Vibronic Point Level Detection

Vibronic Point Level Detection

Vibronic point level detection is a switching technology for liquids and bulk solids that is commonly used for overfill prevention and limit detection. It is positioned as a highly reliable “second line of defense” in many safety-focused designs because it is resilient to challenging process behavior.

In liquids, a tuning-fork sensor is excited at its resonant frequency via a piezoelectric drive. When the fork enters the medium, the oscillation frequency shifts and the instrument converts that change into a switching signal. In solids, a one-rod vibronic sensor is excited similarly, and the amplitude change upon material contact is analyzed to generate the switch output.

A major advantage is switching stability despite changing media properties, turbulence, foam, vibration, and buildup. Devices are commonly applied for minimum/maximum detection, leakage monitoring, and certified overfill protection, including in applications aligned with higher safety requirements (e.g., SIL-rated protective functions).

Typical applications span liquids and solids services in chemical and food processing, oil and gas storage, and solids silos containing fine-grained or powdery materials. Vibronic point level is also applied in hazardous-area environments where robust switching and diagnostic capability support high availability.

Engineering considerations include selecting the appropriate probe geometry, ensuring proper insertion length relative to the desired switching point, and confirming coating/build-up expectations are within the device’s functional tolerance. With easy installation and operation without calibration, plus self-monitoring and low wear characteristics, vibronic switches remain a cornerstone technology for reliable point level protection.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.