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.

What is a Sight Glass?

A sight glass is a tool designed to enable people to see the level of fluids or gases in a system. In some instances, it allows them to look inside a closed system to see what is happening inside. It features glass panels, often called viewing glasses, where internal views are done. Sight glasses are used on many different types of equipment, providing ease and safety to the entire operation. Like other equipment parts, if a sight glass gets damaged, it can be replaced with a new one.

How a Sight Glass Works

A very simple sight glass can consist of a glass tube which is linked with the contents of something such as a tank. The level of fluid in the tube indicates the level of fluid in the tank. The back of the sight glass may be patterned or striped to make it easier to see the fluid level. Larger tubes may also offer people an opportunity to identify contaminants in the fluid which might interfere with the function of the device.

These devices can also be utilized to track pressure, such as in steam boilers. In this case, the sight glass contains both vapour and fluid, and the varying level indicates how pressurized the environment is. Equipment like espresso machines can be equipped with a glass gauge which allows people to determine the level of pressure in the system so that adjustments can be made as necessary. For safety, the glass in such gauges is usually tempered and reinforced to reduce the risk of explosion.

Viewing glass can also be highly useful. For example, many heaters which run on gas, kerosene, and other fuels have a viewing glass which people can use to see if the pilot light is on or not, and to make sure that all of the jets in the heater are working. Likewise, viewing glass allows people to see into kilns, fermentation tanks, and so forth. The glass provides a port for viewing without altering the environment inside, ensuring that the device will function properly while offering people an opportunity to monitor the contents safely.

Choosing Your Sight Glass

Sight glass is an essential part of your gauge apparatus. If you have doubts or questions about sight glasses, contact the experts at Quest Tec by visiting http://questtecsolutions.com/sight-glass-for-liquid-level-gauges.

How Steam Gauge Works

A steam gauge measures the amount of pressure or steam in a boiler or tank. It is used to identify the PSI level (pounds per square inch) that the steam is exhibiting in the tank. Created with components strong enough to handle pressure, it is designed to withstand pressure itself. These components include a thick glass covering that is usually made of bezel glass, metal container, and strong measuring device.

The Measuring Device

A steam gauge operates using two major components that are sealed in a tube. These are the vacuum and a small U-shaped rod made of a coiled wire. This rod is firmly connected to the vacuum inside the pressure gauge. When the pressure inside a tank increases, it affects the U shape of the tube, forcing the tube to pull outwards and expanding at both ends to make a straight line. It requires a lot of force to stretch the U rod do this and transform into a line, so if it needs to expand or straighten more, then more pressure is required.

Gauge Gears

The U tube was encased inside the back of the steam gauge often housed in steel. The pressure scale – a circular scale with notches along the edge – is placed on the front of the gauge. A thick glass sealed in a vacuum protects the pressure scale. The tube connected to a gear device moves the pointer around the scale when the tube expands. When there is more expansion or straightening of the tube, more movement across the gear is observed, and thus, produce a higher reading.

This is how a typical steam gauge works and is often used in many industrial applications. To know more information about this device, consult with the experts at Quest Tec Solutions by visiting its official website at http://questtecsolutions.com/steam-gauge.

Understanding Magnetic Level Indicator

The magnetic level indicator is a type of level indicator that determines level of fluids using magnetic components such as cylindrical floats and magnetic capsules.it can read a level indication in whatever plant or operating conditions.

Normally, industrial personnel choose this type of level indicator because it guarantees environmental safety, preventive security against leakage, free maintenance, and trouble-free application even with chemically aggressive, pollutant, harmful, poisonous, inflammable, and explosive fluid interface.

How Magnetic Level Indicator Works

The operation of the magnetic level indicator is based on some elementary physical principles. These include the principle whereby the liquid in communicating vessels is always at the same level, Archimede's principle according to which a body immersed in a liquid receives buoyancy equal to the weight of displaced liquid, and the principle of attraction between North and South poles of two permanent magnets and that of repulsion between like poles. The last principle has two primary applications, namely between the magnet in the chamber float and every single magnet of the indicating scale, and between the magnets of the indicating scale.

The Uses of Magnetic Level Indicator

Magnetic level indicators are used in a wide variety of applications and situations, such as the following.

• When fluids are at high pressure, at low or high temperature

• When fluids are at low pressure, at low or high temperature

• When fluids are chemically aggressive

• To determine if fluids are pollutant to environment

• To determine if fluids are noxious or poisonous for people health

• To determine if fluids are inflammable or explosive

• To determine if fluids are with identical optical characteristics of the superimposed phases 

These devices are tested safe and secured, thus there is nothing to worry even if the fluids being measured are corrosive, poisonous, or inflammable.

To know more about magnetic level indicators and the other types of indicators used in measuring liquid levels, visit http://questtecsolutions.com/.

Measuring the Water Level for Household Needs

Most homeowners take for granted the amount of water level and pressure that come into their plumbing system. It is good to know the ideal pressure for residential use as too much of it can cause damages to the plumbing. Determining the water level and water pressure is easy and this is done simply by using tools like liquid level gauge and water pressure gauge. A liquid level gauge is a simple measuring tool that will determine the level of a particular water source. It can also be used with pressure gauge in order to see if the right pressure is installed for residential purposes.

Ideally, the right pressure (PSI) for residential use is 30 PSI. Too much PSI, which is more than 60 PSI, may damage the plumbing system. In case the water is sourced out from a municipal water system, the pressure should be between 20 and 50 psi. For buildings and bigger establishments, the ideal pressure is 60 psi or more. There is no standard water level for household use as the level varies on how much water is used. However, this can be measured by following these steps.

1.       Know the information about the well or the pump. The water may be sourced from a well or a pump. To start, it is best to know the pertinent information about where the water is coming from. Get data of the water well report, well identification number, and the pump information.

