Laser transmitter tackles challenging environments

A K-Tek product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 4, 2004

The SureShot XP laser transmitter is designed for measurement of dry bulk solids, opaque liquids, and slurries in challenging environments.

The SureShot XP laser transmitter is designed for measurement of dry bulk solids, opaque liquids, and slurries in challenging environments.

The laser features virtually no beam divergence and is housed in an explosion-proof assembly with screw-on, glass cover for quick and easy access.

A dual-compartment design allows users to isolate the wiring and terminations from the sensing elements and internal electronics.

With virtually no beam divergence, and therefore no false echoes, the SureShot XP is ideal for use in vessels with complex internal structures and numerous obstructions, such as in petrochemical refineries and chemical plants, or in small, tight spaces, such as stilling wells.

Designed to meet the requirements for use in hazardous areas (Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B, C, D), the rugged, powder-coated aluminium enclosure is rated for IP67 or NEMA 4X, DIP ratings.

This ensures operation even in the harshest of conditions.

The SureShot XP can measure distances from 0.3 to 15m.

A precise, pulsed laser diode features virtually no beam divergence (0.2 degree beam spread) and no false echoes.

As a result, the laser can be directed through very tight spaces, as small as 51mm in diameter.

This makes the SureShot XP ideal for vessels with numerous obstructions.

"The SureShot XP laser unit comes standard with explosion proof ratings", said Ivo Radanov, Product Manager for Lasers and Ultrasonics at K-Tek Corp.

"This, combined with the unique level measuring capabilities of laser technology, such as narrow parallel beam and the ability to detect surfaces at oblique angles, opens the door to harsh environments in industries such as petrochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical".

"Because of the laser technology, the SureShot XP is not affected by vapours, material dielectric constants, turbulence, surface temperature, or complex internal vessel structures".

"The sophisticated and proven software features last pulse detection and intelligent digital signal processing, allowing the transmitter to ignore multiple agitator blades without complex 'bin plotting'".

"Just mount it and let it run".

The SureShot XP is also immune to reflections and echoes, thus providing consistent performance on solids and immunity to "cone up" and "cone down" variations in the material being measured.

It is available in a small, compact enclosure and provides what is usually a better alternative to open air radar and ultrasonic devices.

The SureShot XP features a unique, all-digital design that delivers speed and accuracy in a compact unit.

Users are up and running quickly because no calibration or special configuration software is required.

The SureShot XP works even in the presence of dust, vapours or turbulence.

Stainless-steel dust tubes prevent dust build-up and protect the optical lens from being coated.

An advanced timing system and sophisticated, self-correcting digital signal processing (DSP) functions allow accurate and reliable measurement of level, distance, and position in the harshest of conditions.

Geared to last pulse detection, the SureShot XP is able to select true signals even in the presence of surrounding noise, such as chemical vapours, dust or agitator blades.

The transmitter's variable gain and power provide better dust penetration.

Colour compensation corrects for weak or excessive return signals, even at high speeds.

Readings can be updated as quickly as three times per second.

The SureShot XP is easily programmed with a palm or pocket PC handheld device or a desktop/laptop personal computer.

Convenient, portable mounting options allow users to position the laser in any direction.

K-Tek uses Class 1 lasers, making the SureShot products safe for the human eye.

No special safety glasses are required.

K-Tek's SureShot XP explosion-proof laser level transmitters are available for immediate shipment.

Prices start at $1950.

Delivery is one week from receipt of order.