Hawker Electronics Flexicap capacitance level instrument

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Hawker Electronics is offering a capacitance detection system for non-conducting liquids or free-flowing powders. This can be a point level for on/off control and alarms, or it can be a continuous level measurement.

Hawker Electronics FLEXICAP variable capacitance systems comprise a Flexilevel wall-mounted unit and cable probes with lengths over 3 m and up to 13 m available.

A capacitance probe works in two ways — with conducting liquids and non-conducting liquids. The capacitance principle uses two detector plates and one insulator. By changing one of the factors it is possible to measure the change in capacitance and give a continuous output signal.

For conducting liquids an insulated cable with a stainless steel conductor is used. As the conducting liquid rises and falls in the tank, the change is detected and an output signal is produced. For non-conducting liquids two concentric or parallel rods are used and the liquid rises and falls within the orifice or gap. The capacitance change is detected and an output signal produced.

Probe length must be decided in advance for accurate measurement, and by using the system can measure to the top of the tank unaffected by foam or turbulence.

The controller gives digital indication, four programmable trip points and a diagnostic trip point to detect cable breakage or a short circuit between the controller and the probe.