Vibrating Fork Level Switch

A. Product Overview

The Vibrating Fork Level Switch is a compact and maintenance-free level monitoring device designed for accurate point level detection in industrial processes. It is suitable for most liquids with viscosity up to 10000 mm2/s, corrosive liquids, thick liquids, turbulent flowing liquids, powders and light granules with minimum density of 0.05 kg/dm3.

This level switch is commonly used for high level alarm, low level alarm, overflow protection, dry run protection and automatic pump control. The fork is made from SS 316 L, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications where durability and process compatibility are important.

The product is available with threaded mounting, flanged mounting and customized mounting options. Standard probe length starts from 125 mm, and customized extensions can be provided up to 3000 mm depending on tank height and installation requirement.

Key features include:

Compact design with minimum tine length of 125 mm
No moving parts and maintenance-free operation
Fast switching response of 1 second
No calibration required
Low power consumption
High pressure suitability up to 30 bar on request
SS 316 L vibrating fork material
Cast aluminium or stainless steel housing option
LED indication for normal and alarm condition
Fail-safe high and fail-safe low setting
Delay setting for covered and uncovered conditions

B. Working Principle

The Vibrating Fork Level Switch works on the tuning fork vibration principle. The SS 316 L fork is continuously vibrated at its natural resonant frequency of approximately 125 Hz using piezo ceramic elements.

When the fork is not covered by material, it vibrates freely. When liquid, powder or granule material touches and covers the fork tines, the vibration gets damped. This change in vibration is detected electronically by the instrument.

The internal electronics process this damping signal and activate the relay output. The relay contacts can then be used for level alarm, pump control, interlock, overflow protection or dry run protection.

Because the switch detects level by vibration damping, it does not require regular calibration and is not dependent on mechanical movement. This makes it reliable for continuous industrial use.

C. Why It Is Used

The Vibrating Fork Level Switch is used when a plant needs dependable level detection without complicated setup, frequent maintenance or moving mechanical parts. It is especially useful in applications where float switches may not perform well due to turbulence, coating, thick liquid, powder or changing process conditions.

It is used for:

High level alarm in tanks and vessels
Low level alarm in process tanks
Overflow protection in storage tanks
Dry run protection for pumps
Point level detection in silos and hoppers
Level monitoring of powders and light granules
Detection of thick, turbulent and flowing liquids
Control of filling and emptying processes
Automation of process interlocks
Protection of equipment from material shortage or overfilling

The main benefit is reliable switching at a fixed level point with minimal maintenance. Since there are no moving parts, wear and tear is reduced, making it suitable for long-term industrial operation.

D. Suitable Buyers

This product is suitable for industrial customers who need reliable level detection for liquids, powders or granules.

Suitable buyers include:

Instrumentation engineers
Maintenance engineers
Plant engineers
Process automation engineers
Panel builders
OEM machine manufacturers
System integrators
Water treatment plants
Chemical plants
Pharmaceutical plants
Food processing plants
Cement plants
Plastic granule handling plants
Powder processing industries
Packaging machinery manufacturers
Storage tank manufacturers
Pump automation suppliers
Industrial equipment resellers
Project contractors and EPC companies

It is a good choice for buyers who need a compact, rugged and low-maintenance level switch for tank, vessel, silo, hopper and pipeline applications.

FAQ

1. What is a Vibrating Fork Level Switch?

A Vibrating Fork Level Switch is a point level detection device used to detect the presence or absence of material at a fixed level. It is used for liquids, powders, granules and bulk solids in tanks, vessels, silos and hoppers.

2. How does a vibrating fork level switch work?

It works by vibrating an SS 316 L tuning fork at a fixed resonant frequency. When material covers the fork, the vibration gets damped. This damping is detected by the electronics and converted into a relay output for alarm or control.

3. Is it suitable for liquids?

Yes, it is suitable for most liquids, including thick, turbulent, flowing and corrosive liquids, depending on material compatibility and process conditions.

4. Can it be used for powders and granules?

Yes, it can be used for powders and light granules with minimum density of 0.05 kg/dm3. It is suitable for applications like silos, bins and hoppers.

5. Does the vibrating fork level switch need calibration?

No, the vibrating fork level switch does not require calibration. This makes installation and maintenance easier compared to many other level sensing technologies.

6. What is the response time of this level switch?

The standard response time is approximately 1 second, making it suitable for fast level alarm and control applications.

7. What is the maximum pressure rating?

The product can be supplied for pressure up to 30 bar on request, depending on the selected model and process connection.

8. What output is available?

The switch provides relay output with potential-free changeover contacts rated for control and alarm applications. It can be connected to panels, alarms, PLC systems and pump control circuits.

9. What mounting options are available?

Threaded mounting, flanged mounting and customized mounting arrangements are available as per application requirement.

10. Where is a vibrating fork level switch commonly used?

It is commonly used in tanks, vessels, silos, hoppers, chemical plants, water treatment systems, powder handling systems, plastic granule storage, food processing plants and industrial automation systems.