Conductivity Level Sensors
Introduction
Conductivity level switches make use of conductivity sensing technology or conductance method for liquid level detection. Conductance method of liquid measurement and control is considered to be very simple in operation. Their working depends upon the electrical conductance or conductivity of the process liquid being measured. The liquid under measurement can typically conduct a current with a low voltage power source having voltage usually less than 20 Volts. One common way to set up an electrical circuit is to use a dual-tip probe that eliminates the need for grounding a metal tank. Such probes are generally used for point level detection, and the detected point can be the interface between a conductive and nonconductive liquid.1
In this arrangement, two dual-tip probes are employed which are helpful in indicating the highest and lowest levels of fluid. As soon as the level of the liquid approaches the upper probe, a switch gets operated to activate the discharge pump whereas when the level drops below and approaches the lower probe, the switch gets deactivated and the pump gets stopped.
The conductive probes operate by means of differences in the electrical resistance between the reference electrode and the level control electrode. These sensors tend to detect the electrical resistance when the level electrodes get submerged in the process fluid. An electrically conductive tank wall can be used as the reference electrode. If the tank is made of plastic, concrete, or any other nonconductive material, an additional electrode is required as a reference.2
Main Features
Key features of conductivity level sensors are listed below:
- These switches provide an extremely cost-effective solution for liquid level measurement.
- They are very simple to install and safe to use.
- They usually give maintenance free service.
- They generally have a rugged construction.
- They are available in different models. Some of them are provided with fixed rigid rods, some with removable rigid rods and many others with pendular electrodes. These electrodes are basically connected to the cable housings.
- These liquid level sensors are designed in such a way that they can work with almost all conductive mediums. Besides, they can provide level control up to 5 or more different points.
Applications
Conductance-based level switches can be adapted to work with a variety of applications. Following are the major applications of these liquid level switches:
- They can be applied for both high/ low-level alarm indication as well as pump valve control.
- They can be employed in cases of run-dry protection and tanks overfill also.