Catch the Level Buzz

Demand is high for new level sensing technologies in China and India and in many markets around the world. New products, such as ultrasonic level meters and guided-wave microwave level gauges, are attractive to the water, wastewater and agriculture markets, according to a research report from Frost & Sullivan. Level sensors are also used in cases where the level measurement would represent the leak rate in larger tanks. The other applications are in aerobic septic systems, pumping stations, chemical feed, sedimentation, mixing vessels and chlorine removal.

Another area of growth is in the food-handling equipment, beverages, pharmaceutical and packaging industries where demand for level sensors that conform to 3-A standards is important. Apart from conformance to 3-A standards, level sensors that come with clean-in-place (CIP) and sterilize-in-place (SIP) capability are attractive choices for users needing the most modern cleaning and sanitizing methods.

Newer to the market are combination sensing devices, multivariable and dual sensors that not only can measure level, but also one more parameter, such as temperature.These level sensors also include a graphical LCD and a visual alarm. The alarm alerts the operator when the programmed parameters are outside the preset ranges.
Finally, according to ARC Advisory Group, “The worldwide market for radar level devices is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate  of 5.9% over the next five years. It will is forecasted to be $421 million in 2012.”

Patti Pool
Products Editor

CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT OF SOLIDS Siemens Energy & Automation 800/SIEMENS Sitrans LR260 two-wire, continuous-level, radar transmitter measures any solid medium, including cement powder, fly-ash, coal, gypsum, flour, grain, aggregates and plastics. It measures up to 98 ft (30 m) even in dusty environments and temperatures up to 392 °F (200 °C). The multilingual Quick Start Wizard guides users through the programming of the transmitter. It can be programmed via the intrinsically safe infrared hand-held programmer or remotely using Simatic PDM via HART or Profibus PA without opening the lid of the device. A GUI displays echo profiles and diagnostic information.

LEVEL IN TALL VESSELS Burkert 704/504-4440 Type 8185 guided microwave level transmitter provides continuous level measurement for both liquids and solids. It uses either a cable or rod probe of 316L stainless steel. Measuring range is up to 13 ft (rod) or 105 ft (cable), making it best for tall vessels. The measuring accuracy is not influenced by process conditions involving strong steam generation, density fluctuations, changes of dielectric current or buildup of condensation on the probe or vessel wall. Output is 4-20 mA/HART. Process temperature range is -22 °F to +302 °F.

SUBMERSIBLE AND WIRELESS Pressure Systems 800/328-3665 waterMONITOR datalogging level transducer with an optional ETFE- jacketed cable provides corrosion resistance in liquid level monitoring applications, such as potable ground and surface water, open-channel level measurement, down-hole, well, lake, stream and watershed management. It can store up to 600,000 level- temperature- and time-stamped measurements and is designed to operate in any wireless environment, making it suited for remote installations. Accuracy is +/-0.05% FS total error band as deep as 692 ft (210 m) H2O and has a networkable RS484 interface with selectable baud rates from 1200 to 19,200.

DISPLACER LEVEL MEASUREMENT Emerson Process Management  314/553-2000   Types DL3 and L3 wafer-bodied liquid level displacer gauges are designed to sense the level of an interface between two liquids or the density of a liquid in a vessel using displacer technology. The DL3 produces a 4-20 mA analog output signal and is HART-compliant. The L3 produces a pneumatic output signal.

FLOW, LEVEL, TEMPERATURE FCI 800/854-1993 FlexSwitch FLT flow/level/temperature switch monitors flow, level or temperature and can perform flow or level sensing along with temperature measurement simultaneously. It is built to comply with process-industry requirements for point level and interface sensing in liquid, gas or foam. The switch is hydrostatically proof-pressure-tested to 3500 psig at 70 °F. Derated with temperature, the maximum operation service recommended is 2350 psig at 500 °F. The switch is suited for use in hazardous locations and is rated for  NEMA Type 4X (IP66) environments.