A float-based level sensor with a reed chain is really a widely used and comparatively economical solution for continuous level measurement in vessels. Eye-opening can define its measuring range flexibly inside a given range. This article describes what should be taken into account.
With a reed-chain level sensor, the guide tube includes a defined amount of reed contacts, with respect to the measuring range. They are combined to form a measuring chain. The contacts react 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, in turn, on the distance between the individual contacts: the smaller it really 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 cannot be stretched across the entire length of the guide tube. It is because you can find ?dead bands? at both ends of the tube, i.e. sections that the float will not detect because of design constraints (see graphic).
The graph shows the way 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 an even sensor therefore lies between your two dead bands specified in the data sheet. In Urge , it really is freely defined. However, it is by no means necessary to utilise the maximum possible measuring range in all applications. The precise adaptation of the amount of contacts to the measuring task also offers an economic advantage: The reed chain is among the most expensive components in an even 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 needed for the measurement. In this case, the upper measuring point of the application (100 % mark) is defined 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 starting from the sealing face. In this case, the guide tube could be adapted to the length of the measuring range.
Note
More info on the RLT series level sensors are available on the WIKA website. In case you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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What do dead bands mean with a float switch?
You can also find out more about float-based level measurement utilizing a reed chain in the next video: