A float-based level sensor with a reed chain is really a trusted and comparatively economical solution for continuous level measurement in vessels. Users 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 includes a defined amount of reed contacts, according to the measuring range. They are combined to create a measuring chain. The contacts react to the magnetic field of the float, which moves within the guide tube based on the liquid level.
Accuracy depends on the distance between the contacts
The accuracy of this energy-free level monitoring depends, in turn, on the distance between the individual contacts: the smaller it is, the more accurate the measurement. Each level sensor in WIKA?s RLT series, for instance, enables measuring ranges with contact distances between 3 and 24 mm. However, a reed chain cannot be stretched along the entire amount of the guide tube. เกจวัดแรงดัน is 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 how the maximum possible measuring range (M) with 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 the two dead bands specified in the info sheet. In this range, it might be freely defined. However, it is by no means necessary to utilise the utmost possible measuring range in every applications. The precise adaptation of the number of contacts to the measuring task also has an economic advantage: The reed chain is one of the most expensive components in a level sensor.
Example ? Dry run monitoring
For dry run monitoring in an oil tank of a compressor, for example, only the lower area of the guide tube is necessary for the measurement. In this case, the upper measuring point of the application form (100 % mark) is set correspondingly low. It marks the length to the sealing face of the process connection. The measuring range is thus defined by the next 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 starting from the sealing face. In cases like this, the guide tube could be adapted to the length of the measuring range.
Note
diaphragm seal on the RLT series level sensors are available on the WIKA website. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our articles
Level sensors ? the agony of preference
What do dead bands mean with a float switch?
There are also out more about float-based level measurement utilizing a reed chain in the following video: