Also known as radio frequency (RF) level sensors or admittance level sensors, capacitance level sensors are measurement devices that operate within low MHz radio frequencies while measuring the admittance (how conductive an alternating current circuit is) and how that admittance varies with the level of material.
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SOR Inc.Lenexa, KS 800-676-6794, 913-956-3078 SOR® manufactures a full line of pressure, differential pressure, temperature, vacuum and level switches that are certified fit for use in SIL (Safety Integrity Level) environments. We are one of only a few manufacturers to offer its entire range of switches certified to the IEC 61508 standard. Our fundamentals include superior quality, excellent service and quick delivery.
Dwyer Instruments, Inc.Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 Since the company was founded in 1931, customers have come to recognize Dwyer Instruments Inc. to stand for quality, reliability and low cost products, including capacitance level sensors. As a leading manufacturer in the controls and instrumentation industry, we continue to grow and serve major markets including, but not limited to HVAC, chemical, food, oil and gas and pollution control.
AMETEK DrexelbrookHorsham, PA 800-553-9092 At AMATEK Drexelbrook, our prestigious position in measurement technology stems from a unique combination of application expertise, innovative product design and a breadth of technology offerings that we continue to expand. Drexelbrook pioneered, and continues to advance, RF admittance level instrumentation. Today, we also offer products like capacitance level sensors.
Gems Sensors & ControlsPlainville, CT 800-378-1600 Gems Sensors & Controls is a leading manufacturer of switch products like capacitance level switches, pressure switches, pressure transducers, flow switches, miniature solenoid valves, proximity switches and liquid level control units for use in a broad range of fluids across industry. Gems products feature an ever-expanding selection of fluidic and pressure sensing technologies.
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As electronic devices, capacitance level sensors are capable of measuring the variance in levels of not only aqueous and organic liquid materials, but also slurries, sludge and solids such as coke, fly ash, sewage and dehydrated cake. Because of their wide-ranging material measuring capabilities, capacitance level sensors are utilized in a broad spectrum of industries, including chemical processing, in which they are used to measure the levels of liquid chemicals such as quicklime; industrial manufacturing, for level control of processing applications; automotive, where they can be used for the measurement of fuel and oil levels; food and beverage, for sanitary level control of solid and liquid food items; and water treatment, in which they are used for level control in the wastewater treatment process. Capacitance level sensors also work exceptionally well for applications requiring the level control of materials such as dielectric constants.
Capacitance level sensors are fairly complicated small electronic devices. However, the main parts of a capacitance level sensor are an alternating current (AC) power supply, an admittance transducer, a ground resistor, a sealing gland, a sensing probe and a ground reference (typically the bottom of the tank that the material is being held within). The AC power source provides the sensor with the correct level of radio frequencies in order to properly operate. The admittance transducer and ground resistor are the two main parts of the AC power source. A sealing gland is used to cover the hole that is required in order for the capacitance level sensor to be inserted into the tank within measuring distance of the material. The sensing probe makes contact with the material to be monitored and alters the rest of the capacitance level sensor to any changes in the level of the material. The grounding reference is simply used to ensure that the electrical current is grounded to the earth in some fashion in order to protect against the danger of electrical shock. Containing no moving parts, capacitance level sensors can be mounted at the top of the tank, the side or the bottom.