Why make it complicated when it can be simple? Rope probes: a tried and tested technique

There are a number of options and a variety of sensors for level measurement. The popular hydrostatic level measurement is and remains a classic, especially as intelligent rope probes from ipf are particularly suitable for this purpose.

The functionality of rope probes is based on the determination of hydrostatic pressure. The physical principle describes the effect of the weight of a stationary, i.e. flow-free, liquid on a measuring point. The difference between the pressures at the surface of the liquid and at the bottom of the tank, which is generated by the height of the liquid column, is measured. The measured pressure difference is thus a direct measure of the filling level and the height of the liquid via the sensor.

Due to their high precision in application, rope probes are particularly suitable for liquid media such as water, waste water, solvents, oil sludge, grease and much more. The sensors also promise a number of advantages. Only one sensor is required to implement the level control. For the specific application, only the appropriate device for the container height with the corresponding pressure range is required. No further settings are necessary with the easy-to-install sensor. In addition, rope probes are completely maintenance-free and enable very accurate and continuous level measurement that is not affected by environmental conditions, e.g. electrical fields.

Rope probes consist of a sensor and an evaluation unit, which are connected to a carrying cable for voltage supply and signal transmission. The sensor is lowered into a container with the aid of the carrying cable. So-called cable clamps are used to secure the "hanging" installation. Alternatively, the sensor can also be screwed into a container wall laterally from the outside. For hydrostatic level measurement, ipf electronic currently offers three sensors, whereby the FY98C300 (degree of protection IP68) is precisely matched to a water column of 1.50 m in height. The FY98C711 and FY98E214 (both IP68), on the other hand, are designed for pressure ranges of 0 to 0.2bar and 0 to 0.4bar respectively. All three rope probes are suitable for use in media with temperatures from -20°C to + 70°C.