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measurIT technologies

KM26 Magnetic Liquid Level Gauge

Dual Chamber Design Comparison

K-TEK has built a worldwide reputation over the past 30 years that began
with the manufacture of a high quality Magnetic Level Gauge (MLG). With
over 65,000 installations to-date, K-TEK continues its leadership position in
MLG innovation and technology. The initial target application for the KM26
MLG was the replacement of costly and dangerous sight glasses. But over
time, the K-TEK KM26 has become much more than a simple replacement
measuring device, it has become the method of choice for measurement
in a wide range of processes. Through the years K-TEK has surrounded the
KM26 with a variety of transmitters and switches giving us the ability to
provide many different solutions for our customers demands.

A customer request that has been gaining in popularity over the past few
years is for redundant level indication. At a minimum the requirement is for
two devices that give a visual indication of the same process. This can be
accomplished through the use of two MLGs. Some customers are requiring
“dissimilar redundancy” which involves the use of two different technologies
such as a Magnetostrictive and a Guided Wave Radar. An extreme case may
require “triple redundancy” where three different technologies must
be employed. In the past the requirement for redundancy would have
meant extra taps on the vessel. Today’s technology allows us to combine
different devices within the same platform giving us simple solutions to our
customers needs.

One of the most popular combinations for redundant measurement

has been the use of a MLG with a Guided Wave Radar (GWR) transmitter.
The MLG gives a level indication based on the specific gravity of the
process while the GWR will give an indication based on the dielectric
constant. Depending on the customers needs this can qualify as “dissimilar
redundancy” even though the MLG only gives a visual indication.

K-TEK is not the only manufacturer offering a MLG and GWR combination
for redundancy. One manufacturer has been offering a MLG with a
GWR installed in a single chamber. While this may seem like a compact
arrangement there are some design disadvantages which make the offering
less desirable.

1
MeasurIT Technologies Ltd.
Craan, Craanford, email: info@measurIT.com Phone: +353 (0) 53 942 8962
Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland www.measurIT.com Fax: +353 (0) 53 942 8963
 Represented by:

measurIT technologies

Single Chamber Design

The single chamber design incorporates a coaxial style GWR
inserted into an oversized MLG chamber (Figure 1 with a baffle
plate holding the float in place. The chamber is commonly 3 or
4 inch pipe but an 8 inch pipe is not unheard of.

There are several drawbacks to this system:

1. The coaxial probe limits the services to clean fluids only.
2. The chamber configuration is limited to side process
connections only.
3. If a vent valve is required, the chamber size will be increased
to allow clearance for the transmitter.
4. The oversized chamber results in a heavier assembly and a
larger footprint.
5. The oversized chamber results in larger flanges and higher
cost.
6. The end user cannot reposition the MLG indicator (or other
included devices) from its factory assembled location.
7. Thermal expansion of the chamber or misalignment of the
process connections can cause a deflection of the baffle plate
and potentially bind the float.

KM26 Magnetic Liquid Level Gauge: DOUBLE CHAMBER DESIGN

In order to incorporate the GWR into a redundant system, K-TEK
will mount the probe into its own “independent” chamber
connected to the MLG (Figure 2.)

This configuration will provide the redundancy the customer

needs along with some distinct advantages over our
competitors:
1. The use of a separate chamber for the GWR eliminates the
need for a coaxial probe. This allows the customer to utilize this
configuration in processes that may contain particulate matter
which can build up in a coaxial probe.
2. The process connections on the MLG can be on the top,
bottom or side of the gauge.
3. Vent valves can be incorporated as part of the standard
system without changes in the chamber size.
4. Using a standard MLG chamber, and close coupled GWR
chamber makes the assembly lighter with a smaller footprint in
comparison to our competitors.
5. The standard chamber sizes mean smaller flanges and lower
cost.
6. If required, the end user can reposition the MLG indicator (or
other included devices) from the factory assembled locations.
7. The dual chamber design removes any extra parts
from within the MLG chamber eliminating potential float
obstructions.

2
MeasurIT Technologies Ltd.
Craan, Craanford, email: info@measurIT.com Phone: +353 (0) 53 942 8962
Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland www.measurIT.com Fax: +353 (0) 53 942 8963
 Represented by:

measurIT technologies

KM26 Magnetic Liquid Level Gauges

are fabricated to suit specific process requirements
Please see our Configuration Guide for details

The K-TEK KM26 Dual Chamber features extruded outlets for the
connections to the process and the GWR chamber. This allows the
use of 2 inch full bore process connections on a 2 inch MLG chamber
increasing the ability for process material to flow in to and out of the
chamber. It also allows the two chambers to be close coupled for a
compact design.

In our standard dual chamber configuration the GWR chamber

features an elbow connection at the bottom that makes the chamber
self cleaning. No additional piping or valves will be needed to drain
the system.

Additional devices such as switches and externally mounted

magnetostrictive transmitters may be added to the MLG for
increased redundancy.

3
MeasurIT Technologies Ltd.
Craan, Craanford, email: info@measurIT.com Phone: +353 (0) 53 942 8962
Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland www.measurIT.com Fax: +353 (0) 53 942 8963