- Loop or Line Powered
- Wetted Parts: 316SS 3/4" NPT Mounting, 3/16" FEP insulated flexible and adjustable cable, non-sparking brass sensor.
- Automatic and local or remote manual test functions ensure proper system operation.
- One system fits most floating roof tank applications, reducing field spans
- Adjustable insertion lengths up to 15' (4,6m)
- Excellent trip point accuracy over a wide range of medias and tank roof
Piping Specialties Inc. (PSI) is one of the northeast's largest suppliers of valves; process controls/instrumentation, and engineered mechanical specialties. Industries served: Power Generation, Pulp/Paper, HVAC, Water/Wastewater, Food/Beverage, Life Sciences, Chemical/ Process, Semiconductor. For more information visit PSI-Team.com or call 800-223-1468.
SIL Level Switch Is Specifically Designed for Floating Roof Tanks
Industrial Thermowell Process Connection Types
Water Cut Meters from Drexelbrook
Water cut meters measure the water cut (or BS&W) of oil flowing from a well, a separator, crude oil transfer in pipelines, and tanker loading.
Food Industry Batch Level Control
- 3A designed sanitary sensing elements
- No moving parts
- 3 control points on one vertical sensing element
- Cote-Shield circuitry eliminates false alarms due to coatings
- Designed to endure Clean In Place (CIP) demands
The REOTEMP Model W Explosion Proof, Field Mounted, HART Temperature Transmitter
Submersible Level Transmitters
The Drexelbrook DR3500 80 GHz FMCW Radar for Liquids With Hygienic Requirements
Key DR3500 Features
- Process conditions up to +300⁰F (150⁰C) and 362 psig (25 barg)
- Extensive choice of hygienic process connections
- Small dead zone and beam angle for small and narrow tanks
- Flush-mounted PEEK Lens antenna: CIP/SIP suitable
- 3 Year Warranty
NON-CONTACT LEVEL MEASUREMENT
- Pharmaceutical
- Biotech
- Biopharma
- Food & Beverage
Replace Inaccurate and High Maintenance Displacer Level Controls With RF Admittance Technology
Cost Effective Alternative to Displacer Level Measurements
THE PROBLEM
- Displacer accuracy is dependent on the specific gravity of a fluid. Varying specific gravities and “off spec” product result in significant measurement errors.
- Coating build-up on the displacer body produces errors.
- “Blowdowns” to clean displacer internals and cages is time consuming and expensive.
- Rebuilds due to component wear add significantly to the total cost of ownership.
- Interface measurements are more sensitive to slight specific gravity variances and result in separator throughput lower than the design specification.
THE SOLUTION
- AMETEK Drexelbrook Radio Frequency (RF) Admittance technology eliminates all of the inherent problems with Displacer technology level measurement.
- RF is immune to changes in specific gravity, density, temperature, and pressure.
- Accuracies to 1⁄4 inch of level in short span installations.
- No moving parts to wear, No periodic maintenance.
- Replacement cost differentials covered by eliminating one rebuild.
Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468
The AMETEK Drexelbrook Impulse Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter
The Drexelbrook Impulse is a guided wave radar (TDR) that measures all liquids and slurries' overall level and other volumetric measures. When competitive water sensors fail, the Impulse continues to provide accurate values.
The Drexelbrook Impulse is a two-wire guided wave radar that uses field-proven TDR level (Time Domain Reflectometry) technology to produce accurate Total Level, Distance, and Volumetric outputs on all liquids and slurries.
The Impulse handles even the most challenging level measuring applications. It will continue to give dependable and accurate measurements even in the presence of disturbances such as agitated or uneven surfaces, foam, or probe coating. Changes in the density and dielectric characteristics, dusts, mist, and turbulence do not affect it. When other water level sensors fail, the Impulse continues to measure.
This water level sensor is a perfect replacement for costly mechanical dispenser systems, with a wide range of probe types and material possibilities for various applications.
This guided wave radar is simple to use for any user due to its simple navigation, push-button setups, and HART connections. It only takes a few minutes to install. Choose your level measuring type and language, and the Impulse is ready to use.
The Impulse guided wave radar is intrinsically safe, explosion-proof, and non-incendive, and it does not require calibration or level changes.
Additionally, Drexelbrook recently introduced an enlarged coaxial sensor for The Impulse GWR. The new 1.66" (42mm) diameter probe provides reliable accuracy within high viscosity liquids. The new enlarged coaxial sensor option for The Impulse GWR allows the material to flow off the sensor easily when used with viscous fluids.
Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468
Drexelbrook CheckWell™ Water Well Level Sensor
The Drexelbrook CheckWell™ water well level sensor automatically monitors the level or drawdown in water wells up to 3000 feet deep.
