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Configurations of magnetic level gauges
Image courtesy Orion/Magnetrol |
Fluid process control operations often involve vessel or tank storage of liquids. Continuous and accurate indication of the liquid level within the tank is an essential data point for process control decision making and safety. Several methods and instrument types are available for tank level measurement, each with its own set of attributes that may be advantageous for a particular installation. Selection criteria for a tank liquid level indicator may include:
- Direct or indirect measurement of level
- Level measurement accuracy and reliability
- Tank shape, regular or irregular
- Media compatibility with measurement device
- Requirements for maintenance or calibration
- Compatibility with process temperature and pressure range
- Local display and visibility
- Level indication signal type and transmission
- Level alarm switches or other indicators
The selection of a magnetic level indicator, also referred to as a magnetic level gauge, for the project will likely be based upon at least one of the instrument's strengths. Magnetic level gauges have a host of potentially positive features for level indication.
- Continuous level measurement
- Operable without electric power
- Direct visual tank fluid level indication, regardless of tank shape or profile.
- Wide range of operating temperature and pressure
- Breakage resistant construction
- Range of construction materials available to accommodate corrosive media
- Measuring indicators, switches, and transmitters mounted externally, without contacting the medium being measured.
- Low maintenance operation.
- Readable level indication from greater distance than glass sight gauges.
- Applicable to large fluid level ranges with a single instrument.
Magnetic level indicators have a strong position in the tank liquid level measurement field and should be considered as a candidate for fulfilling those application requirements. There are many options available to customize the level indicator for each specific application. I have included a technical data sheet from Orion Instruments, a manufacturer of level instrumentation, for more detail. Share your application challenges with a
sales engineer that specializes in level measurement. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will yield positive solutions.
