Liquid level indicator goes to extremes

A K-Tek product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 13, 2005

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph is a rugged liquid level indicator designed for corrosive, flammable and toxic environments.

New from K-Tek, the KM26 Magnetic Bargraph is a rugged liquid level indicator designed for corrosive, flammable and toxic environments.

Part of the KM26 Magnetic Level Gauge family, the Magnetic Bargraph features a true hermetic seal that ensures no moisture ingress or build-up, both of which can significantly hinder indicator movement.

The device's rugged and durable 316 stainless steel housing eliminates the corrosion problems typically associated with low quality materials, making it suitable for such environments as offshore operations.

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph can also handle extreme temperatures, such as boiler and heater applications that run as high as 538C and cryogenic applications that run as low as -195C.

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph magnetically couples to a float through the wall of the float chamber, thus avoiding direct contact with the process fluid.

This eliminates problems with coating, plating, fouling, fugitive emissions, and hazardous material leaks, as well as provides accurate readings through dirty or colourless fluids, common with standard sight glasses.

"The rugged KM26 Magnetic Bargraph is made to handle upper fluid and interface applications that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or extreme temperatures", said Kevin Hambrice, Director of Marketing, K-Tek.

"The unit is easy to maintain, with no gauge glasses to clean, and provides excellent visibility at distances up to 50ft".

Designed for long-term operation with zero maintenance, the KM26 indicator is ideal for limited access locations or highly corrosive environments, such as offshore platforms.

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph is housed in a sturdy 316 stainless steel channel assembly.

Rugged end caps eliminate the potential for vibration-induced rotation and a proprietary spring mechanism allows for thermal expansion and contraction without tube distortion.

A robust, thermoplastic/ceramic flag design allows free rotation, ensuring no disruptions and consistent, reliable level readings.

This unique design uses no dissimilar metals; as a result, corrosion problems have been eliminated.

The indicator provides accurate readings at temperatures up to 538C through the use of a high temperature insulation jacket and a special coating that shields the indicator from temperature extremes.

The jacket consists of two layers: an inner ceramic fibre insulation blanket and an outer, weather-resistant fibreglass cloth.

For low temperature applications, down to -195C, foam-glass insulation with mastic and an open-weave fibreglass cloth vapor barrier are used.

A clear frost extension made of Lexan ensures that the level indication is visible outside the thick insulation.

Traditionally, a bargraph is housed in an aluminium channel with gaskets and a flat glass front sealed with silicone.

But metal and glass expand and contract at different rates, making it impossible to maintain a hermetic seal.

Moisture laden air then reaches the metal pivot points, leading to corrosion that causes the flags to hang up and produce inaccurate readings.

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph uses a nitrogen-purged tube that produces a hermetically sealed device, eliminating the needs for gaskets and silicone seals.

This prevents moisture from entering in the first place, ensuring long-term visibility and error-free operation.

The KM26 Magnetic Bargraph features 316 stainless steel rulers which eliminate corrosion problems.

Single or dual rulers are available in imperial, metric, or custom engineering units.

K-Tek's KM26 Magnetic Bargraph is available in two colour schemes: yellow/black (standard) and red/white (optional).

Prices start at $150.

Delivery is three to four weeks from receipt of order.

Expedited orders for delivery in one week or less are also available.