Guided wave radar transmitter uses single measurement to obtain both total level and interface level; system is immune to fluctuations in specific gravity
Prairieville, LA (September 30, 2004)- K-TEK, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid detection, today announced the new MT2000 Guided Wave Radar Interface Level Transmitter. The MT2000 needs only one probe to measure fluid interface levels in a variety of continuous measurement applications. This simplifies installation and setup, reduces costs, and minimizes maintenance. Using guided wave radar, the device can measure both the top surface (total level) and interface level in tanks containing a variety of fluids, such as oil and water. The radar signal travels along a waveguide, eliminating false echoes and minimizing signal loss.
The MT2000 provides a weak interface signal detector and multiple configurations, allowing it to handle dirty or clean applications. A robust device, the transmitter is able to withstand severe environments of up to 5000 psi (344 bar) or up to 800šF (427šC).
Handling Challenging Interface Applications
Interface applications are typically dirty environments containing particulate matter. Traditionally, coaxial probes have been used, but their small internal diameter means there's a much higher likelihood for bridging and buildup problems within the probe. K-TEK's preferred configuration for the MT2000 uses a single probe in a stilling well or chamber, allowing it to handle any application, whether dirty or clean.Emulsion layers are another common problem in interface level measurement. Emulsions can cause a decrease in interface level return signals with guided wave radar.
The MT2000 is the only guided wave radar transmitter to provide a weak interface signal detector. Able to detect signal strength coming from the interface, this feature gives users a visual indication as to the possible presence of an emulsion layer." With changing specific gravities and the presence of vapor layers, fluid interface measurement is among the toughest level applications to solve in the industry," stated Robert Hotard, Product Manager for Radar and RF products at K-TEK Corp. "K-TEK is continuing to push the leading edge by extending its interface measurement expertise beyond traditional magnetic and magnetostrictive technologies.
The MT2000's guided wave radar has a distinct advantage in many interface applications as it has no moving parts and is unaffected by changing specific gravities."
Unaffected by Changes in Specific Gravity
With traditional contact measurement devices, such as displacers or DP transmitters, the measurement is dependent on the specific gravity, which will vary with temperature and pressure. This results in varying accuracies. The MT2000's guided wave radar, on the other hand, is unaffected by variations in specific gravity due to temperature or pressure changes. The instrument provides accurate level measurements even with widely varying temperatures and pressures: up to 5000 psi (344 bar) or 800šF (427šC).
Widest Selection of Materials & Certifications
Able to work under even the most extreme conditions, the MT2000 level transmitter provides the industry's largest selection of probe materials, including 316 Stainless Steel, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy B3, Monel, and Titanium. The standard housing is powder-coated aluminum; an optional stainless steel housing handles corrosive environments. A dual-compartment design allows users to isolate the wiring and terminations from the sensing elements and internal electronics. The MT2000 is FM Approved and CSA Certified for use in hazardous areas, as well as ATEX certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.The MT2000 probes can easily be retrofitted into existing displacer chambers or stilling wells.
The measurement range is from 1 - 65 feet (0.3 - 19.8 meters). Output is via 4-20 MA or HART connection. A second analog output signal can be obtained with the K-TEK RI100 Repeat Indicator.
Results are displayed locally with a built-in, scrolling LCD panel that offers measurements in a field-selectable choice of feet, inches, millimeters, centimeters, meters, or percentage.
Pricing & Delivery
K-TEK's MT2000 Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter with Interface option is available for immediate shipment. Prices start at $1825. Delivery is three weeks from receipt of order.
About K-TEK
K-TEK is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid detection. Founded in 1975, the company pioneered the KM26 magnetic level gauge with extruded outlets and continues to set the pace in the industry with such innovations as AccuTrak, the first Fieldbus-compatible magnetostrictive level transmitter, and SureShot, the first low cost, all digital design laser level and distance transmitter. The company also manufactures magnetostrictive level transmitters, RF capacitance transmitters, ultrasonic transmitters, and a full line of point level switches, plumb bob devices, and field controllers.
K-TEK's products are used in over 200,000 installations worldwide in such applications as plastics manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas production, pulp and paper processing, mining and construction, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation. For more information, please visit www.ktekcorp.com .