Conductivity and permittivity are different
Conductivity describes how readily electrical current passes through a material. Relative permittivity describes its dielectric response. A liquid can have low conductivity while still changing capacitance enough for a suitable sensor. Do not use a conductivity reading as a complete substitute for a dielectric suitability assessment.
Why a former electrode can mislead the retrofit
An existing conductive system may use the tank wall as a reference or several electrodes at different heights. Replacing one assembly with one point switch may lose the original number of level points. An insulated or non-metallic vessel can also change the installation requirements.
Residual bridges, coating and cleaning liquid can influence either approach differently. Identify the states that must register as present and absent before choosing thresholds.
Ask for a medium-based decision
Provide product composition, expected concentration changes and temperature. For oils, low-conductivity solvents or mixtures, request evidence for the actual sensing principle and configuration. A sample test should include the installation reference or adapter when it affects the electrical field.
What to confirm for your application
- Conductivity and dielectric data if available
- Tank and mounting materials
- Number of required switching points
- Residue and cleaning-liquid response
- Allowed configuration method
References
Baumer CleverLevel LBFS datasheet — supplied reference, EN/2018-03-01
Lisen technical reference — English summary of the supplied 2024-11-25 manual
Baumer — Level measurement: operating principle and technology
Technical guidance. Verify the current order-code documentation and your plant requirements before applying a recommendation.