Level Measurement
Continuous monitoring of the liquid volume in a padding machine’s trough is necessary to maintain a constant contact time between fabric and dye. The pad trough level sensor measures the height of the liquid and sends a signal to the dosing pump to replenish the chemical as it is consumed. This action ensures that the fabric is always exposed to the same amount of dye.
Sensor Reliability
Capacitive or ultrasonic probes are commonly used for this application because they do not have moving parts that can get clogged by dye residue. If the pad trough level sensor fails, the liquid level may drop, causing the fabric to run dry and resulting in uneven coloring. Regular cleaning of the sensor surface prevents build up that could cause false readings.
Dosing Control
The sensor works in tandem with the automatic dosing pump to maintain a stable volume.
Process Optimization
A constant liquid level in the trough is critical for achieving a uniform pickup across the entire width of the fabric. Any fluctuation in the level alters the hydrostatic pressure and the contact time, leading to shading differences from start to finish. Using a high precision level sensor ensures that these fluctuations are minimized.