A float-based level sensor with a reed chain is really a widely used and comparatively economical solution for continuous level measurement in vessels. Feast can define its measuring range flexibly inside a given range. This short article describes what should be taken into account.
With a reed-chain level sensor, the guide tube contains a defined amount of reed contacts, with regards to the measuring range. These are combined to form a measuring chain. The contacts respond to the magnetic field of the float, which moves within the guide tube good liquid level.
Accuracy depends on the distance between the contacts
The accuracy of the energy-free level monitoring depends, subsequently, on the distance between the individual contacts: small it is, the more accurate the measurement. Each level sensor in WIKA?s RLT series, for example, enables measuring ranges with contact distances between 3 and 24 mm. However, a reed chain can’t be stretched along the entire amount of the guide tube. Simply because you can find ?dead bands? at both ends of the tube, i.e. sections that the float will not detect due to design constraints (see graphic).
The graph shows the way the maximum possible measuring range (M) having an air-handling series level sensor is defined: Guide tube length (L) minus dead band (T) and 100 % mark (X).
Maximum measuring range is not a must
The measuring selection of a level sensor therefore lies between your two dead bands specified in the data sheet. In this range, it might be freely defined. However, it really is by no means necessary to utilise the maximum possible measuring range in all applications. The exact adaptation of the number of contacts to the measuring task also offers an economic advantage: The reed chain is one of the priciest components in a level sensor.
Example ? Dry run monitoring
For dry run monitoring within an oil tank of a compressor, for instance, only the lower area of the guide tube is needed for the measurement. In this instance, top of the measuring point of the application form (100 % mark) is set correspondingly low. It marks the length to the sealing face of the procedure connection. The measuring range is thus defined by the following equation:
Measuring range length M = guide tube length L ? dead band T ? 100 % mark X
Consequently, the measuring range for detecting a maximum level is determined beginning with the sealing face. In this case, the guide tube can be adapted to along the measuring range.
Note
Further information on the RLT series level sensors can be found on the WIKA website. Should you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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There are also out more about float-based level measurement utilizing a reed chain in the next video: