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Level switches handle high viscosity environments

A K-Tek product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 11, 2006

The Resonator line of vibrating liquid level switches are based on a robust, tuning fork design.

New from K-Tek is the Resonator line of vibrating liquid level switches.

Created for use in a variety of chemical and petrochemical applications, including high viscosity environments to 20,000cP, the product family includes the RS80 vibrating liquid level switch and the RS85 multi-option vibrating liquid level switch.

Both devices are based on a robust, tuning fork design.

The RS85 also provides the industry's widest selection of probe materials; this makes the switch immune to coating or build-up and ensures accurate, repeatable operation, whether measuring water, thick lubricants or sticky slurries.

The Resonator features a one-step, external calibration process, eliminating hassles with equipment covers.

"The Resonator reliably handles a wide range of challenging applications, including sump level control, air entrainment, and overfill protection", stated Winston Landymore, Product Manager for Capacitance and Vibrating Fork Products at K-Tek.

"The switch's ability to identify true liquid level in viscous, coating, or aerated liquid is unparalleled".

"A built-in self-test option automatically checks for fault conditions, such as excessive product build-up on the sensor, warning of potential problems before they happen".

With gap or float switches, measurement is dependent on dielectric constant or specific gravity.

This can result in varying accuracies.

The Resonator's microprocessor-based design keeps the sensor in a resonant state as it changes from dry to wet or wet to dry conditions.

This resonant frequency is unaffected by coating or build-up on the probe, allowing the level switch to make measurements without concern for specific gravity, dielectric constant, or mounting position of the sensor.

For maximum flexibility, the Resonator is available in 120V AC, 240V AC, 24V DC, and loop power configurations.

A simple, one-step calibration process makes installation and maintenance easy.

For hazardous environments where the unit's integrity must be maintained, an external magnet is used to calibrate the switch externally.

Able to work in a variety of challenging environments, the Resonator provides the industry's widest selection of probe materials.

The RS80 features 316 Stainless Steel.

The RS85 offers 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy B, Monel and Incoloy 600.

A variety of sensor finishes provides immunity to coating or build-up.

Choose from standard, 180 grit, 240 grit, 240 grit and electropolished, Teflon, Halar or Tefzel.

The Resonator can handle process temperatures of -40 to +177C, and pressures from 0 to 138bar.

The standard, rugged housing is powder-coated aluminium with an optional stainless steel housing to handle corrosive environments.

The RS85 also offers a dual-compartment design that allows users to isolate the wiring and terminations from the sensing elements and internal electronics.

Additional options include hermetic seal between probe and housing, high temperature extensions, and extended probe lengths to 3048mm.

K-Tek's Resonator vibrating liquid level switches are available for immediate shipment.

Prices start at $345.

Delivery is one to three days from receipt of order for the RS80.