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This paper aims to propose a liquid level sensor with a multi-S-bend plastic optical fiber.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a liquid level sensor with a multi-S-bend plastic optical fiber.
Design/methodology/approach
The principle of liquid sensing used is based on the leakage of higher modes out of the fiber and repeated regeneration in the following bend sections. Therefore, a propagation loss was introduced in every bend section of the fiber with the loss depending on the refractive index of the environment.
Findings
Therefore, a continue shift in the liquid level can be detected by observing changes in the propagation loss of the fiber. The sensor features compactness and a flexible resolution.
Originality/value
Compared with the exited ones, the sensor has capability of continue liquid measurement and a greater measurement range.
Details
Keywords
Examines the wide range of liquid and solid level sensors, their technologies and commercial application.
Abstract
Purpose
Examines the wide range of liquid and solid level sensors, their technologies and commercial application.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides background information on trends in level sensing, on how each type works and the various applications. Some selection criteria are given.
Findings
There is a wide range of level sensors for every target liquid and solid sensing application, but the sector is technologically mature. There are some new application areas deriving from legislation and climate change.
Originality/value
Provides information of value for those involved with sensor applications.
Abstract
Details
Keywords
Zhen Li, Jianqing Han, Mingrui Zhao, Yongbo Zhang, Yanzhe Wang, Cong Zhang and Lin Chang
This study aims to design and validate a theoretical model for capacitive imaging (CI) sensors that incorporates the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to design and validate a theoretical model for capacitive imaging (CI) sensors that incorporates the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes. Through experimental verification, the effectiveness of the theoretical model in evaluating CI sensors equipped with shielding electrodes has been demonstrated.
Design/methodology/approach
The study begins by incorporating the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes of CI sensors into the theoretical model. A method for deriving the semianalytical model is proposed, using the renormalization group method and physical model. Based on random geometric parameters of CI sensors, capacitance values are calculated using both simulation models and theoretical models. Three different types of CI sensors with varying geometric parameters are designed and manufactured for experimental testing.
Findings
The study’s results indicate that the errors of the semianalytical model for the CI sensor are predominantly below 5%, with all errors falling below 10%. This suggests that the semianalytical model, derived using the renormalization group method, effectively evaluates CI sensors equipped with shielding electrodes. The experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the theoretical model in accurately predicting the capacitance values of the CI sensors.
Originality/value
The theoretical model of CI sensors is described by incorporating the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes into the model. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of the detecting capability of CI sensors, as well as optimization of their performance.
Details
Keywords
Sathies Thangavel and Senthil Ponnusamy
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usage of three-dimensionally (3D) printed polylactic acid (PLA)-carbon black (CB) conductive polymer composite in the measurement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the usage of three-dimensionally (3D) printed polylactic acid (PLA)-carbon black (CB) conductive polymer composite in the measurement of the void fraction and liquid level.
Design/methodology/approach
PLA-CB conductive polymer composite is 3D printed through fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique and used as a capacitive sensor for void fraction measurement and liquid level sensing. The sensitivity of 3D printed ring and concave type capacitive sensors are compared for void fraction measurement. The effect of electrode length, thickness and pipe dimension on the capacitance achievable for the particular void fraction is studied. Concept of fringing capacitance is used for the sensing of liquid level.
Findings
Compared to the concave design comprising four electrodes, the ring-type capacitive sensor produced better results in void fraction measurement. Increase in pipe diameter and electrode length results in the enhancement of capacitance arising from specific void fraction. For a 100 mm diameter pipe, the capacitance of the 150 mm-long concave electrode (0.4 mm thick) increased from 9.98 to 67.77 pF as the void fraction decreased from 100% to 0%. Development of the fringing capacitance in 3D printed PLA-CB composite helps in the measurement of liquid level. Both parallel finger topology and interdigital electrode configuration are able to sense the liquid level.
Originality/value
Ability of the 3D printed conductive PLA-CB composite to act as a capacitive sensor is experimentally analysed. Performance of different electrode configuration is tested for both void fraction measurement and liquid level sensing. Results of experimentation prove that FDM printed PLA-CB composite is suitable for the void fraction and liquid level measurement.
Details
Keywords
Yiqing Wang, Wanhua Zhao, Yucheng Ding, Zhongyun He and Bingheng Lu
The purpose of this paper is to detect and control the liquid‐level of stereolithography apparatus precisely.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to detect and control the liquid‐level of stereolithography apparatus precisely.
Design/methodology/approach
A brightness‐variable laser source is adopted to remove the computational error of divider and a closed‐loop circuit is set to measure the terminal voltage directly proportional to the output current of photosensitive devices. It employs a sinking‐block device to control the liquid‐level.
Findings
The precise calibration result of this detecting device indicates that the resolution of the liquid‐level detection can reach ±1.5 μm.
Originality/value
This sinking‐block style liquid‐level control device can allow for the liquid‐level wave reduced from ±45 to ±15 μm.
Details
Keywords
Sensor Review publishes the results of a major sensor survey.
The measurement of level is critical to many manufacturing operations and yet this supposedly straightforward task is full of traps for the unwary.
Optical sensor companies in the UK are getting together to organise their own research and development.