What is a level switch?

Types of level switches

Level switches can be divided into two main categories: Level sensors for liquids and solids. Even within these two categories, however, there are differences, depending on both the properties of the material being measured and the specific needs of the customer.

1. Solids
   • Rotary level switches : Employed primarily for solid materials such as powders and granulars, they operate by the constant rotation of a propeller. When the propeller encounters material resistance, its movement stops, activating a microswitch that signals the presence of the material. CAMLogic offers a wide range of solutions ideal for meeting customers' needs, divided into the PFG05, PFG57 and PFG09 families.
   
   
   • Capacitive level sensors : They measure the change in electrical capacitance caused by the presence or absence of material near the probe. Ideal for solid materials, they offer accurate and reliable level measurement inside tanks or containers. CAMLogic offers the PFG06 model, which is based on the principle of detecting the electrical capacitance of a capacitor.
   
   
   • Pressure level switches: Instruments capable of detecting the level of solid, lump or granular material by exploiting the pressure that the weight of the material exerts on a membrane and a microswitch. The range of products that CAMLogic offers for this category of indicators includes the MN21 and MN03.
   
   
   • Pendulum switches : Instruments operated by the buoyancy of material that, as it accumulates in a conical shape, for example, inside silos, moves the pendulum from its vertical rest position, thus activating the connected microswitch and sending the signal to the control panel. CAMLogic's proposal for this category of switches is represented by the ILP3 model.
   
   
2. Liquids
   • Float level sensors : They use a float that follows the movement of liquid inside a tank or container. When the liquid level changes, the float moves vertically, activating a mechanical switch or electronic sensor, signaling the liquid level. They are widely used in industries such as the chemical and food industries because of their simplicity, reliability, and resistance to harsh conditions. For this category, CAMLogic's offering is represented by the PFGLP and CLR families. Both operate according to the principle described above, but differ to adapt to specific customer needs in terms of size and adaptability. In particular, the PFGLP family is also suitable for potentially explosive or gas environments.
   
   
   • Conductive level sensors : Used for conductive liquids, these indicators work by detecting the passage of electric current between two electrodes immersed in the liquid, thus activating a signal relay. The product that CAMLogic offers for those who need a sensor with these features is the CLC40.

Applications of CAMLogic level switches

CAMLogic level switches have been successfully implemented in several industries, as evidenced by our case studies:

• Water purification: to monitor the level of liquids in pumping stations, storage tanks and treatment plants.


• Construction industry: To monitor the level of aggregates and liquid substances in silos and mills.


• Drying systems: used to manage the level of solids to be dried in tanks and silos due to their ability to withstand high temperatures.


• Storage facilities: used to manage the level of liquids and solids in tanks and silos.


• Wood industry: used to manage the level of wood dust and sawdust.


• Feed industry: used for feed level control in tanks and silos.


• Plastics industry: used to manage the storage control of dust and plastic materials.


• Recycling industry: used to manage the storage and control of plastic granulates inside tanks and machinery.