The AMETEK Drexelbrook CheckWell™ water well level sensor automatically monitors the level or drawdown in water wells up to 3000 feet (914m) deep. It generates a continuous linear output signal that is directly proportional to the well level. This output can be used for remote monitoring/recording, warning signals, and pump control via optional current-actuated relays.
The advantages include quick installation, no manual maintenance, and an all-electronic design for exceptional reliability. Density variations, mineral or oil deposits on the sensing feature, and oil on top of the water do not affect the device.
Level Measurement Solutions for Water Treatment
Several functional level measurement technologies have viable solutions for a broad range of industrial and municipal water treatment applications. Because of the variety of applications that exist and the varying application conditions, no one technology is best suited in all cases.
POINT LEVEL VERSUS CONTINUOUS LEVEL INSTRUMENTS
Regardless of the application, there are two significant classifications of level measurement instrumentation: point level and continuous level measurement.
Point Level (On/Off) measurement indicates the absence or presence of level at a certain threshold (point) within a vessel. Point-level switches perform as high level and spill prevention alarms, low level, pump protection alarms and pump control.
Continuous Level (Proportional) measurement indicates the level in a vessel over the full span of capacity. These devices perform as process control as well as inventory control and management.
LEVEL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CHOICES
The technologies used to measure level are affected differently by the varying process conditions. Below is a brief description of the different technologies commonly used in a water treatment facility.
RF ADMITTANCE/CAPACITANCE
RF Admittance/Capacitance employs a radio frequency signal and monitors for a change in capacitance. Either the presence or absence of material or how much material is in contact with the sensor, making it highly versatile and a right choice for a wide range of conditions and materials for point or continuous level measurement.
RADAR
Radar utilizes either Pulsed Wave or Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) through-air transmission that allows for an accurate non-contact reading of reflected electromagnetic signals.
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE
Magnetostrictive uses an electric pulse from ferromagnetic wire to accurately detect a float's position with embedded magnets. As the pulse intersects the float's magnetic field, a second pulse reflects an electric circuit that accurately determines the distance and thus the level position.
CONDUCTIVITY SWITCHES
Conductivity switches measure the drop-in resistance when a conductive liquid contacts with two probes or a probe and a vessel wall.
ULTRASONIC (POINT LEVEL)
Ultrasonic (Point Level) measurement electronically resonates a crystal at a fixed frequency to generate sound waves that travel across an air gap to a second crystal. As liquid fills the gap between the two crystals, the second crystal begins to resonate with the first.
ULTRASONIC (CONTINUOUS LEVEL)
Ultrasonic (Continuous Level) measurement uses a transmitter to generate an ultrasonic pulse and measures the time it takes for a reflected signal to return to the transducer to determine a liquid level.
GUIDED WAVE RADAR (GWR)
Guided Wave Radar (GWR) utilizes a Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technique by sending a highly focused electronic signal down a metallic rod or flexible cable waveguide. When the transmitted signal intersects the liquid's surface, it reflects along the rod or cable to determine the distance traveled. The level position is then easily inferred.
HYDROSTATIC
Hydrostatic measurement immerses a pressure transmitter with a sensing diaphragm and a sealed electronic circuitry that transmits an analog signal proportional to the liquid level above the sensor.
FLOAT SWITCHES
Float switches rely on a low-density float mounted in a vessel that magnetically couples to a limit switch. A change in fluid height actuates a switch by moving the float.
VIBRATION/TUNING FORK
The Vibration/Tuning fork is piezoelectrically energized and vibrates at a frequency of approximately 1200Hz, and as the process media cover the fork, the frequency shifts. The internal oscillator the frequency shift by and converts it into a switching command.
POINT LEVEL SOLUTIONS
Advanced RF Admittance/Capacitance point level devices are the most versatile of the point level technologies, especially with process media that can coat the sensor. They provide excellent spill/overfill protection. They are simple to install and have no moving parts, making them virtually maintenance-free. Their robust design and circuitry make them an ideal solution for many water treatment applications.
Both tuning forks and ultrasonic gap switches provide reliable high- or low-level measurements in various applications. For non-coating conductive liquids, conductivity switches provide economic priced measurement while float switches appear in many basic applications at very cost-effective prices.
CONTINUOUS LEVEL SOLUTIONS
Mechanical systems such as floats and bubblers require extensive maintenance and are less reliable and accurate than electronic systems. Hydrostatic systems afford better reliability and are simple to use, and can transmit data to another receiver for remote monitoring, recording, and control.
RF Admittance/Capacitance level is a time-proven and one of the best available technologies for indication and control. RF technology inherently provides the highest accuracy and repeatability in interface measurements. Variations in the makeup of upper and lower phases of a liquid have no appreciable effect on system accuracy. Recalibration is not required.
