Top accuracy for level transmitters

The Accutrak line of magnetostrictive level transmitters features extremely high accuracy - up to 0.01% of full scale.

In response to process industry's need for ultra-accurate liquid level measurement, along with transmission and integration of these metrics into process controls, K-Tek now offers its Accutrak line of magnetostrictive level transmitters (MLT) featuring extremely high accuracy: up to 0.01% of full scale.

Accutrak's innovative updates to traditional magnetostrictive designs permit vastly increased sensitivity for precise and repeatable level measurement to 75ft, with reduced maintenance and recalibration.

Loop-powered operating voltages and a choice of signal output modules - including the industry's only Foundation Fieldbus capability - facilitate rapid integration into most any digital control system.

Even operations involving extreme process conditions - such as seen in oil and gas, chemical, utility and pharmaceutical applications - benefit from the most accurate level transmitter technology available today.

K-Tek's top-of-the-line Accutrak AT100, for example, can measure and transmit the level of a 40ft tank within 0.05in at a resolution over 16 times greater than conventional reed switch devices, with no drift, despite changes in pressure, temperature, dielectric or vapour composition.

The Accutrak is based upon the magnetostrictive principle.

The sensing tube contains a wire, which is pulsed at fixed intervals.

The interaction of the current pulse with the magnetic field created by the magnetic float causes a torsional stress wave to be induced in the wire.

The torsion propagates along the wire at a known velocity, from the position of the magnetic float and toward both ends of the wire.

A patented piezomagnetic sensing element placed in the transmitter assembly converts the received mechanical torsion into an electrical return pulse.

The microprocessor-based electronics measures the elapsed time between the start and return pulses and converts into a 4-20mA output, which is proportional to the level being measured.

This heightened sensitivity also facilitates the precise measurement and control of multiple liquids in one vessel.

When dealing with interfaces between such fluids as oil and water or HF acid and propane, an Accutrak MLT can be designed to separately measure specific gravity differences as little as 0.02 - resulting in two independent measurements: one for fluid interface level and another for total level.

For extreme applications, the increased sensitivity of the Accutrak allows the accurate gauging of very hot or cold fluids (from -320 to +800F) because K-Tek's magnetic level transmitters operate through very thick insulation, whereas typical MLT devices lose accuracy and cannot operate under these challenging conditions.

For the same reason, the Accutrak delivers reliable measurements through vessel walls capable of supporting process pressures of 3000lb/in2.

Accutrak's technology also lends itself to the tracking of valve stem position.

The resultant accuracy afforded by this MLT device permits exceptionally fine control of process flows.

With improved accuracy comes a decrease in maintenance, as the Accutrak uses a single moving part: the float.

In contrast, less elegant measurement transmitters often require complicated cables, pulleys, reed switches and relays.

Such simplicity also yields greater stability over time with variations in process temperature and pressure, hence there is never a need to recalibrate as long as the float is working properly.

Lack of mechanical complexity also enables the simple retrofitting of Accutrak MLT devices directly into existing displacer chambers, thereby eliminating complicated pneumatic displacer transmitters at a cost-effective rate.

Currently, K-Tek's Accutrak line is the industry's only magnetostrictive level transmitter to provide Foundation Fieldbus output capability.

Industry standard 4-20mA, Hart and Honeywell DE protocol options round out the Accutrak MLT's ability to seamlessly integrate into the DCS of most any plant.

Local output can be indicated via LCD readout on a scale of 4-20mA, relative percentage, or other engineering units.

To combat harsh chemical environments found in some oil, acid, ammonia, and waste applications, the Accutrak line of magnetostrictive MLTs comes in a wide selection of alloys and materials including alloy 20, titanium and Hastelloy C-276.

For ultra-pure applications found in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food and beverage industries, "sterilisable" sensor assemblies include PTFE-jacketed or electropolished 316 stainless steel.

All Accutrak MLTs come with the industry's strongest warranties, as K-Tek is the only level-gauge manufacturer in the world to hold ASME code-stamp capability in-house and ISO9001, FM, CSA and Cenelec/ATEX certification.

To ensure even greater reliability, a built-in RFI/EMI filter and encapsulated electronics come standard, along with field-selectable burnout protection.

Back to top