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Sight glasses have generally been replaced by electrical devices such as conductivity sensors, which detect flooding upstream of the steam trap or leaking traps.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.