Contact-type level instrumentation rebounds

Ultrasonic Point-level Sensor
Levelprox non-invasive, ultrasonic sensor provides point-level detection of liquids through metal containers, making it suitable for high pressure, hazardous, or hygienic applications. It compares the analyzed signal to empty and full conditions previously programmed. Models T50, with a 316L stainless-steel housing and sanitary connection, and M30, with a standard 30-mm barrel, are both FM-approved for Class I, Division 2 applications. Turck; 800/544-7769; www.turck.com

Multiple-tank Level System
King-Gage LP3 system works in processing environments with multiple tanks or process vessels requiring level measurement and inventory monitoring. It handles up to 32 analog channels and optional RTD inputs. Transmitter inputs are scaled for specific tank geometries to generate volumetric or mass measurement. More info at controlglobal.com. King Engineering; 800/242-8871; www.King-Gage.com

Convenient Calibration
Model 5318B microprocessor based level instrument has pushbutton calibration and a digital display. For point-level operation, calibration may be accomplished without raising or lowering the process. It has an adjustable differential mode for pump on/pump off operation, is available for AC or DC power, and has a NEMA 4 explosion-proof enclosure. Robertshaw Industrial Products; 865/ 981-3100; www.robertshawindustrial.com

Self-testing, Ultrasonic Switches
Echotel Model 961 single-point and 962 dual-point ultrasonic level switches require no density adjustments, work in aerated or foamy liquids, perform self-testing of electronics, piezoelectric crystals and transducers, and check for the presence of EMI/RFI electrical noise. The switches are suitable for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 loops. Options include a selection of transducer materials for various process media. Magnetrol; 800/624-8765; www.magnetrol.com
   
Good Vibrations
Models 2110 and 2120 level switches are based on a vibrating short-fork technology that’s suitable for virtually all liquid applications. The switches are unaffected by flow, turbulence, bubbles, foam, vibration, or product variations. A “Fast Drip” fork means any remaining liquid is drawn away from the fork tips, allowing for quicker, more reliable detection, especially in high density liquids. More info at controlglobal.com. Rosemount; 800/999-9307; www.rosemount.com

Wireless Sensors Go 1,000 Feet
RF10 RF event transmitters are suitable for monitoring fluid levels in tanks and drums. The portable, battery-operated units transmit up to 1,000 feet from the receiver, depending on environment. Transmitters are available in 1, 4 and 8-channel models. APT Instruments; 877/324-5444; www.aptinstruments.com

How Deep is Your Sludge?
Model 602 sludge-depth meter can be used in clarifiers, tanks, inclined plate clarifiers (Lamellas), SBRs and dissolved-air flotation tanks. The company offers free testing of your materials at its plant, so you can prove the meter will work. Markland Specialty Engineering; 416/244-4980; www.sludgecontrols.com
 
Hot Level Switch Uses RTDS
Innova-Switch level switch uses a high-resolution thermal differential technique, involving a pair of matched RTDs. The thermal differential created between the reference and the heated RTD pair is a function of the density of the media that the sensor is contacting. It switches on a level change of 0.03 in. More info at controlglobal.com. Sierra Instruments; 800/866-0200; www.sierrainstruments.com

Pneumatic Level Switch
Model 1540 non-bleed, side-mount pneumatic level switch is suitable for plant and OEM applications where pneumatic valve operation is required to signal presence or absence of liquid at a discrete level. The float-operated level switch has all-316SS body and wetted parts, and a magnetic coupling. SOR; 913/888-8150, x3303; www.sorinc.com

Multivariable Transmitter
IMV31 provides tank-level measurement when fluid density varies. It works in open (vented) and closed (pressurized) tanks and compensates for density changes in the tank liquid and vapor. This makes the transmitter suited for applications such as boiler drum level and other applications where fluid densities are affected by variations in pressure and temperature. More info at controlglobal.com. Foxboro Measurements and Instruments; 866/746-6477; www.foxboro.com/instrumentation

Solid-Signal Radar Sensor
PULS 68 two-wire radar level instrument uses a frequency of 26 GHz to achieve a strong return signal from solid materials. It’s able to see and evaluate echoes in low dielectric conditions, and at up to 230 ft. Its swivel antenna allows for mounting to match the angle of repose created by fill or empty conditions. The sensor is unaffected by dust or buildup, angle of repose, and temperature. Applications include flour, sugar, cement, grain, plastic pellets, and aggregates. Ohmart/Vega; 513/272-0524, x143; www.ohmartvega.com

Long-distance Monitor
Sitrans LU 02 ultrasonic sensor scans liquids, solids or a combination of both in one or two vessels of different size, shape and configuration up to 200 ft high. It measures level, space, distance, volume or average/differential. Transducers can be mounted up to 1,200 ft from the monitor. Readings are displayed in linear engineering units on the backlit LCD. More info at controlglobal.com. Siemens Energy & Automation; 215/646-7400 x2592; www.siemens.com

Magnetorestrictive Level Sensors
Level sensors use magnetostrictive linear measurement technology. Options include 3A (74-03) sanitary configurations, NEMA 4X- or IP68-rated housings, analog and digital outputs, and level and interface measurements. All have remote programming and diagnostics, via serial communication over standard cabling. Programming software is free. Other output available include digital pulse, high speed serial, and CANOpen, DeviceNet and Profibus fieldbuses. MTS Sensors; 919/677-2332; www.mtssensors.com.

Waveguide Aids Radar Transmitter
MT5000 Series guided-wave-radar level transmitters have a concentric waveguide that directs the radar beam, alleviating divergence problems and echoes from tank walls and surrounding structures. The devices are unaffected by variations in specific gravity due to temperature or pressure changes, and work at pressures up to 5,000 psi and temperatures up to 800 F. More info at controlglobal.com. K-Tek; 225/673-6100; www.ktekcorp.com

Where Ultrasonic Won't Work
LVRD500 Series are suitable where vapor, dust, or a foaming surface prevents ultrasonic measurement. The radar sensor uses microwave pulse technology to track target liquids from the antenna tip to the bottom of a tank. RS-232 and RS-485 models are available. Omega Engineering; 203/359-1660; www.omega.com

More Good Vibrations
Optiswitch 3000 vibration level switch works in bulk solids and model 5000 detects liquids. Both have a tuning fork that is energized piezoelectrically, and vibrates at the mechanical resonance frequency. When the tuning fork is immersed in the liquid or solid, the vibrating frequency changes, is detected by the integrated oscillator, and is converted into a switching command. Krohne; 800/FLOWING; www.krohne.com

Submersible Sensor
Submersible Model 700 level transducers are shipped with an installed vent filter for moisture protection, or with an optional unattached aneroid bellows for applications where periodic maintenance isn’t practical and high accuracy isn’ot required. Transducers are available with 4-20mA output in level ranges of 10, 23, and 35 H2O ft. with cable lengths of 25, 50, and 75 ft, respectively. More info at controlglobal.com. Pressure Systems; 800/678-7226; www.pressuresystems.com