For years Cross Point has been developing and manufacturing Sensors capable of detecting the quantity of Liquid inside a Container (non-conductive, even of irregular shape), using Capacitive Technology, therefore without the need for ‘Contact’ with the liquid object of the measurement.
The Capacitive Level Sensor represents a proven solution for measuring with a high degree of accuracy, making it perfect for use to detect various kind of liquids, designing their unique characteristics based on viscosity. It is supplied in the form of a small PCB device (compact dimensions that facilitate its installation in various types of applications and different Devices, both in the Professional and Consumer fields) which must be fixed directly to the non-metallic tank (by means of adhesive or maintained ‘under pressure’, to minimize the air gap).
In the case of removable containers it is possible to customize the shape and material of the sensor in order to guarantee the best coupling between the Sensor and the Tank when this is inserted. More and more required then, especially recently, is the configuration as Multi-Level; this allows to discriminate with a single Board a level variation condition based on the load or the area of use, accurately detecting the amount of liquid even in the face of a continuous change in conditions.
Capacitive level sensors: how do they work?
The correct functioning of a Capacitive Level Sensor largely depends on the relationship between the tank and the liquid contained in it. Whatever the shape of the tank (it being understood that the material that constitutes it must absolutely be of the dielectric type), using an algorithm based on the measurement of the differential
response of two sensors placed on the same substrate this device allows to recognize the liquid level upon ignition without the need for continuous calibrations.
Calibrations that can be introduced automatically and continuously, according to the final application, to ensure a constant reading and verification of the conditions of use, as well as to discriminate the possible accidental presence of limescale or other elements that could modify the correct reading by the device.
In its basic configuration, the Capacitive Level Sensor requires an external power supply (5 Vdc or 6 / 24Vdc), providing an open collector output as an alarm.
The behavior of the output (‘full’ or ’empty’ alarm), the communication protocol, the thickness and material of the tank are elements that contribute to the customization of the relative FW, in the case of ‘Custom’ applications.
Capacitive level sensor: the advantages
In addition to the wide range of materials and applications in which they can be used, capacitive level sensors offer several advantages:
- They are mechanically simple: they have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance;
- They do not involve direct contact with the liquid to be detected;
- tThanks to Calibration, they update their status based on changing environmental and use conditions
- The measuring principle is widely tested, efficient and safe;
- The probe is universally adaptable, both for point and continuous level measurements;
- Operation is reliable even in the presence of deposits and in fluids characterized by viscosity, discriminating their characteristics;
- Capacitive level sensors can also be used in the presence of irregularly shaped tanks.
What Cross Point can do for your business
The competence of the Cross Point R&D Team and the experience gained in the development of Capacitive Level Sensors that now find their place in various Devices already on the market, allows us to create totally “Made to Measure” solutions for the specific needs of different markets, overcoming calibration problems caused by various factors that may arise over time and in particular conditions of use, always guaranteeing a Quality Detection, even in Multi-Level configuration.