Application example COLM
MULAG Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wössner GmbH & Co. KG
Capacitive level sensor for tunnel cleaning machines
Custom solution for reliable tank level detection
MULAG Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wössner GmbH & Co. KG is a manufacturer of airport vehicles and municipal vehicles, including tunnel cleaning machines. These vehicles are customized as body-mounted solutions for Unimogs, trucks, and tractors and are equipped with rotating brushes, high-pressure water systems, and high-pressure street-washing booms.
To enable drivers to reliably monitor the tank’s contents, MULAG sought a robust level sensor that would transmit the current level to a display in the cockpit. The sensor needed to be adjustable to specific tank depths, able to measure reliably even with non-linear tank shapes, and capable of automatically calibrating itself when cleaning media change.
Contec designed the ideal solution: the TLL350 series capacitive level sensor. This sensor can be customized to meet specific customer requirements cost-effectively, despite low production volumes. Automatic calibration compensates for changes in the dielectric constant, ensuring reliable tank level measurement.
Conclusion
The project was successfully implemented within six months, including field testing. This demonstrates that Contec has extensive expertise, particularly in customization and small production volumes, and can develop cost-effective industrial-level measurement solutions.
Product used
Challenges
- Non-linear tank shape
- Various cleaning media, e.g., soapy water with different mixing ratios and clear water
- Varying dielectric constant of the medium
- Temperature, humidity, and vibrations during mobile operation
- Cost-effective solution despite relatively small production volume
Product advantages
- Can be adapted to individual requirements
- Compensation for non-linear tank shapes
- Automatic calibration when the dielectric constant changes
- Rugged and reliable
- Easy installation
- Optional integration of alarm contacts
- Cost-effective solution even for small quantities
Project duration
- 6 months, including field test phase
