How Does Water Affect the Inductance of a Coil?

[Yuri B.]

water as coil "core"

How much a coil inductance of 0.1 mH (3 cm long, some 50 turns wound around 5 cm diameter empty plastic pipe) may change when water enters the pipe ?

 

[berkeman]

How much a coil inductance of 0.1 mH (3 cm long, some 50 turns wound around 5 cm diameter empty plastic pipe) may change when water enters the pipe ?

What are your thoughts? What mechanism would give a change in inductance? I this a schoolwork question?

 

[Yuri B.]

I need to empty an actually water glycol-system but I do not want to remove all but to a certain level. It would be an improvised level sensor.

 

[berkeman]

I need to empty an actually water glycol-system but I do not want to remove all but to a certain level. It would be an improvised level sensor.

You should perhaps be looking at capacitance, not inductance. Try a Google search for water level sensor circuits...

 

[PJC01]

The presence of water as a core material in a coil can significantly affect the inductance of the coil. This is because water has a relatively high dielectric constant and can act as a good conductor of electricity. As the water enters the pipe and surrounds the coil, it will increase the overall electrical conductivity of the coil, leading to a decrease in inductance.

The amount of change in inductance will depend on various factors such as the concentration and volume of water, the material and dimensions of the coil, and the frequency of the current passing through the coil. In general, the higher the water content and the lower the frequency, the greater the decrease in inductance.

In the specific example provided, a coil with an inductance of 0.1 mH may experience a significant decrease in inductance when water enters the pipe. The exact amount of change cannot be determined without further information on the variables mentioned above. However, it is important to note that the change in inductance can have both positive and negative implications on the performance of the coil in different applications. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the effects of water as a core material in a coil before designing or using such a system.