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 article describes what should be taken into account.
With a reed-chain level sensor, the guide tube contains a defined number of reed contacts, depending on 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, 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 across the entire length of the guide tube. This is due to there are ?dead bands? at both ends of the tube, i.e. sections that the float does not detect because of design constraints (see graphic).
The graph shows the way the maximum possible measuring range (M) having 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 could be freely defined. However, it is by no means essential to utilise the maximum possible measuring range in every applications. The exact adaptation of the amount of contacts to the measuring task also has an economic advantage: The reed chain is probably the most expensive components in an even sensor.
Example ? Lawsuit 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 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 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 set starting from the sealing face. In this case, the guide tube could be adapted to the length of the measuring range.
Note
Further information on the RLT series level sensors can be found on the WIKA website. Assuming 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?
You can also find out more about float-based level measurement utilizing a reed chain in the next video: