Sensor apparatus for process measurement

摘要

A sensor apparatus for transmitting electrical pulses from a signal line into and out of a vessel to measure a process variable. The sensor apparatus includes a mounting section configured to be coupled to the vessel, a conductive probe element, a dielectric insert located within the mounting section, a conductive pin coupled to the top end of the probe element, and an electrical connector coupled to the conductive pin. The conductive probe element has a predetermined diameter and is formed to include a section having a reduced diameter adjacent a top end of the probe element and a tapered section providing transition from the probe element to the reduced diameter section. The dielectric insert includes an inwardly tapered section to prevent movement of the probe element in a direction toward the mounting section and an outwardly tapered section. The conductive pin has a larger diameter than the diameter of the reduced-diameter section of the probe element to engage the outwardly tapered section of the dielectric insert and to prevent movement of the probe element in a direction away from the mounting section. The electrical connector is configured to couple the signal line to the probe element through the conductive pin.