Installation and Maintenance Tips for Glass Level Gauges

Glass liquid level gauge requires proper installation and handling to work properly and accurately. Otherwise, if proper maintenance is not observed, it will not be able to perform its function. Here are some installation and maintenance tips for glass level gauges.

1. The glass level gauges must only be used for displaying the level reached by a fluid in a tank or vessel where the pressure and temperature do not exceed the limits set by the manufacturer.

2. The fluid contained in the tank or vessel must be compatible with the materials used for the construction of the glass level gauges. In any doubts or for further information, always seek the assistance of the manufacturer.

3. The height of the liquid in the glass level gauge indicated the level reached by the liquid inside an open or closes vessel or tank where the pressure on the liquid’s surface is the same or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

4. The user can add visual indications, such as graduated scales to improve the reading of the glass level gauges.

5. Improper use means using the glass gauges for a purpose other than its intended or usual purpose, such as the following:

a. Non-observance of the safety standards in force;
b. Non-observance of the manufacturer’s instructions particularly regarding the maximum allowable operating temperature and pressure;
c. Incorrect assembling and installation of the equipment;
d. Non-utilization of glass protection in case of potential chemical erosion of the glasses;
e. Incorrect re-installation after a maintenance intervention;
f. Serious mistakes in the ordinary maintenance interventions;
g. Modification or interventions on the equipment not previously discussed and authorized by the manufacturer.
h. Use of non-original spare parts or parts not recommended by the manufacturer;
i. Complete or partial non-observance of the instructions from the product manual;
j. Use of the glass level gauges by untrained or unauthorized personnel;
k. Maintenance interventions carried out with parts in pressure.

These are some of the installation and maintenance tips that users of glass liquid level gauge should always keep in mind. For more safety instructions, visit http://questtecsolutions.com/liquid-level-gauge.

Understanding Sight Glasses

A sight glass, also called sight flow indicator, is a tool designed to provide a method of observing fluid flow in a pipeline. Sight glasses are primarily used for two functions – for indication and for inspection.

As an indicator, sight glasses are used to identify whether the fluid is flowing correctly or not. They are used to determine blocked valves, steam traps, strainers, and other pipeline equipment. If the steam trap is leaking steam, the sight glass can also show this. On the other hand, sigh glasses can also be used for inspection or when observing the color of a product at different stages of the production process.

Using Sight Glasses

When sight glasses are used to indicate the correct functioning of blast discharge type steam traps, they are required to be positioned at least 1 meter downstream from the trap. For other types of traps, the device should be positioned immediately after the trap.

Sight glasses do not exactly provide a method of monitoring the function of steam traps. In practice, a thorough knowledge of the upstream steam system is required and the diagnosis is often subjective, depending on the experience of the observer.

Sight glasses have generally been replaced by electrical devices such as conductivity sensors, which detect flooding upstream of the steam trap or leaking traps. These devices do not require steam trap expertise and produce a consistently accurate result.

Characteristic of Sight Glasses

The sight glass often features a smooth concentric reduction in the inlet connection, promoting turbulence in the sight glass when fluid is flowing through it. The turbulent flow inside the sight glass allows fluid to be detected and monitored.

There are several types of sight glasses according to viewing windows. There are single, double, and multi-viewing windows sight glasses.Some sight glasses may even be installed with a light source, making it useful when the sight glass is used in an area of low ambient lighting.

To know more about a sight glass and its uses, visit http://questtecsolutions.com/sight-glass-for-liquid-level-gauges.

Understanding Magnetic Level Indicator

The magnetic level indicator, also known as magnetic level gauge or magnetically coupled liquid level indicator, is a type of liquid level indicator that uses magnetic pulses to determine the level of a liquid. This tool is widely used throughout the process industries. Originally designed as an alternative to glass sight gauges, magnetic level indicators are now commonly used in new construction and plant expansions.

Applications of Magnetic Level Indicators

The magnetic level indicator is often used in the following applications: alkylation units, boiler drums, feedwater heaters, industrial boilers, oil-water separators, process vessels, propane vessels, storage tanks, surge tanks, and wastewater tanks among others.

How Magnetic Level Indicators Work

Magnetic level indicators use the principle of magnetic field coupling to identify fluid level and provide useful information. This principle is also able to activate a switch and provide continuous level data. Magnetic coupling allows the tool to measure levels without direct contact between the indicator and the fluid in the vessel, which is different from the other types of liquid level indicators.

A magnetic field consists of the lines of flux surrounding a magnet. The field acts on other objects (magnets or ferromagnetic materials). When a magnetic field acts upon another object with sufficient force to move the object, the magnet is said to be magnetically coupled with that object.

In a magnetic level indicator, the magnets within a float and an indicator are magnetically coupled.
The float, located inside a chamber, tracks the surface of the liquid. A magnet or magnet assembly inside the float creates a magnetic field, which penetrates the chamber wall to couple with the magnetic field created by the magnets in the indicator flags that display the fluid level.

For more information about liquid level measurement and tools used in this process such as the magnetic level indicator, consult with the experts at Quest-Tec Solutions, or visit its official website at http://questtecsolutions.com/magnetic-level-indicator-options.

The Applications of a Water Level Indicator

A water level indicator is a tool used to measure water levels in standpipes. Its main function is to indicate the level of water in the boiler constantly. Normally, every boiler is fitted with two water level indicators.

This measuring tool is ideally used in many industries that deal with different types of fluids, including gasoline, oil, chemical, petrochemical, energy, agriculture, marine/nautical, and more. This functional tool is designed to increase accuracy, efficiency, and productivity in every work operation.

