MECHATRONICS LABORATORY

Experiment No: 5

LEVEL MEASUREMENT
Aim: Measurement of liquid level using capacitive level transducer.
Objectives:
1. To study the capacitive transduction principle.
2. To study the application of the capacitive transducer in level measurement.

Apparatus: Capacitive Transducer Trainer.

The apparatus has a non-conducting transparent liquid tank with a level indicating
scale fixed on it. Liquid level up to 520 mm from a reference zero point can be measured
using the scale. This scale serves the purpose of reading of actual liquid level. The trainer
has a digital indicator which displays the liquid level in mm, measured by the capacitive
transducer. The setup has two electrical terminals where variation in current due to variation
in capacitance can be measured using a multi-meter. Thus we can have a relationship
between capacitor current and the liquid level.

Fig. 1 setup diagram

Introduction:
Capacitive level measurement is a simple and reliable method for level measurement
& indication. The capacitive type level sensor is commonly used to measure the level of
water in the level tank.

Principle of Operation:

SIT, LONAVALA

MECHATRONICS LABORATORY

Capacitance C between two parallels plates, which are separated by a distance D and
having a surface area A is given by,
C

A
D

Where,
C = Capacitance in F.
= Dielectric constants of material.
Thus capacitance varies with three variables. If we keep two variables constant then the
capacitance is a function of the remaining variable. For liquid level measurement all three
variables can be used independently. In this instrument area A and distance D is kept
constant.
As the area and the distance between two plates is constant, capacitance is directly
proportional to the dielectric constant. In practice, for capacitance type level measurement,
capacitance is formed by wall of the tank (if tank is conductive) and an insulated probe
mounted in the tank. For non-conductive tank, reference probe is used to serve the purpose
of second electrode called sensing electrode. Sensing electrode is equipped with integral
electronics housed in an enclosure on its upper end. The sensing electrode is bare or
insulated depending on dielectric of the material. The measuring principle is based on the
value of capacitance formed between the electrode and tank wall or with the reference
electrode, which varies with the level of material. This capacitance is sensed and converted
in to electrical signal. Variation in this electrical signal is proportional to the variation in
capacitance which is proportional to variation in the liquid level. The electrical signal is
displayed on an indicator which is calibrated in terms of liquid level in mm.
Experimental Procedure:
1. Fill the measuring tank with water up to 500 mm.
2. Switch on the mains supply, hence level transmitter and level indicator will be ON.
3. Decrease the water level with the help of drain tap and note the readings of
corresponding digital level indicator and current output across the test points.
4. Do not remove any wiring connections of the level transmitter. Handle it carefully.
Precautions:
1. Ensure proper handling of instrument
2. Level transducer is a delicate instrument; please handle it with utmost care. DONT shift
the instrument when the liquid tank is filled with liquid. First remove all the liquid from tha
tank and then move it to new location.

SIT, LONAVALA

MECHATRONICS LABORATORY

Observation Table:
Sr.
No.

Level in mm
(Mechanical scale)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
CONCLUSION:

*****

SIT, LONAVALA

Level on Digital
Indicator (mm)