Level detection using capacitive proximity sensors
Determining the level of contents in tanks, hoppers, and silos has presented problems to process engineers for many years. Accurate level control of powders and granular materials is mandatory to maintain control over inventories, processes, and budgets. This article discusses the advances in capacitive technology and the proper operation and installation of capacitive proximity sensors.
Capacitive level probes introduced to the market in the late 1950s and early 1960s when electronics began making its way into the industrial control field. Although the capacitive level probes of that era were very crude by today's standards, in some cases they proved to be the answer process engineers were waiting for.