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Sensor application: How can I detect liquid level through an insulating wall?
Please note - As of 01/09/23 the Telemecanique Sensors range is no longer part of Schneider Electric. This FAQ is now for reference only. For further information and contact details for Telemecanique Sensors, please visit their website; https://www.telemecaniquesensors.com/global/en.
Capacitive sensors can be used for sensing most materials but are particularly useful for sensing non metallic substances like plastic, wood, paper, glass etc which are not detectable with inductive sensors. They tend to work based on the mass of material so are very useful in hoppers etc. where contamination with dust and small particles is unlikely to effect their operation.
These characteristics also mean that they can sense material through a thin walled vessel, without having to penetrate the wall physically to install the sensor.
A good example is water level in a plastic tank:
In such a case, mount the sensor as close to the outside wall as possible without detecting the tank itself. In the case of a sensor with adjustable sensitivity it can be mounted very close or even touching the tank and the sensitivity turned down until it barely fails to detect the tank. If the tank wall is thin enough or of material that sensor simply does not detect then the sensor can be left on a high sensitivity setting. However, check the environment is suitable, making sure the sensor cannot then be triggered by small amounts of dust or debris collecting on or around the sensor.
Water level rising in the tank to the level of the sensor will have a dramatic effect on the capacitive sensing of the sensor and will turn on the sensor.
Please go to Telemecanique Sensors website for more information on their range of capacitive proximity sensors.
Capacitive sensors can be used for sensing most materials but are particularly useful for sensing non metallic substances like plastic, wood, paper, glass etc which are not detectable with inductive sensors. They tend to work based on the mass of material so are very useful in hoppers etc. where contamination with dust and small particles is unlikely to effect their operation.
These characteristics also mean that they can sense material through a thin walled vessel, without having to penetrate the wall physically to install the sensor.
A good example is water level in a plastic tank:
In such a case, mount the sensor as close to the outside wall as possible without detecting the tank itself. In the case of a sensor with adjustable sensitivity it can be mounted very close or even touching the tank and the sensitivity turned down until it barely fails to detect the tank. If the tank wall is thin enough or of material that sensor simply does not detect then the sensor can be left on a high sensitivity setting. However, check the environment is suitable, making sure the sensor cannot then be triggered by small amounts of dust or debris collecting on or around the sensor.
Water level rising in the tank to the level of the sensor will have a dramatic effect on the capacitive sensing of the sensor and will turn on the sensor.
Please go to Telemecanique Sensors website for more information on their range of capacitive proximity sensors.
Released for:Schneider Electric UK
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