Fringing Field Capacitor-Based Contactless Flow Sensor for Industrial Applications

This article presents an approach to the measurement of fluid flow rates by harnessing the capabilities of fringing field capacitors. What sets this method apart is its unique capacitor structure, which consists of alternating annular electrodes strategically placed on the surface of a tube. This ingenious design permits the fringing field to permeate the tube wall, enabling the precise detection of fluids passing through. The core advantage lies in the distribution of the electric field along this annular wall. This distribution pattern simplifies the analysis of capacitance-flow relationships, making it a powerful tool for accurately measuring fluid flow rates. Moreover, the method’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it exceptionally well-suited for industrial applications, where efficiency and affordability are paramount concerns. The article delves into a comprehensive exploration of both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical verification of a flow sensor that leverages contactless passive LC-sensing technology. Unlike conventional methods that necessitate direct physical contact with the substance being measured, this innovative sensor operates in a noncontact manner. This distinctive feature confers numerous advantages, particularly in situations where physical contact proves impractical, undesirable, or even hazardous. This novel approach to fluid flow rate measurement not only simplifies and economizes the process but also opens up new possibilities in industries where precision, reliability, and safety are of utmost importance.