Reed level sensor: Defining the measuring range flexibly

A float-based level sensor with a reed chain is 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 has to be taken into account.
With a reed-chain level sensor, the guide tube contains a defined number of reed contacts, with regards 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 good liquid level.
Accuracy depends on the distance between the contacts
The accuracy of this energy-free level monitoring depends, subsequently, 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 example, enables measuring ranges with contact distances between 3 and 24 mm. However, a reed chain can’t be stretched along the entire length of the guide tube. Simply because there are ?dead bands? at both ends of the tube, i.e. sections that the float does not detect due to design constraints (see graphic).
Envy 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 range of a level sensor therefore lies between the two dead bands specified in the info sheet. Within this range, it really is freely defined. However, it is by no means essential 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 probably the priciest components in an even sensor.
Example ? Dry run monitoring
For dry run monitoring within an oil tank of a compressor, for instance, only the lower portion of the guide tube is needed for the measurement. In this instance, top of the measuring point of the application (100 % mark) is set 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 beginning with the sealing face. In cases like this, the guide tube can be adapted to the length of the measuring range.
Note
More info on the RLT series level sensors are available on the WIKA website. For those who 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 using a reed chain in the next video: