Liquid level transmitters qualify for SIL 2

A K-Tek product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 27, 2008

AccuTrak transmitters are the only magnetostrictive transmitters in the industry to be certified to the exacting IEC61508 safety standard.

K-Tek's AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 high-accuracy magnetostrictive liquid level transmitters are now certified for operation in SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) environments.

The AccuTrak transmitters are the only magnetostrictive transmitters in the industry to be certified to the exacting IEC61508 safety standard.

They help reduce risk at the process measurement level when implementing Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in process plant environments, such as chemical plants, refineries, and power plants.

The AccuTrak AT100 is a high accuracy, magnetostrictive level transmitter that can be directly inserted into the medium to be measured; the AccuTrak AT200 is an externally mounted, noncontact transmitter that can be attached to the K-Tek KM26 magnetic level gauge or other magnetic gauges to form a complete level measuring system.

Both the AT100 and AT200 feature a modular, dual compartment design that separately houses wiring and electronics.

Field-replaceable terminal components provide added flexibility and accuracy.

AccuTrak transmitters can be used to measure clean or dirty fluids, and total level, interface level, or multiple levels from the same sensor.

The transmitters provide accurate level measurements even with widely varying pressures and temperatures: up to 207bar or 427C.

The AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 transmitters operate on the magnetostrictive principle.

A magnetic field around the wire in the transmitter causes a torsional stress wave that propagates at a known velocity.

K-Tek's patented, piezoceramic sensor converts the mechanical torsion into a strong electrical return pulse that provides highly reliable measurements, even in harsh environments.

The transmitter's microprocessor-based electronics measure the elapsed time between start and return pulses, and convert the data into an accurate position measurement proportional to the level of the float.

"Our goal is to prevent dangerous situations or control them should they arise", stated Robert Hotard, Product Manager, Magnetostrictive and Guided Wave Radar Transmitters at K-Tek.

"Unlike other devices that claim to have obtained a 'target SIL rating,' the AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 transmitters have been designed for safety compliance and are compatible with IEC61508 SIL 2 standards".

"This provides users with the assurance they need that our products will safely perform as needed".

The AccuTrak transmitters are housed in explosion-proof, power coated cast aluminium or 316L stainless steel, dual compartment enclosures.

A variety of probe materials are available to accommodate many applications.

The standard probe type is 316L Stainless Steel.

Options include Alloy 20, Hastelloy C-276, and PFA Jacket over 316L Stainless Steel.

The AccuTrak transmitters are FM Approved, CSA Certified, ATEX Certified, and GOST (Russia) Certified.

Chinese approvals are available through K-Tek's local offices in Tianjin.

The AccuTrak magnetostrictive level transmitters are available with two-wire intrinsically safe loop-powered 4-20mA signal outputs.

Optionally available are Hart protocol, Foundation Fieldbus, and Honeywell DE for interoperability with a wide range of measurement and control systems.

Level and temperature measurements are displayed locally with a built-in LCD.

K-Tek's AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 for SIL 2 environments are available for immediate shipment.

Prices start at US $1900 per device.

Quantity discounts are available.