Accurate level measurement is essential for safe, efficient, and continuous industrial operation. In liquid tanks, glycol tanks, cooling liquid tanks, food machinery, marine systems, wastewater tanks, oil tanks, CO₂ liquid tanks, and clean water storage applications, a reliable level transmitter helps operators monitor process conditions and improve automation performance.
The ECAPe Capacitive Level Transmitter is designed for compact and dependable level measurement in conductive and low-conductivity liquids. With its capacitive measurement principle, analog output options, stainless steel construction, and easy calibration, ECAPe provides a practical solution for industrial liquid level applications.
What Is ECAPe?
ECAPe is a capacitive level transmitter used to measure level in conductive liquids and low-conductivity liquids. It is part of the capacitive level measurement product family and is designed especially for applications where compact installation, reliable analog output, and simple operation are required.
The ECAPe series includes models such as ECAPe 101 and ECAPe 203, offering different probe configurations for different liquid and tank conditions.
Operating Principle
ECAPe works by measuring the capacitance change between the electrode rod and the tank wall. When material enters the area between the probe and the tank wall, a capacitance value is formed. As the level changes, this capacitance also changes.
The transmitter measures this capacitance change precisely and converts it into an analog signal. This signal can then be transferred to a control panel, PLC, indicator, alarm unit, or automation system.
This operating principle allows the device to provide continuous level measurement along the sensor length.
Easy Full and Empty Calibration
One of the practical advantages of ECAPe is its easy calibration. Full and empty calibration can be performed reliably, allowing the measuring range to be adjusted according to the actual tank conditions.
The measuring range and zero point can be adjusted along the probe. This provides flexibility in applications where the required measurement zone does not start exactly at the physical end of the sensor.
ECAPe can also operate in reverse mounting applications, making it suitable for different installation positions and tank designs.
Application Areas
ECAPe is suitable for a wide range of liquid level measurement applications. Typical areas include liquid tanks, glycol tanks, food machinery, cooling liquid tanks, ships, brine tanks, wastewater systems, wine tanks, clean water tanks, oil tanks, CO₂ liquid tanks, high-temperature tanks, and low-conductivity liquid applications.
Its compact design makes it especially suitable for machine manufacturers and OEM applications where space is limited and practical installation is important.
Key Advantages
ECAPe has no moving parts. This reduces mechanical wear and supports long service life in industrial environments.
The device is designed to withstand high pressure and temperature conditions, depending on the selected model and configuration. It is also resistant to vibration and is not affected by foam or liquid splashing, making it suitable for dynamic tank environments.
Its modular structure allows easy installation and adaptation to different process requirements. The ability to measure along the complete sensor length provides flexibility for continuous level monitoring.
Technical Specifications
ECAPe operates with a 9–30 VDC power supply. The standard output is 4–20 mA two-wire, while optional outputs include 0–20 mA and 4–20 mA three-wire configurations.
The operating pressure can reach up to 50 bar, depending on the model. The standard operating temperature range is -40 °C to +150 °C, and with a cooling adapter, operation up to 200 °C is possible.
The ambient temperature range is -20 °C to +80 °C. The standard insulation material is PFA, with PTFE available as an option. The connection material is 304 stainless steel, with 316 stainless steel available as an option.
The standard protection class is IP65, with optional IP66, IP67, and IP68 protection classes available.
Measurement Performance
ECAPe offers a capacitance measurement range of 1 pF to 3 nF. The minimum dielectric constant is εr 1.6, allowing the device to be used in low-conductivity liquid applications.
The catalog specifies ±0.5% accuracy and 0.5% linearity. Power consumption is maximum 50 mW, supporting efficient operation in industrial measurement systems.
The maximum force allowed on the probe is 20 Nm, and the immersion length can be produced up to 1000 mm.
Electrical Connection Options
ECAPe is supplied with an ISO 4400-compatible socket as standard. Electrical connection options include large polyamide connector, PVC cable, M12 5-pin connector, and HM / Packard 3-pin socket set.
The catalog also shows wiring alternatives for two-wire and three-wire connections. This enables ECAPe to be integrated into different automation and control systems according to the required output type.
Model and Configuration Flexibility
ECAPe can be configured according to the application. The order structure includes selections for model type, certificate, probe type, immersion length, process temperature, mechanical connection, output, insulation material, connection material, electrical connection, and optional features.
Mechanical connection options include ISO 228-1 threaded connections such as R 1/4, R 3/8, R 1/2, R 3/4, R 1, R 1 1/4, R 1 1/2, and R 2, as well as NPT and metric thread options.
Optional features include Vibro Seal for thread sealing and special customer-specific configurations.
Why Choose ECAPe?
ECAPe is a suitable choice for applications that require compact, reliable, and economical continuous level measurement. Its capacitive principle, analog output options, high-pressure capability, temperature resistance, and no-moving-part design make it a practical solution for industrial liquid tanks.
For machine manufacturers, ECAPe offers easy installation and different design options. For process users, it provides stable measurement, reduced maintenance needs, and flexible integration into control systems.
Conclusion
The ECAPe Capacitive Level Transmitter is a compact and dependable solution for continuous level measurement in conductive and low-conductivity liquids. With no moving parts, easy calibration, analog output options, stainless steel construction, adjustable measuring range, and immersion lengths up to 1000 mm, it is well suited for industrial tanks and OEM machinery applications.
Its modular design and wide configuration options make ECAPe a practical choice for reliable liquid level measurement in modern industrial processes.