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Transmitter measures dirty fluid interfaces

A K-Tek product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 5, 2004

The MT2000 guided wave radar interface level transmitter needs only one probe to measure fluid interface levels in a variety of continuous measurement applications.

The MT2000 guided wave radar interface level transmitter needs only one probe to measure fluid interface levels in a variety of continuous measurement applications.

This simplifies installation and setup, reduces costs, and minimises maintenance.

Using guided wave radar, the device can measure both the top surface (total level) and interface level in tanks containing a variety of fluids, such as oil and water.

The radar signal travels along a waveguide, eliminating false echoes and minimising signal loss.

The MT2000 provides a weak interface signal detector and multiple configurations, allowing it to handle dirty or clean applications.

A robust device, the transmitter is able to withstand severe environments of up to 344bar or up to 427C.

Interface applications are typically dirty environments containing particulate matter.

Traditionally, coaxial probes have been used, but their small internal diameter means there's a much higher likelihood for bridging and buildup problems within the probe.

K-Tek's preferred configuration for the MT2000 uses a single probe in a stilling well or chamber, allowing it to handle any application, whether dirty or clean.

Emulsion layers are another common problem in interface level measurement.

Emulsions can cause a decrease in interface level return signals with guided wave radar.

The MT2000 is the only guided wave radar transmitter to provide a weak interface signal detector.

Able to detect signal strength coming from the interface, this feature gives users a visual indication as to the possible presence of an emulsion layer.

"With changing specific gravities and the presence of vapour layers, fluid interface measurement is among the toughest level applications to solve in the industry", stated Robert Hotard, Product Manager for Radar and RF products at K-Tek Corp.

"K-Tek is continuing to push the leading edge by extending its interface measurement expertise beyond traditional magnetic and magnetostrictive technologies".

"The MT2000's guided wave radar has a distinct advantage in many interface applications as it has no moving parts and is unaffected by changing specific gravities".

With traditional contact measurement devices, such as displacers or DP transmitters, the measurement is dependent on the specific gravity, which will vary with temperature and pressure.

This results in varying accuracies.

The MT2000's guided wave radar, on the other hand, is unaffected by variations in specific gravity due to temperature or pressure changes.

The instrument provides accurate level measurements even with widely varying temperatures and pressures: up to 344bar or 427C.

Able to work under even the most extreme conditions, the MT2000 level transmitter provides the industry's largest selection of probe materials, including 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy B3, Monel, and titanium.

The standard housing is powder-coated aluminium; an optional stainless-steel housing handles corrosive environments.

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

The MT2000 is FM approved and CSA certified for use in hazardous areas, as well as ATEX certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The MT2000 probes can easily be retrofitted into existing displacer chambers or stilling wells.

The measurement range is from 0.3 to 19.8m.

Output is via 4-20mA or Hart connection.

A second analogue output signal can be obtained with the K-Tek RI100 repeat indicator.

Results are displayed locally with a built-in, scrolling LCD panel that offers measurements in a field-selectable choice of feet, inches, millimetres, centimetres, metres or percentage.

K-Tek's MT2000 guided wave radar level transmitter with interface option is available for immediate shipment.

Prices start at $1825.

Delivery is three weeks from receipt of order.