corTEC^® Technology

From Fill Levels to Media Quality

Contactless real-time measurement for liquids, gases, and solids with corTEC^® technology

The corTEC^® technology from EBE sensors + motion is a patented sensor principle that enables simultaneous detection of capacitive and resistive/conductive measured values. This dual measurement method allows detailed analysis of fluid properties and offers a high degree of selectivity that was previously only achievable by using multiple sensors.
At the heart of the technology is a special sensor system that determines the real and imaginary parts of a medium’s impedance. This allows media to be identified and differentiated based on their relative permittivity or conductivity. The distinction is made using the finest differences in capacitance and resistance values, which enables precise media classification.

The capacitive measurements provide information about the electrical storage capacity of a medium—relevant for level detection, media change, or object proximity. The resistive or conductive values, which provide information about electrical conductivity, enable the analysis of concentrations, contamination, or media quality.

Measurement is contactless, even through container or hose walls, and provides real-time data immediately after installation. This makes the technology particularly suitable for hygiene-critical, isolated, or hard-to-access systems. Due to the continuous measurement principle, not only switching applications but also continuous measurement systems such as continuous level measurements based on corTEC^® can be implemented.

Advantages at a Glance

• Dual measuring principle for comprehensive media analysis and highly reliable compensation of disturbance variables
• High selectivity through determination of the real and imaginary parts of the impedance
• Contactless detection through walls, deposits and coatings
• Real-time measurement without additional components
• Enables media differentiation between gases, liquids, highly viscous media, foam, and solids
• Compact integration into OEM and process applications
• Cost-efficient and suitable for series production

Implementation of the Technology – Examples from the Product Family

The performance capabilities of corTEC^® technology are demonstrated in various sensor solutions developed for specific requirements:

• The technology allows the detection of media properties or the detection of foam or foam structures through container or hose walls without direct contact with the medium – ideal for hygiene-critical processes.
• For level measurements, the dual measurement method allows compensation for disturbance variables in the application, which would not be possible with purely capacitive measurement, thus ensuring unparalleled measurement reliability. This also applies to difficult measurement conditions such as coatings or deposits on containers and highly viscous media. corTEC® makes it possible, for example, to clearly distinguish whether medium has only accumulated at the edge or whether the container is partially or completely filled.
• It covers a wide range of capacitive (e.g., 1 fF to 1000 pF) and conductive measuring ranges (e.g., 0.01 to 1000 mS) and is suitable for a wide variety of media types.

Do you also have an application? Describe your project here. EBE is happy to assist you in finding a solution.