Switch-Type Capacitive Level Gauge for Viscous Materials
1. Why You Need It
Viscous and adhesive materials defeat ordinary level gauges — floats stick, rods jam, and readings drift. This switch-type capacitive level gauge is purpose-built for viscous media, with a PEEK probe, 316L stainless steel housing and NPN+PNP PWM output. Its visible frequency sweep setting makes commissioning intuitive, and it directly replaces mechanical level gauges in tanks, hoppers and process vessels holding sticky product.
2. Working Principle
The gauge detects the presence of material by sensing capacitance change at the probe, switching its output when the medium reaches the set point. The PEEK probe resists adhesion from viscous materials, while the 316L housing withstands the process environment. The visible frequency sweep setting lets the operator see the detection state and set the switch point precisely, and the NPN+PNP plus PWM output provides flexible interface options.
3. Key Advantages
- Built for viscous materials
- PEEK probe resists adhesion
- 316L stainless steel housing
- NPN + PNP output
- PWM output
- Visible frequency sweep setting
- 10-30 V operating voltage
- IP68 protection
- G1/2 external thread mounting
- -40 to 85 °C temperature range
Common Pain Points & Solutions
| Problem | Conventional Issue | Our Solution | Result |
|---|
| Viscous media | Floats stick and fail | PEEK probe + capacitive | Reliable viscous detection |
| Replacing old gauges | Mechanical gauges unreliable | Drop-in switch gauge | Direct replacement |
| Commissioning | Blind settings | Visible frequency sweep | Intuitive, precise setting |
| Wide temperature | Sensors fail in cold/heat | -40 to 85 °C | Reliable across temperature |
Application Cases
Industry: Process
Application: Viscous product tank level
Medium: Adhesive / slurry
Pressure Range: -0.1 to 1 MPa
Operating Temperature: -40 to 85 °C
Installation Environment: Process tank
Customer Challenge: Detect viscous material level
Previous Problem: Float gauge sticking
Solution: Capacitive switch gauge
Installation Location: Tank wall
Result: Reliable viscous detection
Industry: Adhesive
Application: Adhesive storage hopper
Medium: Adhesive
Pressure Range: Atmospheric
Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 °C
Installation Environment: Adhesive plant
Customer Challenge: Level in adhesive hopper
Previous Problem: Mechanical gauge failure
Solution: PEEK probe gauge, NPN
Installation Location: Hopper
Result: Reliable adhesive level
Industry: Food
Application: Syrup / paste tank
Medium: Syrup / paste
Pressure Range: Atmospheric
Operating Temperature: 0 to 70 °C
Installation Environment: Food plant
Customer Challenge: Viscous food level
Previous Problem: Sticking floats
Solution: Capacitive gauge, PWM
Installation Location: Food tank
Result: Clean reliable detection
Industry: Chemical
Application: Slurry / emulsion tank
Medium: Slurry
Pressure Range: -0.1 to 0.5 MPa
Operating Temperature: -20 to 60 °C
Installation Environment: Chemical plant
Customer Challenge: Slurry level control
Previous Problem: Clogged mechanical switch
Solution: 316L capacitive gauge
Installation Location: Slurry tank
Result: Reliable slurry level
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Product Type | Capacitive level gauge / switch |
| Probe Material | PEEK |
| Housing Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Output | NPN + PNP, PWM |
| Operating Voltage | 10-30 V |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Mounting | G1/2 external thread |
| Temperature Range | -40 to 85 °C |
FAQ
Q: What is a capacitive level gauge for viscous materials?
It is a switch-type level gauge that detects the presence of viscous or adhesive material using capacitance sensing. Its PEEK probe and 316L housing are designed to resist adhesion and corrosion, replacing mechanical level gauges that fail in sticky media.
Q: How does the frequency sweep setting work?
The visible frequency sweep setting lets the operator see the detection state in real time while adjusting the switch point. This makes commissioning precise and intuitive compared to blind or trial-and-error settings.
Q: What output does it provide?
It provides NPN and PNP switching outputs plus a PWM output. This flexibility allows connection to both sinking and sourcing PLC inputs and provides an analog-style signal where needed.
Q: Why is PEEK used for the probe?
PEEK is a high-performance polymer that resists adhesion, chemicals and temperature extremes. For viscous materials that stick to metal probes, PEEK greatly reduces build-up, keeping the gauge accurate and reliable.
Q: What is the protection grade?
It is IP68 rated, protecting against dust and continuous immersion. Combined with the 316L housing, this makes the gauge durable in washdown and harsh process environments.
Q: What media can it detect?
It detects viscous and adhesive materials such as adhesives, slurries, syrups, pastes and emulsions. The PEEK probe handles sticky media, and the 316L housing provides corrosion resistance.
Q: Can it replace my existing level gauge?
Yes. It is designed as a direct replacement for mechanical level gauges in viscous material applications. The G1/2 external thread mounting matches common tank and hopper connections.
Q: What temperature range does it cover?
It operates from -40 to 85 °C, covering cold storage, ambient and elevated process temperatures. This wide range makes it suitable for many industrial applications.
Q: What power supply does it need?
It operates on 10-30 V DC, a wide range that accommodates common 12V and 24V industrial supplies with margin.
Q: Where is it used?
It is used in viscous product tanks, adhesive hoppers, food syrup/paste tanks and chemical slurry vessels. It provides reliable, adhesion-resistant level detection where mechanical gauges fail.
