Level Measurement & Control


Versatile, redundant, level measurement system

August 2005 Level Measurement & Control

K-Tek, a leading manufacturer of liquid level detection, is offering its Magwave dual chamber level measurement system. A lightweight, compact, precision-fabricated unit, the Magwave is designed to provide independent, redundant measurements in a variety of oil, gas, petrochemical, and power applications. The new system is designed around a unique, dual chamber enclosure that provides added flexibility and accuracy. Two, tightly integrated but independent chambers include a magnetic level gauge for level indication based on the specific gravity of the process, and a Guided Wave Radar Transmitter for measurements based on dielectric constant.

Unlike single chamber designs, Magwave can be used to measure clean or dirty fluids. A separate chamber for the guided wave radar eliminates the need for a coaxial cable and allows customers to use the system in processes that may contain particulate matter that may build up on probes. The dual chamber design also removes extra parts from within the magnetic level gauge chamber, eliminating potential float obstructions. The process connections on the Magwave are not limited to the side, but can be placed on the top, bottom, or side of the gauge. Vent and drain valves can be incorporated without changes in the chamber size, keeping the unit smaller and lighter than other approaches. If required, indicators can be repositioned from the factory-assembled locations.

"Redundancy is often required in challenging applications, such as feedwater heaters, industrial boilers, and wastewater tanks," said Robert Hotard, product manager for radar and RF products at K-Tek Corp. "Magwave combines the robustness of the magnetic level gauge with the accuracy of guided wave radar. In fact, the system can also combine guided wave radar, magnetostrictive, and capacitance transmitters in a single, compact unit. Add in the available switching options and the configurations for redundancy become limitless."

Two robust measurement systems in one

The float-based magnetic level gauge has a visible shuttle or bargraph indicator, which is magnetically coupled to a float through the wall of the float chamber, thus avoiding direct contact with the process fluid. This eliminates problems with coating, plating, fouling, fugitive emissions, and hazardous material leaks, as well as provides accurate readings through dirty or colourless fluids, common with standard sight glasses.

The second Magwave chamber contains the MT2000 guided wave radar transmitter. With no moving parts there is virtually no maintenance required. A wave-guide cable or rod directs the microwave pulses directly to the product surface, eliminating the beam divergence problems common to conventional non-contact radar transmitters. The incorporation of a single, wave guide antenna and the secondary Magwave chamber allows the measurement of low dielectric materials, such as propane, hexane, and butane without the need for a coaxial type probe. The instrument provides accurate level measurements even with widely varying temperatures and pressures: up to 20,6 MPa and 427°C.

Customised options allow this second chamber to be fitted with guided wave radar, magnetostrictive, or capacitance transmitters. Different options allow for requirements related to the nature of the substances in the process, and the pressures and temperatures involved.

About K-Tek

K-Tek is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid detection, founded in 1975. K-Tek pioneered the KM26 magnetic level gauge with extruded outlets and continues to set the pace in the industry with such innovations as AccuTrak, the first Fieldbus-compatible magneto-strictive level transmitter. The company also manufactures magnetostrictive level transmitters, RF capacitance transmitters, ultrasonic transmitters, and a full line of point level switches, plumb bob devices, and field controllers. K-Tek's products are used in over 200 000 installations worldwide in such applications as plastics manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas production, pulp and paper processing, mining and construction, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation.

For more information contact Paul Dhooge, Blanes Instruments, 011 425 1465, [email protected], www.ktekcorp.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter

Read more...
Level measurement of leachate from sewage sludge humification
Level Measurement & Control
A municipal utility in eastern Germany operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant with sustainable sludge treatment. The ultrasonic signal was being partially deflected by the wind, leading to frequent false measurements and inefficient process workflows. The problem was solved by replaced the ultrasonic level sensor with KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 non-contact radar.

Read more...
Groundbreaking measurement system
Mecosa Level Measurement & Control
Berthold Technologies has launched the LoopSeries LB 430, an innovative, industry-leading measurement system designed to enhance operational efficiency with advanced level, density, and level switch capabilities.

Read more...
Level measurement of a water sump at a sewage treatment plant
Level Measurement & Control
A major city council in South East Queensland, Australia maintains and operates a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater. Due to the risk of flooding, the water sump must be continuously monitored. The solution is KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter.

Read more...
Simplicity in measurement
Endress+Hauser South Africa Level Measurement & Control
Endress+Hauser’s new 80 GHz compact radar range is designed to help customers reach their compliance targets through simple yet efficient measurement solutions.

Read more...
Case History 196: Unstable condensate level control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
The operators in a petrochemical refinery were having great trouble in trying to stabilise the condensate level in a vessel, and this was adversely affecting other loops downstream. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to retune the controller.

Read more...
Non-contact level measurement for hygienic and industrial applications
ifm - South Africa Level Measurement & Control
The LW2720 radar level sensor from ifm sets new benchmarks for speed and accuracy.

Read more...
Level measurement in oil storage
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
Measuring the level of crude oil in storage is essential for safe and efficient operations. VEGA offers solutions that effectively address the challenges, ensuring precise and consistent level measurements in crude oil storage facilities. VEGA’s sensors offer reliable data on the volume, level and pressure of all types of media. Accurate level measurement is complicated by crude oil thermal expansion properties, particularly in lighter oil grades.

Read more...
Cloud-based inventory management
Endress+Hauser South Africa Level Measurement & Control
Netilion is an award-winning cloud-based IIoT ecosystem designed for industrial processes. It connects the physical and digital worlds to send valuable information from the field straight to your phone, tablet or other device.

Read more...
Smart solutions for tabletting
VEGA Controls SA Level Measurement & Control
The manufacturing of pharmaceuticals is considered to be one of the most challenging production environments. Pharmaceutical manufacturers across the globe have opted for VEGA sensors in their production facilities.

Read more...