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Focus on Level Measurement and Control

| By Gerald Ondrey

Yokogawa

 

Ambient temperature swings handled by this DP transmitter

For tanks located outdoors, ambient temperature conditions can interfere with level measurement due to the expansion and contraction of oil inside capillary tubes that are connected to diaphragm seals. The EJXC80A Diaphragm Seal System (photo) was designed with a unique compensating capillary specifically to address this issue. The compensating capillary is an additional capillary tube on the high-pressure side of the transmitter that balances the volume of fill fluid with the capillary on the low-pressure side. This allows both the high- and low-side fill fluids to be exposed to the same conditions and effectively eliminates errors caused by changes in ambient temperature. By reducing variability in tank measurements, chemical storage capacity can be increased and operators can better manage production targets. In addition, there is no need to perform manual checks to confirm tank levels and periodically re-zero the transmitter. — Yokogawa Corp. of America, Sugar Land, Tex.

www.yokogawa.com/us

 

Levelese

A compact level sensor for corrosive service

The LevelBest compact-mount level sensor and transmitter (photo) has been specifically designed for corrosive-service applications, such as acids or caustics in moist, salty atmospheres. The body is made of 304 stainless steel, with a polycarbonate NEMA 4X electronic and terminal block enclosure that is sealed and separate. Other features include a smart two-wire electronic transmitter with remote HART-like communications; a 2-in. NPT connection; and local or remote calibration over two-wire 4–20-mA signal leads. The device measures over the range of 3 in. to more than 166 ft. The instrument is based on the principle of buoyancy, whereby the LevelBest weighs an inert chain, and determines the inverse of liquid level and converts it to an analog or digital electronic signal for indication, alarming or continuous or on-demand transmission. — Levelese, Inc., Denver, Colo.

www.levelese.com

 

 

 

Emerson

This radar gage is optimized for interface applications

The Rosemount 5300 guided-wave radar level transmitter (photo) has been enhanced to optimize separation-process performance and prevent costly product ingress by accurately measuring a thinner top liquid layer in interface applications. The Rosemount 5300 can now also perform measurements to the top of a tank, enabling increased throughput and profitability. Additional new features provide greater ease-of-use, increased safety and enhanced performance in the most challenging level and interface applications. In interface-measurement applications, such as separators, the top product layer must be of a certain minimum thickness for a guided-wave radar transmitter to distinguish between the echoes from the two liquids. Previously, this minimum detectable thickness would be 50–200 mm. The company’s patented Peak in Peak interface algorithm now enables the Rosemount 5300 to detect a top liquid layer of just 25 mm. This further prevents unwanted product ingress. — Emerson Automation Solutions, St. Louis, Mo.

www.emerson.com

 

 

 

Outotec

Expanded flotation offering has new cell and level-control

The TankCell s-Series flotation units are standardized units based on this company’s proven TankCell e-Series solution, while the CellStation (photo) is an intelligent and easy-to-operate solution for controlling the air feed and pulp level in flotation cells — a task that becomes more challenging as the number and complexity of cells in a configuration increases. The solution incorporates the company’s ExactLevel controller, which enables more accurate level control and significantly reduces process disturbance, resulting in more stable froth conditions and therefore improvements in the flotation cell’s metallurgical performance. CellStation has plug-and-play connectivity with the FrothSense sensor system, which measures the essential properties of froth, including speed, direction, bubble size, stability and color, and provides statistical data related to these variables. — Outotec Oyj, Espoo, Finland

www.outotec.com

 

 

 

Krohne

A level transmitter for powders and dusty atmospheres

The Optiwave 6500C (photo) is a radar level transmitter that delivers continuous measurement in silos, hoppers and containers. The Optiwave 6500C is an optimal product for bulk storage in the mining, minerals, chemicals, power, paper, food and beverage industries. The radar offers several advanced technological features, including an 80-GHz (FMCW) bandwidth radar and a 70-mm lens antenna, making it suitable for environments with low-reflective media. With a measuring range extending over 100 m, the Optiwave 6500C handles uneven surfaces or tanks with obstacles. Other advanced features include a large backlit LCD screen with a four-button keypad, ensuring flexibility for different radar usage. — Krohne, Inc., Beverly, Mass.