For short-span measurements, RF Admittance technology provides one of the most preferred readings. As the level of measurement span decreases, the more appropriate RF technology becomes. In spans of only a few inches, RF systems can repeatedly produce accuracies of 1/32ths of an inch. RF has the added benefit of not being limited by “dead zones” inherent with many popular technologies often selected for measurement ranges larger than 5 feet.
Non-metallic tanks pose no technical problems for Ultrasonic, Magnetostrictive, Hydrostatic Pressure, Radar, and GWR (Guided Wave Radar) technologies. The GWR approach is suitable for vessels with internal obstructions and uses lower energy levels than airborne radar technologies. Non-contact technologies, such as Radar and Ultrasonic, can have measurement ranges up to 130 feet.
For long-range measurements or headroom limitations, flexible sensors offer insertion lengths up to several hundred feet for Hydrostatic Pressure and RF Admittance technology products. Loop-powered GWR (TDR)-based products allow measurement ranges up to 115 feet in selected applications. Magnetostrictive technology provides an accuracy of 0.1% of measurement span in flexible sensor designs up to a maximum range of 70 feet.
Level Measurement for Water in Sewage Pools
This application takes place at a large power plant well known for its "Green Approach" and it's commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy atmosphere in and around the plant.
The branched sewer system of the power plant requires instant maintenance and control. The plant uses water to operate the turbine. This water and other wastes move to the city’s wastewater treatment plant through the sewage system.
Some of the sewers are dispersed in remote locations around the plant, making it difficult for personal maintenance personnel to approach and repair damage on time. Plant technicians were looking for a solution to control the sewers better and avoid cases where wastewater might overflow.
The sewage pool readings had to be transmitted to the central DCS because the sewage system connects to a central control room. The plant needed a 24/7 watch and an on-site guard to gain maximum control over those sewers.
Technicians also stressed that wastewater flooding was inevitable because it takes time for the equipment to handle blockages. This flooding has caused severe damage to the environment. It was essential to control the wastewater level in the sewers to avoid cases such as these from reappearing.
The Drexelbrook Usonic - The Solution
After a lengthy examination of several possibilities, the plant decided to install two Drexelbrook USonic systems in its sewage pools. The ability of USonic to produce non-contact, continuous, and accurate readings of the water level in the pools gave the engineers of the plant a clear picture of the pools' status.
Its compact size and integral construction simplify its installation, offering an efficient solution in no time at all. The USonic had no problem providing 12ft water level readings with a measurement range of up to 30 ft. It can map obstacles in the pool and memorize interfering signals with its scan distance function.
The USonic was linked to the central control system via 4-20mA, allowing the plant engineers to control the water level in the sewers constantly. The engineers know that the sewers would maintain the correct water level, and the system would be alerted in an emergency.
Summary
The two USonic systems installed in the power plant give complete control over the sewers' water level to the plant's engineers. The systems' ability to display continuous level readings around the clock improved maintenance crews handle the sewage system.
To detect sudden blockages and avoid environmental damage on time, they can now save time. The plant received an immediate return on investment due to its compact size and reduced price.
Cost-effective, Non-contact Ultrasonic Level Measurement from Drexelbrook
Affordable, 2-Wire Level Transmitter with the performance and features of premium, line-powered systems.
DOWNLOAD THE USONIC DATA SHEET HERE
USonics ultrasonic technology level products from the Drexelbrook family offers a cost-effective two-wire and line powered versions for the non-contact measurement of liquids and slurries for level, distance, volume, and open channel flow. Level, size, volume, and open-channel flow measurements are easily configured via a menu-driven display. The USonic level transmitter has a 4-20 mA two-wire HART output signal and is suitable for all Class I Div. 1, Zone, I.S., or explosion-proof locations.
For more information contact PSI Controls / Piping Specialties by calling 800-223-1468 or visit https://psi-team.com.Radar Level Measurement: Comparison of 24 GHz and 80 GHz
Radar level transmitters are among the most accurate technology choices for process level and storage tank applications for continuous level measurement under demanding conditions. These transmitters utilize Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology that offers superior signal processing capabilities and more reliable measurement than other techniques. The state-of-the-art signal processing capabilities of these transmitters, along with their frequency range, helps to ensure optimum application coverage.
24 GHz radar transmitters cover a broad range of applications, including liquids & solids.
80 GHz radar transmitters are especially beneficial for level measurements in narrow tanks with internal obstructions due to their small beam angle.
This video, courtesy of AMETEK Drexelbrook, demonstrates many of the other differences between 24 GHz and 80 GHz models of radar level transmitters.
For more information on radar level transmitters in New England, contact PSI Controls (Piping Specialties, Inc.). Call them at 800-223-1468 or visit their website at https://psi-team.com.
