Ultrasonic Contact Level Switches
Ultrasonic contact switches use a pair of piezoelectric ceramic crystals that are encapsulated in epoxy at the tip of the transducer. When an electrical voltage is applied, the transmit crystal vibrates at a specific frequency and generates an ultrasonic signal.
When liquid is present in the transducer gap:
- The ultrasonic signal travels through the liquid
- The receive crystal detects the signal
- The signal is converted back into an electrical output
- The electronics register the presence of liquid
When no liquid is present:
- The ultrasonic signal is attenuated
- The receive crystal does not detect the signal
- The electronics register a dry condition
Wet and Dry Gap Detection
The ultrasonic transducer continuously monitors the gap between the transmit and receive crystals to determine whether the gap is wet or dry.- High-level switch operation: When liquid fills the gap, the electronics immediately actuate a relay or shift an output signal to indicate a high-level condition.
- Low-level switch operation: The device continuously checks for a dry gap and actuates when liquid falls below the sensing point.
This fast and reliable response makes ultrasonic contact switches well-suited for point level control and safety applications.
Common Applications for Ultrasonic Contact Level Switches
Ultrasonic contact level switches are commonly used in applications that require:- Reliable point level detection
- High- or low-level alarms
- Pump protection and overflow prevention
- Liquid presence confirmation in tanks and pipes
They are effective in a wide range of industrial liquid processes where continuous level measurement is not required.
Discover our ultrasonic contact products
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