Optimization of Electrode Design in Capacitance Liquid Level Sensor

Abstract

Capacitance Level Sensor (CLS) is used to measure liquid level in many of the process industries. The main objective of the work is to optimize a design of novel helical electrode of CLS, in order to enhance the sensitivity and reduce the time response of sensor. The main effecting parameters of the design are considered to be pitch and radius of inner electrode of CLS. These parameters are directly affected on sensor output and time response. If the pitch is considered to be zero, then the helical sensor acts as a cylindrical CLS exhibiting higher response time and higher capacitance output. And if the pitch is considered to be infinity (66 cm in our case) then helical CLS acts as parallel plate CLS exhibiting lower capacitance output and lower time response. Hence the pitch and radius of inner electrode are optimized using Taguchi optimization method. Results showed that pitch of 2.64 cm and 1.08 cm radius of inner electrode gives maximum capacitance output and lower time response as related to that of existing CLS.