Capacitive Level Sensors
A capacitive level sensor measures how the electrical capacitance between the probe and the tank wall changes with the material level around the probe. With no moving parts it also works in sticky, foamy or solids-laden materials.
Switch models for point detection have relay outputs; transmitter models for continuous measurement give 4–20 mA. The store range includes capacitive switches with 10 cm and 250 mm probes and a capacitive transmitter.
Main Applications
- Oil, fuel and solvent tanks
- Acid and alkaline solutions
- Flour, plastic granule and powder silos
- Sticky and foamy process liquids
- Boiler feed and proportional control
Technical Data
| Output | Switch: 1 NO/NC relay, 5 A / 250 V AC; transmitter: 4–20 mA |
|---|---|
| Supply | Switch 24 V DC; transmitter 9–36 V DC |
| Min. dielectric constant | 1.6 |
| Connection material | AISI 304; optional AISI 316 |
| Insulation | PTFE, PFA; optional PEEK, ceramic |
| Operating pressure | −1 … 100 bar (by model) |
| Operating temperature | −40 … +150 °C; 200 °C with cooling extension, PEEK 230 °C, ceramic 400 °C |
| Housing | PBT (IP66), aluminium or stainless (IP65) |
| Probe type | Insulated or bare rod, cable, with reference electrode |
| Stock probe lengths | 10 cm, 250 mm (product range) |
Material Options
| Part | Standard | High temperature / aggressive |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | AISI 304 | AISI 316 |
| Insulation | PTFE or PFA | PEEK or ceramic |
| Housing | PBT, IP66 | Aluminium or stainless, IP65 |
| Temperature | −40 … +150 °C | 230 °C (PEEK), 400 °C (ceramic) |
Which material? A capacitive sensor is calibrated to the dielectric constant of the measured material; if different materials alternate in the same tank, recalibration may be needed. For sticky materials choose a probe type that tolerates build-up.
Advantages
Liquids and Solids
- Two applications with one technology
No Moving Parts
- Low maintenance
Wide Temperature
- 400 °C with ceramic insulation
Switch or Transmitter
- Relay or 4–20 mA
Construction and Design Features
- Insulated or bare measuring probe
- Process connection
- Electronics housing
- Relay or analogue output terminal
Write the material, tank height and whether point or continuous measurement is required; we will define the probe and output together.
How to Choose?
- Define the materialIdentify liquid or solid and its dielectric value.
- Choose the measurementPick a switch for point and a transmitter for continuous level.
- Select the probeChoose insulation suited to build-up and temperature.
- Plan calibrationSet empty and full during commissioning.
Complementary Products
Why ORFA?
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Details →Solids Level Switches
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Details →Radar Level Transmitters
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Level Control Panels and Sensors
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Liquid Level Electrodes
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Float Level Switches
Float level switches change contact by means of a float moving with the liquid level and control a pump or alarm.
Details →Float Valves
Float valves open when the water level in a tank drops and close when it is full, keeping the level mechanically.
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Tank Level Switches
Tank level switches signal at set levels in storage tanks to control filling, emptying and alarms.
Details →Get a quote for your project
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