What is a level switch?

What are the main types of level switches?

Level switches can be divided into two main categories: level sensors for solids and liquids.

Within each category, there are differences depending on the material to be monitored and the specific application requirements.

What are level switches for solids?

Level switches for solids are designed to detect powders, granules, and bulk materials inside silos, hoppers, and tanks.

• Rotary level switches: they use the rotation of a propeller to detect the presence of material. Ideal for powders and granular materials. CAMLogic offers a range of solutions in the PFG05, PFG57 and PFG09 families.

• Vibrating level sensors: these instruments operate using a vibrating fork that generates a signal when it comes into contact with the material. Suitable for use with powders, granules and coarse solids. CAMLogic’s vibration level sensors are the GVS25 and the GVS25AT. The latter is designed for high temperatures.

• Capacitive level sensors: they detect the level through changes in electrical capacitance, identifying the presence or absence of material near the probe. Suitable for detecting feed and food products. CAMLogic offers the PFG06 capacitive level sensor.

• Pressure level switches: these utilise the pressure exerted by the material, whether in lumps or granular form, on a diaphragm to generate a level signal. CAMLogic’s range includes the MN21 and MN03 models.

• Pendulum level switches: they detect the level through the movement of a pendulum and are ideal for granular substances and powders, such as gravel, lime, flour and cereals, which accumulate in a conical shape. This type of sensor is represented by the ILP3 model.

What are level switches for liquids?

Level switches for liquids allow for precise and reliable detection of the liquid level inside hoppers, tanks, or silos.

• Float level sensors: they use a float that follows the movement of the liquid and activates a switch when a specific level is reached. The float-type indicators offered by CAMLogic are the PFGLP, PFGLP22, CLR20 and CLR22.

• Vibrating level sensors: equipped with a vibrating fork that generates a signal when it comes into contact with a liquid, ensuring accurate detection even in challenging conditions. The CAMLogic models are GVL30, GVL30AT and GVL1C. The latter is characterised by its compact dimensions.

• Conductive level sensors: these instruments detect the passage of an electric current through the liquid. Ideal for monitoring the level of water or other conductive liquids across two level thresholds. CAMLogic offers the CLC40 conductive level sensor.

In which sectors are CAMLogic level switches used?

CAMLogic level switches are applied across a wide range of industrial sectors, thanks to their reliability even under complex operating conditions.

Our case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these solutions in monitoring solids and liquids in various production environments.

• Water treatment: used in pumping stations, storage tanks, and treatment plants.

• Construction industry: employed to monitor the level of aggregates and liquids in silos and mills.

• Drying plants: ideal for monitoring the level of solids to be dried in high-temperature environments.

• Storage facilities: used for managing solid and liquid materials in tanks and silos.

• Wood industry: suitable for detecting sawdust and wood dust in collection and storage systems.

• Feed industry: used to monitor feed levels in tanks and silos.

• Plastic industry: employed to monitor powders and plastic materials in production and storage processes.

• Food industry: applied in the production and processing of flours, semi-finished products, cereals, and legumes.

• Recycling sector: used to manage the storage and control of plastic granules within tanks and machinery.

• Asphalt industry: used to monitor material levels inside filling towers, buffer silos and hot aggregate silos.