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
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