Wiring the AMETEK Drexelbrook Universal IV RF Admittance/Capacitance Continuous Level Measurement System
- Easy one-time calibration
- Low cost of ownership, no maintenance and no moving parts to wear out
- Immune to tank obstructions such as nozzles, ladders, pipes and agitators
- Available as intrinsically safe systems
- Output: 4-20 mAdc, HART. Compatible with HART.
- Supply voltage: 13-30 VDC, 2 wire loop powered
FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) Open Air Radar Level Measurement
Non-contact level measurement using radar transmitters for the continuous, contactless level measurement of liquids, pastes, granulates, powders and other solids in a wide variety of industries.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
- The radar principle used is FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave). The FMCW radar emits a high frequency signal whose frequency increases linearly during the measurement phase (called the frequency sweep).
- The signal is emitted via an antenna, reflected off the product surface and received with a time delay, t.
- Time delay, t=2d/c, where d is the distance to the product surface and c is the speed of light in the gas above the product.
- For further signal processing the difference Δf is calculated from the actual transmitted frequency and the received frequency.
- The difference is directly proportional to the distance.
- A large frequency difference corresponds to a large distance and vice versa.
- The frequency difference f is transformed via a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) into a frequency spectrum and then the distance is calculated from the spectrum.
- The level results from the difference between the tank height and the measured distance.
Setting Up and Calibrating the Drexelbrook MultiPoint II Level Switch
This video demonstrates how to calibrate and set the Drexelbrook MultiPoint II level switch.
The Drexelbrook Multipoint II level switch product offers three control points located anywhere along a single vertically inserted level sensing element. This level switch can be used to provide high level, high-high level, and low level control points. It also provides an adjustable differential feature for one of the control points for pump on/pump off control making it ideal for sump level control. It is designed to be intrinsically safe for Class I Groups A,B,C,D and Class II Groups E,F,G (Div. 1 and 2). The unit is mounted in FM approved explosion proof housing. The MultiPoint II has no moving parts and the need for maintenance is therefore eliminated. The Drexelbrook MultiPoint II is an economical solution for processes requiring multiple operating points.
For more information about level instrumentation, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. / PSI Controls by calling 800-223-1468 or visit their web site at https://psi-team.com.
Plugged Chute Detection for Granular Materials
A better alternative is the Drexelbrook Intellipoint RF Admittance Plugged Chute Detector. Its design allows for the reliable detection of a plugged chute, reducing costly downtime and material spill over.
The Drexelbrook plugged chute detector, also known as a blocked chute switch, reliably detects the presence or absence of bulk solids material flowing through chutes in an economical way without sacrificing flow speed. If process material stops flowing due to a plugged condition, the flush mounted capacitance sensing element will alarm, allowing further action to occur (alerting an operator, shutting down a conveyor belt, etc.). The Cote shield circuitry ignores even heavy coatings, and the flush mounted sensing element does not interfere with material flow. There are no moving parts to wear or jam, and thus, it requires virtually no maintenance. In fact, the Intellipoint Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) is calculated to more than 110 years!
There are no regulatory requirements with the adoption of the Intellipoint, and system electronics can be mounted remotely to eliminate vibration concerns. Due to the rugged sensor design this point level switch is ideal for coal, wood chips, ores and powders. This point level switch automatically recognizes and ignores coatings to prevent false alarms and, as it is flush mounted through a chute wall, nothing protrudes into the chute to interfere with or obstruct material flow.
Choosing the Intellipoint provides reliable detection of plugged chutes that will keep your plant running smoothly and virtually eliminates spills occurring due to plugged conditions.
Key Features
- Curved and flat sensors are available
- DPDT relay dry contacts at 5A, 120VAC
- Less maintenance than other technologies; no moving parts to hang up or wear out
- Uses Drexelbrook PML series electronics
- Supply voltage: 19-250 VAC, 18-200 VDC, Auto-detecting without jumpers
Problems with Measuring Level of High Density Pulp Stock
The environment in the high-density pulp tank is very corrosive to most common metals and the clouds of dense steam vapors that rise from the stock and foaming surface of the level are a constant source of signal loss for many non-contact technologies.
Due to the size of the vessel and density of the stock, mechanical devices are typically short lived.Stock coatings that form on all interior surfaces add additional mechanical stress and the pulp coating deposits can adversely affect accurate level measurement performance.
One of the challenges of a level measurement device is to control the level in the stock tank, thereby helping to control the average pulp density by controlling the speed of the pump.The response time of the level measurement system is critical in controlling the pump speed and reducing pump oscillations and surges that will eventually reduce the life of the pump.Too slow of a response from the level instrument will allow the level to rise above it ’s optimum density level and cause excessive loading and wear on the pump.
PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468
The Drexelbrook USonic Non-contact Level Transmitter
For more information contact PSI Controls / Piping Specialties by calling 800-223-1468 or visit https://psi-team.com.