval and environmental conditions. In many cases, battery operation of up to 10 years is achievable, enabling largely maintenance-free operation.

Are there any limitations to ultrasonic level measurement? 

Ultrasonic sensors can be affected by heavy foam, extreme temperatures or improper installation. In practice, these effects can usually be minimised through correct positioning, configuration and calibration.