Balluff has released a line of non-invasive, aqueous, liquid-level detection sensors. The SMARTLevel™ capacitive sensors can detect true aqueous levels regardless of film, foam, material buildup, or a change in solution ingredients. They also automatically distinguish between the tank wall and the true level in the tank. This means real-time level readings, regardless of composition or viscosity of the solution, even through glass or plastic walls up to 0.5 inches thick.
The sensors are simple to install and require no teach-in procedures. Non-invasive liquid level detection drastically reduces the potential for contamination and the cost of containing invasive measurement devices in potentially hazardous environments. PTFE models are also resistant against aggressive materials.
According to the company, the SMARTLevel™ sensors eliminate nearly all problems common to standard capacitive level sensors. In virtually all applications, the sensors never need cleaning, meaning that for the first time a capacitive sensor can operate accurately for an indefinite period of time without false triggering, regardless of the material built up on the sensor or the container wall.