
1Description of the measuring principle
Measuring principle
OPTISWITCH is a level sensor with tuning fork for level detection.
It is designed for industrial use in all areas of process technology
and is preferably used for bulk solids.
The vibrating element (tuning fork)is energized piezoelectrically
and vibrates at its mechanical resonance frequency.The piezos
are fixed mechanically and are hence not subject to temperature
shock limitations.If the vibrating element is submerged in the
product,the vibrating amplitude changes.This change is de-
tected by the integrated oscillator and converted into a switching
command.
Typical applications are overfill and dry run protection.Thanks to
its simple and robust measuring system,OPTISWITCH is virtu-
ally unaffected by the chemical and physical properties of the bulk
solid.
It functions even when exposed to strong external vibration or
changing products.
Fault monitoring
The electronics of OPTISWITCH continuously monitors the fol-
lowing criteria:
lCorrect vibrating frequency
lLine break to the piezo drive
If one of the stated malfunctions is detected or in case of power
failure,the electronics takes on a defined switchingcondition,e.g.
the relay deenergises (safe condition).
Solid detection in water
With the OPTISWITCH (3100 C,3200 C,3300 C)version for solid
detection in water (option), the vibrating element is adjusted to the
density of water.If submerged in water (density 1g/cm³), OPTIS-
WITCH signals "uncovered".Only if the vibrating element is also
covered with solids (e.g.sand,sludge,etc.) will the sensor signal
"covered".
OPTISWITCH 3100 C,3200 C,3300 C
OPTISWITCH3100 C,3200 Cand 3300 Clevel switches are
available in standard,cable and tube version and,thanks to the
large array of process fittings,offer the optimal solution for any
application.They are completely manufactured of stainless steel
and have all standard approvals.
OPTISWITCH are virtually unaffected by product properties and
must hence not be adjusted.
The level switches can be used in applications with process tem-
peratures up to 250 °C(482 °F)and pressures of up to 16 bar
(232 psi).
You can detect bulk solids up to >0.008 g/cm³(0.0003 lbs/in³).
OPTISWITCH 3000 C
OPTISWITCH 3000 Cdiffers from the OPTISWITCH 3100 C,
3200 Cand 3300 Clevel switches in its simple process fitting of
plastic and the limited selection options.It is suitable for bulk
solids from >0.08 g/cm³(0.003 lbs/in³).
OPTISWITCH 3000 Cis only available as screwed version with
plastic housing and without approvals.
The most importantadvantage of this instrument is its price,which
makes the measurement loop very cost-effective.
1.1Application examples
Plastic processing
Fig.1:Level detection in a silo storing plastic granules
Alarge number of finished products are produced in the chemical
industry as powder,granules or pellets.Plastic granules and
powder are often stored in high narrow silos which are filled pneu-
matically.
Vibrating level switches like OPTISWITCH have proven over the
past years in the level detection of plastics.Even with smallest
bulk densities of only 20 g/l and changing products,the instru-
ments deliver always precise results.
Advantages:
lTuning fork suitable down to a density <20 g/l(e.g.Aerosils)
lProduct-independent switching point
lSetup without filling
Contents
Vibration –Level detection of bulk solids 3
30439-EN-061114