Build-up detection and level monitoring by using capacitive glocal technique

Abstract

This paper presents a proof of concept of continuous level monitoring and build-up detection by developing an innovative capacitive E-fields approach "Glocal" (global and local). The change in the sensitivity of the sensor to detect the build-up on the sensor probe is increased by using local E-fields. An initial prototype sensor with a length of 89.5 mm is developed and tested on various fluids. Finite element method (FEM) analysis is also performed in order to investigate the sensitivity of the proposed sensor in liquids with various dielectric constants. An analytical model is also presented which estimates the electric field strength between the capacitive elements as a function of level for a single segment.