Below are the complete applications and uses of a water level indicator device.

1. As the name suggests, a water level indicator is used to accurately measure the level of water in a container. It can also be used to measure the level of other liquids such as gasoline, chemical solutions, or others.  Without the use of this tool, identifying exact liquid level may be too difficult to do.

2. It is also used to prevent the wastage of liquid and prevents overflowing. As soon as the particular level has been reached, the device will let off a signal as an indicator. Some models are even built in with alarms that set off a sound once the container has been filled with water or as soon as the liquid reaches a particular level.

3. It helps control the water's level easily and safely. It eliminates manual work and leaves no room for inaccuracy. Water level indicators work fast and efficient, increasing productivity of operations in various industries.

There are various types of water level indicators according to specific functions and make. These include transparent, reflex, and magnetic level indicators. To know more about water level indicators, their specific types, and detailed functions, consult with the experts at Quest-Tec or visit their website at http://questtecsolutions.com/water-level-indicator-products.

What to Look for in a Level Gage

While level gages function the same way, there are some features in some models and brands that you may want to experience. When choosing the right level gage for your liquid measuring needs, here are interesting features to look for.

1. Programmable – Choose a level gage that can be programmed and will function automatically, even without watching it time after time. Modern models have keys that allow programming and small screen that show stats and results.

2. Controller – Choose one with a controller that lets you adjust or modify the settings of the device easily and comfortably. Some models have controller attached to the device, while others have separate controllers.

3. Built-In Alarm Indicator – A gage with a built-in audible or alarm indicator helps you determine whether the liquid has already reached a certain level or not. This is ideal for users who couldn’t monitor the measurement all the time or for blind and disabled individuals.

4. Rated for Sanitary Applications – Make sure that your device is rated for sanitary applications such as those found in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This will guarantee that your gage is clean and safe to use, even for measuring liquid food items.

5. Enables Slurries and Suspended Solids – If you plan to measure slurries or suspended solids. There are gage models that allow this. 

6. Recorder and Totalizer Functions – Choose a level gage with a recording and totalizing features. These serve as data loggers which track, record, totalize, and integrate measured values.

Depending on the type, model, and brand of level gage you choose, you will get unique features that may or may not be present in others. Determine what you need and how you will use your liquid level gage to know which features are necessary. For more information about liquid level indicators and processes, visit http://questtecsolutions.com/level-gauge.

Why Liquid Level Gage Fail?

When a liquid level gage is broken, it provides inaccurate output and leads to bad decisions. And bad decisions often lead to process downtime or, worse, accidents. The frustrating part is that the damage of these expensive devices that causes potentially dangerous issues could be easily prevented if one knows how to handle them properly.

Here are some of the common reasons for gage failure and recommended solutions to help avoid the headaches of frequent replacement and risks of inaccurate readings.

1.       Temperature – Extremely high or low temperature can damage a liquid level gage and other similar devices. Gages not designed for extreme operating conditions can malfunction in a relatively short period of time.

2.       Overpressure – Gages function well in the right amount of pressure during process monitoring. However, when pumps are switched on or off, or valves are opened or closed, a surge of media flows through the pipe and impacts the pressure gage, causing a spike that can damage it seriously.

3.       Clogging – Clogging can be a serious problem for liquid level gages, especially with processes that result to crystallization or congealing. Gages that become clogged often freeze up and just stop functioning.

4.       Mechanical Vibration – Studies have shown that vibration is one of the primary causes of gage failure in manufacturing facilities. Vibration brings about two negative impacts on gage accuracy. First is the difficulty to accurately read a pointer and second is moving the pointer to zero, both producing inaccurate readings.

These are just some of the common causes of gage failure. Remember, a liquid level gage, when used inappropriately, can provide inaccurate readings and, worse, be damaged immediately. Ensure that you are using your gages and liquid level indicators under the right working conditions. For more information about these devices and how to accurately use them, consult with http://questtecsolutions.com/liquid-level-gauge.

Understanding the Types of Level Gauge

A level gauge is a tool used to measure a specific type of liquid in various industrial applications. Depending on its use, there are several types of level gauge that you can use.

Magnetic Level Gauges

Magnetic level gauges are used in measuring highly hazardous and toxic liquids where gauge glasses are susceptible to attack by the process medium. They are composed of magnetic elements that make measuring of liquid possible. Use of these devices is mainly recommended for combustible, risky and corrosive fluids.

Reflex Level Gauges

Reflex level gauges are used to detect liquid levels in a vessel. Made of carbon steel and stainless steel, this type of devices has a working temperature and pressure range of up to 4000 C and 400 bar, respectively.

Transparent Level Gauges

Transparent level gauges are similar to reflex level gauges in terms of working temperature and pressure range. They are composed of two transparent glasses which are integrated with the liquid cavities on both sides. The dissimilarity in the transparent characteristics of the two glasses is what determines the level of the liquid.

Bi-Color Level Gauges

Bi-color level gauges are ideal in measuring the level in boilers since the glasses used in their construction are carefully guarded against the wet steam generated in a boiler drum. They can work with temperatures as high as 120kg/cm2 and well suited for saturated steam applications.

Tubular Level Gauges

Tubular level gauges detect the level of liquid in the process vessel via direct communication means. They are most ideally used in low pressure, non-toxic and non-sticky liquid level measurement conditions.

Other Common Types

Other common types of level gauges include tank, fuel, water, and mechanical level gauges. They function similarly to other types, but differ in the type of application.

For more information about level gauge and how it works, consult with the experts at http://questtecsolutions.com/level-gauge.