AUTOMATIC NON-CONTACT LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM WITH THE LIQUID ACCESSIBLE TO SMALL FOOD INDUSTRIES

Automation and process control are key to ensuring quality and efficiency in the food industry. However, small businesses face challenges in implementing automated systems due to the high cost of equipment available in the market. In this context, this study proposes the development of a low-cost liquid level monitoring and control system as an affordable technological alternative. The prototype was assembled with an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor for liquid level measurement, an Arduino Uno microcontroller for signal processing, a solenoid valve for flow control and an LCD display for viewing the results. The calibration of the sensor resulted in a linear regression with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9719, demonstrating high accuracy under static conditions. During dynamic testing, the system operated according to the user's pre-defined parameters, ensuring automatic adjustment of the liquid level. However, factors such as fluid inertia and splashing interfered with the accuracy of the readings, resulting in an average error of -4.7% ± 7.2%. The economic analysis indicated a total cost of R$236.78 for the construction of the prototype, with R$135.59 being the value of the control system alone, evidencing its feasibility as an affordable automation alternative. In addition, the modularity of the system allows adaptations for different industrial scenarios, making it a flexible and scalable solution for process optimization in the food industry.