Capacitive Sensor Detects Point Level in Pellet Heating System

Turck Automation Suite enables convenient commissioning when the digital potentiometer of the UC/BC sensors is not accessible

Challenge

In pellet heating systems, pellets from big bags or other storage containers are sucked into the suction chamber until it is filled to the defined point level. This results in the formation of a cone of pellets in the suction chamber, which makes the measurement at the edge of the container imprecise. The point level measurement must therefore be taken from the center of the suction chamber. Optical sensors are unsuitable here due to the buildup of dust.

Your Benefits

High machine availability thanks to integrated condition monitoring and predictive maintenance based on additional data
Long service life due to high degree of protection to IP67
Flexible installation as suitable for flush and non-flush
Reliable detection even with adhering granules or foamy media
Simple commissioning via Turck Automation Suite

The point level is detected centrally due to the cone buildup in the suction chamber
IP67 protection means that dust is not a problem for the capacitive sensors
In this installion, the ability of the UC/BC sensors to also be parameterized remotely via IO-Link

Solution

In order to protect the sensor and enable central mounting, the manufacturer runs an angled metal tube holding the mounted sensor into the center of the suction chamber. Although this setup does not allow access to a digital potentiometer, the user can easily parameterize the capacitive sensor of the UC/BC series via the IO-Link interface with the Teach Monitor of the Turck Automation Suite (TAS). All relevant settings – such as sensitivity, switching behavior or filter functions – can be configured centrally from the desk via the digital interface. Integration in TAS also enables convenient commissioning and easy parameter transfer to other sensors – ideal for series applications and OEMs. The solution is significantly more cost-efficient than detection with optical or even radar sensors.

"Commissioning the UC/BC series via the Teach Monitor of the Turck Automation Suite is almost as easy as using a screwdriver on the digital potentiometer – but offers many more setting options."

Dr. Bruno Gries | Director Product Management Fluid Sensors

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