Completely Contactless Level Detection with Continuous Measurement

Industrial automation increasingly requires precise and efficient sensor technologies, especially in the field of level measurement. With its new sensor platform EBE sensors + motion now also offers a powerful solution for the continuous, non-contact detection of filling levels of different media for larger filling heights.

The innovative approach allows for precise measurement in a range from a few millimeters to 10 cm (4 inches), with longer measuring ranges being realized at customer’s request. A key advantage of the new LCPB sensor generation is its ability to detect a wide range of media, including liquids, granules and powdered materials. The capacitive-based sensors offer a high degree of accuracy and are virtually insensitive to external interference. In addition, the sensor sensitivity can be customized so that even media with challenging physical properties, such as oils or certain solids, can be reliably detected.

The standard sensors are suitable for a variety of media and applications. EBE’s capacitive technology even allows for a simple solution in special fields of application: the sensitivity of the sensors can be customized. This means that cost-effective capacitive level sensors can be used even in unfavorable applications. Continuous Measurement with a Compact Design With the LCPB level sensors it is now possible to continuously measure even larger filling heights with a single sensor. So far, cascading switches have usually been used for flat non-contact measurements.

However, switch solutions on the outer wall of the tank are very complex due to the required cabling and at the same time not very accurate. Alternative float solutions with integrated reed switches require mechanically moving parts that wear over time and come into contact with the medium. The sensors from EBE sensors + motion offer a reliable, compact and cost-effective solution: The sensor technology is integrated on a printed circuit board and can be mounted outside the tank.

Thanks to their high sensitivity the level sensors can measure precisely even through tank walls with a thickness of up to 8 mm (0.3 inches). Measurement is possible despite an air gap between the tank and the sensor. Fill levels of up to 10 cm (4 inches) can be implemented with the LCPB standard sensor, but longer measuring ranges can be realized on customer request. Easy Testing for End Users To further facilitate integration, EBE offers an evaluation kit that allows engineers to test the sensors under real operating conditions. The intuitive software of the kit enables quick commissioning and visualization of the measured values without the need for complex hardware or interface adjustments. The measurement results can be analyzed, stored and further processed directly, which enables efficient evaluation and implementation in existing systems.