Water Level Sensors: Strange Behavior?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the strange behavior of capacitive level sensors, particularly their failure to detect fluid at certain points and subsequent recovery after a period of inactivity. Participants explore potential causes and seek additional information regarding the sensors' specifications and applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report that capacitive level sensors fail to detect fluid at certain points and then start working again after being left alone for a few days.
  • One participant requests more detailed information about the sensors, including part numbers, datasheets, and schematics.
  • Another participant suggests that the failure could be due to leaking, mechanical strain, over-tightening, or surface contamination.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity of the datasheet regarding the measurement of the 'switching distance' and whether this ambiguity could contribute to the sensor's issues.
  • Questions are posed about the application context, such as whether the sensors are used for clean, potable water and if the probe is in direct contact with the water.
  • One participant notes that an identical sensor found online is labeled as an "ink sensor," prompting further inquiry into the appropriate use of the sensor in question.
  • There is mention of difficulties in finding information about the sensor manufacturer, suggesting potential issues with the company's viability and the need to consider alternative manufacturers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses regarding the sensor behavior, but there is no consensus on the underlying causes or solutions. Multiple competing views remain regarding the factors affecting sensor performance.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include unclear definitions of the 'switching distance' and the lack of detailed specifications or context for the sensor's application, which may affect the interpretation of the issues raised.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineers, technicians, and hobbyists working with capacitive level sensors, particularly in applications involving fluid detection and sensor reliability.

Kaly
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HI All,

Has anyone experienced strange behavior with capacitive level sensor? They fail (not detecting fluid) at certain point and after leaving them alone for couple of days start working?
 
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Kaly said:
HI All,

Has anyone experienced strange behavior with capacitive level sensor? They fail (not detecting fluid) at certain point and after leaving them alone for couple of days start working?
Can you provide a lot more details? Part numbers, datasheets, diagrams of the setups, schematics of the associated electronics, etc.? Thanks.
 
Yes. please see attached image for specs for the sensor I am talking about.
 

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Kaly said:
They fail (not detecting fluid) at certain point and after leaving them alone for couple of days start working?
If "leaving them alone for a few days" means they are left dry, then they are probably leaking. Possibly due to mechanical strain, over-tightening, or manufacturing defect. Or maybe it is surface contamination.

The data sheet is not clear where or how the 'switching distance' is measured, 0.5mm from where? Could that be part of the problem?
 
These sensors are being used for water level sensing, yes?
What appears to be an identical sensor found in a Google image search is titled a "Tintensensor" (ink sensor).

Is this clean, potable water? Is the probe end in direct contact with the water? What is the sensing application?
Tom.G said:
The data sheet is not clear where or how the 'switching distance' is measured, 0.5mm from where? Could that be part of the problem?
I'm thinking the question @Tom.G posed will be the key to explaining odd sensor behavior.

While attempting to find additional information on the MKM-M8-001-STD sensor shown in the spec sheet, learned that the www.sensorwelt.de site is no longer active, and the company appears to be in financial trouble. It may be time to begin looking for a replacement from a different manufacturer.
 
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