www.us.krohne.com

 

 

 

Baumer

 

 

Accurate level detection — regardless of media

The CleverLevel PL20 level switches (photo) utilize frequency sweep technology, which ensures accuracy and consistency regardless of the type of process medium being measured. The switches provide reliable limit detection without the need for parameterization to a specific medium, so regardless of whether the process medium is liquid, paste-like, sticky or granular, the CleverLevel PL20 recognizes them. As a consequence, they are ideal for industrial and hygienic applications, because the switches also distinguish foam and liquid as well as detecting separating layers. The device is approved to both 3A and EHEDG standards. — Baumer Ltd., Watchfield Swindon, U.K.

www.baumer.com

Magnetrol

GWR transmitter operates in harsh processing conditions

The new Eclipse Model 700 guided wave radar (GWR) transmitter is designed to be virtually unaffected by changing media conditions, including turbulence, foaming, boiling and flashing. Proactive diagnostics, like the Model 700’s build-up detection feature, minimize maintenance costs by allowing engineers to proactively schedule shutdowns and maximize uptime. Eclipse GWR solutions, including the new Model 700, are designed to handle any level of complexity and are equipped for overfill protection through the probe design, which allows for level measurement across the entire probe length with a smaller dead zone than alternatives. The instrument has a reference accuracy of ±0.1 in. or 0.1% of the probe length, whichever is larger. — Magnetrol, Aurora, Ill.

www.magnetrol.com

 

 

Dynatrol

Level switches for packed powder applications

The GJ level switch (photo) can operate as high or low point level indicators for bulk solids that tend to pack or bridge easily. The GJ Detector operates successfully with consistent results on chemical powders, minerals and many other granulated materials. These level switches measure dry bulk solids ranging from less than 15.0 to greater than 60 lb/ft 3. The level detectors are factory calibrated and do not require any field calibration before installation. There are no moving parts and no gaskets or seals to deteriorate, providing superior performance in dusty environments. The GJ level detector relies on mechanical oscillations to determine if the probe is covered or uncovered. When combined with the EC-501A Control Unit, signals from the detector operates a single-pole double-throw relay within the control unit and users can actuate process control equipment, level alarms or indicator lights. — Automation Products, Inc. — Dynatrol Div., Houston

www.dynatrolusa.com

 

 

 

 

Endress+Hauser

These instruments automatically perform proof tests

The Liquiphant FTL51B and FTL41 vibrating fork (vibronic) level instruments (photo) were introduced in January. The FTL51B features Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT) capabilities, including access via wireless Bluetooth technology, automatic proof tests and verification, and easy commissioning via a mobile device. In addition, operational clarity is provided by a high-visibility LED. The Liquiphant FTL51B can be used in storage tanks, containers and pipes for point-level detection of all types of liquids. The instrument’s vibronic sensor is not affected by changing media properties, flow, turbulence, gas bubbles, foam, vibration or build-up. The economical, general-purpose FTL41 is similar to the FTL51B, but works at lower pressures (up to 580 psi), and with a narrower temperature range of –40 to 302°F. Both perform proof tests, with the FTL51B meeting SIL and WHG (Water Resources Act) requirements. — Endress+Hauser, Greenwood, Ind.

www.us.endress.com

 

 

 

 

BinMaster

Control console provides local access to silo inventory

The C-100 console (photo) mounts at a convenient location in the plant or a loadout. Employees simply walk or drive up to the C-100 and review level data from level sensors from 1 to 128 silos from a single console. The rugged NEMA 4X enclosure can be mounted indoors or outside. The local display eliminates the need to visit a control room or PLC and complements BinView or Binventory inventory management software. The C-100 offers measurements displayed as feet or cubic feet; U.S. gallons or bushels; and tons, metric tons, or kilograms. Measurements can be output as height of material or distance to product (headroom). The C-100-SB model is used with SmartBob level sensors, the C-100-MB is for use with SmartBob sensors requiring a Modbus output, and the C-100-R is compatible with NCR non-contact radar, and GWR guided wave radar, and SmartSonic ultrasonic level sensors. — BinMaster, Lincoln, Nebr.

www.binmaster.com