Author Archives: Lukas Achtelik
Optical Level Switch Gives Incorrect Signals: Correctly Assessing Foam, Bubbles and Deposits
The tank is almost empty, but the optical level switch continues to indicate “full”. After...
Temperature Transmitter with Sensor Break: Correctly Configuring NAMUR Fault Signal, Upscale and Downscale
A Pt100 normally measures 80 °C. Suddenly, the PLC input value rises to the upper...
Pressure Measurement in Refrigeration Systems: Correctly Accounting for Refrigerants, Pulsations and Low Temperatures
The pressure sensor in a refrigeration system provides plausible values when the system is at...
Melt Pressure Sensor Drifts After Temperature Changes: Correctly Assessing Zero Shift and Warm-Up Time
The extruder is heated up and the melt pressure sensor initially indicates 0 bar while...
Parameterising SITRANS LR Radar: Correctly Setting Up False Echo Suppression, Near Range and Tank Geometry
A SITRANS LR radar sensor is mechanically installed correctly on the tank but indicates almost...
Selecting the Correct MINIMESS Series: Properly Identifying 1215, 1615, 1620 or 1604
An existing test coupling looks like MINIMESS at first glance. However, the test hose cannot...
Infrared Thermometer on Bare Metal: Correctly Managing Emissivity, Reflections and Spot Size
A bare stainless-steel pipe feels noticeably hot, yet the infrared thermometer shows only 38 °C....
Building a Redundant 24 V Power Supply: Correctly Planning Decoupling, Load Sharing and Failure Signalling
Two 24 V power supplies are installed next to each other in the control cabinet...
Planning MQTT Topics for Measurement Data: Correctly Representing Units, Plant Structure and Quality Status
A pressure sensor sends 6.42. An energy meter provides 18450. A temperature transmitter sends 72.3....
Correctly Zeroing a Contamination Monitor: Accounting for Background, Efficiency and Measuring Distance
A contamination monitor already shows 20 counts per second on a supposedly clean surface. Does...