2.       Turn off the pump and record the level. Once the pump is turned off, leave it for two hours before measuring the actual level. This is to make sure that the water is static enough to give you an accurate reading from the liquid level gauge.

3.       Use sanitized equipment. It is good to sterilize the liquid level gauge in order to make sure that you will not contaminate the water. To do this, simply mix one cup of chlorine to a spray bottle at 20:1 ratio.

4.       Measure accurately. The water level can now be measured accurately using the gauge. The level has to be just right with the ideal water pressure.

These are the ways on how to accurately measure the water level. For more information, visit http://questtecsolutions.com/liquid-level-gauge/.

What is a Sight Glass?

A sight glass is defined as a transparent tube capable of allowing visibility of the liquid as it is being measured inside a tank or a boiler. The operator usually is the one who thoroughly checks the level of the water by means of interpreting the readings shown in the sight glass. A good example where this product is often used is the steam locomotive. In this method, a patterned reading reflects the level of the steam and is well protected by a toughened glass. Sight glasses are applied on different gauges and these are often made from durable materials.

Sight Glass in Liquid Tanks

Sight glasses in liquid tanks may come in two options -- either it can be installed simply as a tough plastic or with a glass tube. These will be connected to the bottom and to the top of the tank. The liquid level is easily determined as the glass or plastic can resist high pressure and steam. Today, modernized methods are now being installed aside from sight glass. The use of float switches is becoming popular, but most industries still opt for sight glass due to its proven durability.

Sight Glass in Steam Boilers

Steam boilers are used for hazardous pressure and so the sight glass should be specially created for the purpose. The pressure of the water in steam boilers is equal above and below. With that, the sight glass has to be enclosed in a tougher, more durable material like metal. However, there are some toughened glasses that can resist the strong pressure in the boiler. The toughened glass usually has a magnifying effect so the operator can easily measure the amount of pressure. This is a great advantage since the pressure has to be maintained at a specified level, or else the top of the firebox will cause severe damages. In order for this to be avoided, the device has to be regularly checked for correct reading.

Sight glass is an important component in liquid and steam level indication. It offers a durable protection resisting all levels of pressure. To know more about sight glass, talk to the experts at http://questtecsolutions.com/sight-glass-for-liquid-level-gauges/.

How Does A Steam Gauge Work?

A steam gauge is an instrument that measures the amount of steam from a boiler or a tank. It tells the exact pressure of the steam, whether it has increased or reduced. The earliest model of stream gauge was developed by Eugene Bourdon in 1849. Initially called as the Bourdon pressure, it measured different kinds of liquids and gases. Eugene Bourdon started using it in France and the design was originally made with coiled tube that connects to the parts that measure pressure for up to 100,000 PSI. This then became the ideal design manufactured by many companies. Steam gauge is used in many fields including automobile, medicine, and other industries. It is one of the most used measurements that adds to the quality and value of modern life.

How It Functions

Generally, the steam gauge works with two major components. These are the U-shaped rod made with coiled wire, just like what Bourdon designed, and a vacuum. The U-shaped rod is located inside a tube where it performs a specific function. Now, when the boiler or the tank begins to create pressure, it also starts to increase, causing the rod to create a force in the tube. The tube will begin to expand as if it is being elongated to form a straight line. The level of expansion will depend on the amount of pressure that boiler or the tank gives off.

The tube is encased in the back of the gauge. This is protected further by a steel to prevent any damages. The pressure scale is placed in the front of the steam gauge for easier view. The pressure scale has to be protected from the damages caused by the high amount of pressure, so it has to be encased within a thick glass and sealed thoroughly with a vacuum. The tube located in the back of the gauge and the pressure scale is connected to the U-shaped rod. When the rod expands, the pointer will move at the exact measurement.

This is how the steam gauge works. To know more about it, or to find out what is the best steam gauge for your business, visit the Quest Tec website. 

How a Liquid Level Indicator Works

A liquid level indicator promotes high-accuracy in measuring different levels of variables. With the high demands of process control, all industries are prompted to use different gauges to ensure safe and efficient operations.

One of the gauge instruments used by many industries is the liquid level indicator. It allows accurate prompting when the liquid rises above the specified point. There are different companies that install this indicator and one of them is the Quest Tec Solutions. The company has various products that measure water levels like the Level-Trac, Magne-Trac, Steam-Trac, and many more.

Level-Trac

This product is designed for ASME Section 1 for ‘Independent Remote Water Level Indicators’. Basically, it works with three components: the remote display, control unit, and the water column. The Level-Trac promises durability and can withstand pressures even in extreme environments. There are different options to choose from, depending on the requirements of the client. The models include the To 1000 PSI Model 500, To 2000 PSI Model 501, and many more. Every model has a specification perfectly matched for a specific function.

Magne-Trac

The Magne-Trac water level indicator has an innovative design for enhanced indicator view. It also is resistant to corrosion especially with its movable parts. It has three basic parts called the chamber, indicator, and the float. The chamber allows the liquid level which is located in the chamber match those in the vessel. It meets the requirements of ASME 31.1 and the ASME 31.3. The float is made of titanium which has a magnetic array connected externally to project a magnetic field. The Indicator serves the purpose of protecting the equipment from the ultraviolet lights. It is UV scratch-resistant with 1.4 inches viewing capacity.

Steam-Trac

Steam-Trac measures both water and steam. It can accommodate pressures from 300 psi to 3000 psi. There are several models to choose from like the To 300 PSI, To 1600 PSI, To 600 PSI, To 3000 PSI and To 1000 PSI.

The specifications may sound technical for first time users, so a thorough consultation with an expert is important. For more information about water level indicators, or to customize one for a specific industry, visit Quest Tec website.