Easy to install capacitive level detection

As is well known, capacitive sensors can be used to detect any electrically conductive medium whose relative dielectric constant is sufficiently high. As this applies to most liquid and solid substances and in many cases detection is even possible through non-metallic container walls, this measuring method is ideal for contactless level detection, among other things.

In principle, almost any flush-mounted capacitive sensor is suitable for this purpose. However, ipf electronic's portfolio includes various solutions that are particularly suitable for use in level detection systems due to their special design, housing materials, durability against environmental influences, etc. A good example of this is the KBQC0100 capacitive sensor. The first striking feature of this sensor is its design. Thanks to its flat design with a height of just 8 mm, the device can even be accommodated in tight spaces. The housing has through-holes with a diameter of 3.2 mm for screw mounting, as well as perpendicular and horizontal recesses to accommodate cable straps or strap retainers.

Two LEDs are integrated into the plastic housing (PA) with a degree of protection of IP68 to signal the voltage supply present and the switching states of the PNP normally open contact output. The sensor can be calibrated to an empty or filled container via the teach-in line (permanently connected, 2 m long PVC cable). The operating range available for this is between 0 and 10mm in front of the active surface.

A feature of the sensor that is sometimes very useful in practice is the test function. If the test mode is activated, the output switches on and off cyclically regardless of the current filling level of the container. This makes it very easy and convenient to check the downstream evaluation without having to change the filling level in the container or intervene in the wiring of the control (unit).