Capacitive sensors detect air bubbles in liquids in a simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient way, and also address an industry challenge.
EBE's new bubble sensor reliably detects air bubbles and liquid discontinuities, regardless of the liquid or hose properties. Even with mechanical tolerances or changes in hose size, the sensor's detection performance remains consistent, making it a robust and flexible solution for a wide range of industrial applications. Thanks to the application of innovative capaTEC® technology, the sensor excels in demanding environments such as food production, the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, and process automation.
Capacitive sensor technology: Reliable even for detecting air bubbles.
Capacitive bubble sensors are based on measuring changes in capacitance caused by the different permittivities of air and liquid. Typically used for level detection, EBE's capaTEC® sensors are also perfectly suited for detecting air bubbles in non-metallic hoses and pipes.
When an air bubble passes through the sensor, the electric field changes, and the sensor detects the bubble accurately and reliably. Compared to conventional ultrasonic sensors, capacitive technology is much more cost-effective and less sensitive to mechanical tolerances. The capacitive sensor demonstrates its strengths particularly with varying mechanical clearances and hose thicknesses. Furthermore, it does not require custom housings, which not only simplifies installation but also facilitates its use in a wide range of applications.
Unlike optical sensors, which only function reliably under specific conditions—for example, with transparent hoses and liquids—the capacitive bubble sensor can be used regardless of the medium's color and transparency.
"Our new capacitive bubble sensor is a genuine alternative to traditional technologies and offers high reliability at an attractive price," explains Armin Wellhöfer, Managing Director of EBE sensors + motion. "Its tolerance to mechanical variations, which are unavoidable in many industrial processes, is particularly noteworthy. The capaTEC technology allows us to offer a robust and flexible solution."
Applications of Capacitive Bubble Sensors:
With this development, EBE offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for applications where air bubble detection is crucial. In processes where liquids are pumped through hoses, air bubbles can cause malfunctions. Capacitive bubble sensors ensure precise control of the constant liquid flow in the process, thus guaranteeing the reliability and quality of the application.
The sensors are used in a wide variety of industries, including food and beverage production, pharmaceutical and chemical processes, as well as general process automation.
