Baumer LBFS sensor switch for fill-level detection

Baumer claims its LBFS switch is a reliable alternative to vibratory level switches. The LBFS sensor can detect the levels of viscous or dry materials and can be fitted on tanks or pipes in any desired position.

The sensor is insensitive to flow, turbulence, bubbles, foaming and suspended solids and its compact, smooth sensor head resists media adhesion, even with sticky media. The company says the sensor’s short response time enables rapid fill-level detection and accurate, reliable fill-level compliance.

The level switch can detect media levels in tanks, vessels and pipes. It can also be used for overflow prevention, pump protection against dry running and media separation with oil/water mixtures. It is suitable for a range of application areas, including domestic water, wastewater, HVAC filters, hydraulic systems, oil and gas, bioenergy, wood pellets, grain mills, rail transport and pump systems.

The sensor is housed in a compact, sturdy and corrosion-resistant stainless steel enclosure. It can be installed easily using Teflon tape sealing. Configuration is facilitated by the PC-based FlexProgrammer 9701. A short response time of 0.2 s means the level switch operates reliably even with fast filling processes. The device has a rated operating temperature range of -40 to +115°C.

The LBFS operates on the frequency sweep principle using a high-frequency signal emitted by the sensor which experiences a phase shift in the sensed medium. When this sensor encounters a medium having a dielectric constant outside the defined range, an electronic signal is triggered. The sensor’s good sensitivity over a large measuring range for dielectric constants from 1.5 to over 100 enables limit detection with a range of powders, granulates and liquids, and even difficult substances such as polyamide granulates and paper.