Capacitive Level Transmitters
Capacitive level transmitters detect changes in capacitance as the level of water based liquids or bulk solids in a tank or vessel varies. The changes in capacitance that these transmitters detect are between the internal electrodes of the transmitter, so these devices measure levels either directly with the medium being sensed or, sometimes, with the use of non-contact level measurement techniques. This allows them to be used in aggressive media in several chemical processing and industrial applications.
The capacitive level sensors that are built into these transmitters can monitor liquids, including those that are water-based, as well as many types of solids. The sensors are versatile enough to function in a wide range of industrial environments. Their probes and electrodes detect capacitance change when levels of materials in conical tanks, for example, fluctuate. This kind of measured capacitance change is detected with a push-button switch. The signal generated by the switch is then amplified and processed so it can be read on a display or used for control purposes.
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More Information about Capacitive Level Transmitters
Capacitive level transmitters yield high precision and are well matched to many of the conditions often found in demanding processes. In situations that require accurate detection of liquid or bulk solid levels, they perform at a level that meets or exceeds the type of normal error tolerance expectations one would associate with a level that is not supposed to move. When it comes to level monitoring of liquids, or hazardous and non-hazardous materials of almost any type, capacitive level transmitters do what one's run-of-the-mill level transmitter can do, but with fewer mechanical parts to break and with high accuracy.
FAQs
Do capacitive level transmitters have to have direct contact with conductive media in order to produce a capacitive level measurement?
No, capacitive level transmitters do not always require direct contact with conductive media to produce a capacitive level measurement, as they can also measure levels through non-contact methods depending on the application and sensor design.
Transmitters vs Transducers
Some of the most common types of transmitters and transducers can be found on pressure instruments. Examples of these include: drop-in well pressure devices and devices that measure the pressure in a pipe or gas chamber. Transmitters and transducers can also be found on flow and speed measurement devices.
What is the difference between transmitters and transducers?
The main difference is the way they send data to the monitoring device, like a PLC. In terms of measurement, the transmitter will reference a measuring unit by sending a milliamp signal (such as 4-20 mA). A transducer will reference a measuring unit by sending a voltage signal, typically in volts or millivolts.
Why have the two different types of transmission methods?
The method will depend on the application. If the electrical connection in the application travels a short distance, a pressure transducer is the better choice. Pressure transducers are smaller with fewer active electronic components that can be upset by electromagnetic interference. Also, the voltage signals transmitted over longer distances are subject to voltage drop and signal corruption. A transmitter is better for transmitting signals over a long distance.