Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Level Feedback with Capacitive Sensors

By Design World Staff | July 13, 2009

Share

Capacitive sensors are well-known for presence detection of non-metallic materials in the packaging or plastic assembly industry. Even though these types of applications seem to be ideal for capacitive technology, it’s in non-invasive, liquid level detection that they show their real strength.

july-sensor-1.jpg
Fill hoppers usually need simple low level detection to assure continuous supply of material during the filling process.

Capacitive sensors use circular electrodes to detect a change in the capacitance of a material as it enters its electrostatic field. Most sensors offer an adjustment to modify the amount of capacitance change at which the output should activate. All materials have a specific dielectric constant, which affects the permeability of energy through the electro-static field from one electrode to another. Aqueous liquids like water have a very high dielectric constant whereas materials like plastic, glass, or paper have very low constants.

july-sensor-2.jpg
The self-adjusting capacitive sensor operates accurately for an indefinite amount of time regardless of debris build up and/or the presence of heavy foam, eliminating downtime and production loss. No false triggering, no maintenance, no process interruptions.

Here lies the specific advantage of capacitive sensors. Attached to a plastic wall or container, capacitive sensors can be adjusted to the point where they ignore the wall material, but detect any material change inside the container.

Unlike other point-level indication sensors that are specifically designed to detect powders, solids, and liquids, capacitive sensors offer non-invasive level detection for a broad array of applications. From large silo bulk solid detection applications like wood pellets, to small scale lab automation
challenges like liquid levels in ampoules, capacitive sensors offer a reliable and versatile option to today’s level sensing applications.

july-sensor-3.jpg
For quick retrofit applications, capacitive sensors in conjunction with bypass tubes on large silos and tanks prove to be a solid and cost effective solution for level indication feedback.

Liquid level applications have recently benefited from new advancements in capacitive sensing technology. Sensors now operate more reliably by automatically compensating for foam, film, and material build-up, while accurately sensing aqueous or high conductive liquids through walls up to 12 mm thick. They significantly reduces costs for maintenance and installation, since they do not require any initial setup procedure or user interaction to work consistently and safely in virtually all liquid level applications.

Balluff Inc.
www.balluff.com

::Design World::


Filed Under: Sensors (position + other), Test + measurement • test equipment

 

Tell Us What You Think!

Related Articles Read More >

mti
Portable signal simulator works with jet engine vibration measurement/balancing systems
MTI
Portable engine balancing system for business and regional jets
moog
Test controller features compact footprint, 5 kHz loop rate
SAKOR Technologies’ new dynamometer line to meet international environmental standards

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Industrial disc pack couplings
  • Pushing performance: Adding functionality to terminal blocks
  • Get to Know Würth Industrial Division
  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard

Design World Podcasts

July 26, 2022
Tech Tuesdays: Sorbothane marks 40 years of shock and vibration innovation
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings