Basic Principles of Capacitance
Capacitance is defined as the ratio of the change in an electric charge to the corresponding change in its electrical potential (or voltage). Capacitors ; components designed to store electrical charge, consist of conductive parallel plates that are electrically separated by a dielectric material, such as air or an insulating layer.
MTI’s technology is built on the principles of parallel plate capacitor measurement. A probe serves as one of the plates, and a grounded target acts as the other. The capacitance between these two surfaces changes based on the gap or distance between them. This variation in capacitance is converted into an output voltage by an amplifier, which is proportional to the gap distance.
Why Use Capacitance?
One of the main uses of capacitance in industrial applications is the ability to measure without direct contact between the sensor and the target. This means there’s no mechanical loading, wear on probes, or distortion of the target material. Capacitive systems are highly beneficial in industries where non-contact measurements are essential.
Compared to alternatives like laser interferometers, capacitance applications are much more cost-effective while offering comparable, if not superior, stability, precision, and resolution. Capacitive probes also excel in extreme environments, withstanding temperatures as high as 1200°F (650°C) and as low as 4°K (-269.15°C). They are also effective in high magnetic fields (up to 2 Tesla) and can operate in vacuum conditions (10-7 Torr) without issue. Additionally, they can function reliably in humid environments.
Applications of Capacitance in Industry
Now that you have a foundational understanding of capacitance, let’s explore the applications of capacitance in more detail. Whether you’re working with sensors for industrial machinery, measuring small gaps, or assessing the distance between components, it’s essential to understand the specific uses of capacitance in your industry. Additionally, reviewing MTI’s case studies can provide insight into how capacitance measurement systems have been applied in various sectors.
Before implementing capacitance technology into your application, consider the necessary design aspects and requirements. MTI Instruments offers a variety of capacitance measurement systems that cater to different industrial needs, ensuring optimal performance for your specific application.
Uses and Applications
Design Considerations
- What are you trying to measure?
- What is the level of accuracy that you need?
- What is the application environment?
- What are the risks of grounding the target?
- Do you need continuous, automatic monitoring?
This is just some of what you’ll need to know. That’s why it’s important to choose the right partner, too.
Industries & Case Studies
Additional Resources
- Electric Fields and Capacitance (All About Circuits)
- What are Capacitive Position Sensors? (AZO Materials)
- How Capacitive Sensors Work and How to Use Them Effectively (SensorLand)
- Capacitive Sensors: Designs and Applications (Google Books)
- Capacitive Sensors Review (SlideShare Presentation)
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