Capacitive Sensors Series Connection

Connect Capacitive Sensors in Series for Smarter Equipment Control

Use multiple capacitive sensors to verify different conditions before equipment starts. Series connection provides a simple way to improve control of feeding and material handling equipment.

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When one sensor is not enough

n many automated feeding systems, equipment is controlled based on whether material is detected at a single point.

But sometimes you need to know what is happening in two places at the same time.

Is there feed available in the hopper? Is the feed pan already full? Should the auger actually be running?

By connecting capacitive sensors in series, you can use multiple detection points as one condition for controlling the equipment.

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How series-connected sensors work

The SCR SE series from dol-sensors is designed for applications where two or more capacitive sensors need to be connected in series. When the sensors are connected in series, the output is activated only when all connected sensors are triggered. This makes it possible to verify conditions at multiple points before activating or deactivating equipment – without requiring a separate control signal from each sensor.

Sensor 1
Detects the material or condition at the first point.

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Sensor 2
Detects the material or condition at the second point.

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Equipment control
The output is activated when the required conditions are met.

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A simple example: Controlling a feed auger

One sensor can be installed in the hopper to detect whether feed is available, while another sensor monitors the feed pan.

Connecting the two sensors in series allows the status at both locations to be taken into account when controlling the feed auger.

For example, this can prevent the auger from running when the hopper is empty.

The result is a simple way to reduce unnecessary empty running, helping to limit equipment wear and unnecessary energy consumption.

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Simple series connection. No additional control system required.

The SCR SE sensors are connected directly in series with the load.

The sensors have no polarity requirements, making installation straightforward. Built-in overload and short-circuit protection also help protect the sensors in demanding applications.

For OEMs, this provides a simple way to introduce multi-point detection into feeding equipment without unnecessarily increasing system complexity.

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Designed for demanding agricultural applications

dol-sensors capacitive sensors are developed for reliable detection in demanding environments found in poultry and pig production.

They can be used to detect feed and other materials without mechanical moving parts, making them well suited for automated feeding and material handling equipment.

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Could series connection improve your equipment?

Every feeding system is different. The optimal sensor setup depends on what you need to detect, where the sensors are installed and how the equipment should respond.

Tell us about your application, and our sensor specialists can help you find the right solution.

Capacitive Sensor With Heat

Learn how continuous monitoring helps producers identify developing production challenges through changes in water consumption, growth performance and other key production indicators.

Capacitive Sensor with Built-In Heating

In environments where temperature fluctuations and high humidity pose a challenge to sensor reliability, the DOL 44 Capacitive Relay Sensor stands out as a robust solution. This advanced sensor features an integrated heating element, specifically designed to prevent condensation and ice buildup — a common problem in very cold or damp settings that can impair sensor accuracy and longevity.

Capacitive sensors operate by detecting changes in capacitance caused by the presence of materials, making them ideal for monitoring levels of grain, feed, and solids. However, in environments with condensation and cold temperatures, moisture and ice can interfere with sensor readings. The DOL 44 counters this issue by maintaining a stable internal temperature, ensuring consistent performance regardless of external conditions.

The built-in heating function not only increases the reliability of the sensor but also extends its operational life in demanding agricultural, industrial, or outdoor applications.

Read the article

Mechanical Switches Vs Capacitive Sensors

Learn how continuous monitoring helps producers identify developing production challenges through changes in water consumption, growth performance and other key production indicators.

Damaged Mechanical Switches Cause Problems in Livestock Feed Lines

In the world of livestock production, efficient and reliable feed delivery systems are crucial. These systems often rely on sensors to regulate and monitor feed flow.

Among the most commonly used are mechanical switches and capacitive sensors. While each has its advantages, there are some distinct problems associated with mechanical switches compared to capacitive sensors.

Mechanical Switches: Prone to Wear and Tear

Mechanical switches function through physical contact, which inherently makes them prone to wear and tear. In a livestock feed line, these switches are subjected to constant movement and abrasive feed materials, leading to a gradual degradation of their components. Over time, this can result in:

Increased Maintenance

Frequent replacements and adjustments become necessary as parts wear out. This means more work and more unwanted disturbances to the livestock.

Inaccuracy

Worn-out switches may fail to accurately detect feed levels, leading to overfilling or underfeeding. Every farm manager knows that this will have a huge effect on the production since it increases the risk of mold formation in the litter, leads to feed spill, and influences the growth of the livestock significantly.

Downtime

Failure of a mechanical switch can halt the feeding process, leading to downtime in operations. As with inaccuracy, downtime will influence the growth of the livestock and in extreme conditions lead to a large production loss.

Read the article

Consistent And Reliable Feed Supply In Poultry Production

Learn how continuous monitoring helps producers identify developing production challenges through changes in water consumption, growth performance and other key production indicators.

Feed supply involves the delivery of raw materials, ingredients, or mixed feed to production sites like factories, plants, or animal farming operations. Maintaining a steady and dependable supply of feed is essential for the efficient functioning of any production site and for the well-being of animals in farming contexts.

Incorporating Capacitive Sensors into Feed Supply Management

Enhancing the feed supply chain’s effectiveness can be achieved by integrating capacitive sensors. Capacitive sensors are electronic devices that measure the capacity or amount of electrical charge stored in a material. They work by detecting changes in capacitance, which is the ability of a material to store an electrical charge.

Capacitive sensors have a wide range of applications in managing feed supplies. For instance, they are effective in gauging the quantity of raw materials in storage facilities like bins, silos, or tanks. This monitoring helps in averting material shortages and guarantees uninterrupted production due to sufficient raw material or compound feed availability.

Monitoring The Flow Rate

Capacitive sensors can also be used to monitor the flow rate of raw materials being transported through pipes or conveyor belts. This can help to optimize the rate at which materials are supplied to the production process, ensuring that there is neither an excess nor a deficiency of raw materials.

Overall, the use of capacitive sensors in the feed supply process can help to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent disruptions in production. They offer a reliable and cost-effective means of monitoring and controlling the flow of raw materials, ensuring that production can be maintained at optimal levels.

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