Conductive Level Switches for Point Level Measurement

Multipoint Conductive Liquid Level Switch
Courtesy VEGA

Level switches utilizing the conductivity principle are applicable to liquids with sufficient conductivity to complete an electrical circuit. For detecting liquid level, probes of specific lengths are immersed into the subject tank, vessel, or pipeline. These probes, and in some cases a conductive tank wall, serve as contacts of an electric circuit. Multiple probes of differing lengths can be extended into a tank or pipeline and are monitored by a single controller. Each probe length extends to the level to be detected. As the vessel fills or empties, electrical conductivity between the tank wall (or the reference probe) and the level measurement probes will change due to the liquid media reducing or increasing the resistance of a conductive path between the monitored points. The established connections will be detected by the controller, which activates a relay providing an output signal.

Conductive level switches provide a simple, robust, and maintenance free solution to many level measurement challenges. Complete level measurement systems are available in numerous configurations to accommodate a wide range of application and installation details. Immersion probes are available in several materials to provide compatibility with appropriate liquid media. Share your level measurement and control challenges with process measurement specialists and get their input for the best solution for your application.

Conductive Level Switches for Industrial Process Control from Classic Controls, Inc.

New Product Integrates Burner Monitoring and Control - Video

Burner Pro - Burner Management Controller

While all industrial applications carry an array of safety concerns and requirements, combustion operations have the threatening combination of fuel and flame to accommodate. Even very small combustion apparatus can produce extremely dangerous conditions if improperly maintained or operated. The combustion process requires close control, monitoring, and automatic safety response to provide suitable operation.

Fireye, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art commercial and industrial flame safeguard controls, flame scanners and igniters, has introduced an addition to their burner management control systems. The new Burner Pro Flame Safeguard Control provides simplified operation for single point applications using integrated flame safeguard and boiler control operation.​

Fireye brand products are used in schools, factories, petrochemical plants, power utilities and other large buildings throughout the world. The video included below provides a quick description of how the Burner Pro works. You can find out more about how to apply the Burner Pro to its best use from a combustion specialist.

Selecting the Right Flow Meter Technology

Vortex Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Magnetic Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Many industrial process control operations require fluid flow measurement as an essential element in the process design. Accurate flow measurement can be obtained with the proper application and installation of a flow meter as part of the fluid transfer system.

Industrial flow meters employ differing technologies to directly or indirectly measure fluid flow rates. Among the many available technologies for fluid flow measurement, vortex flow meters, magnetic flow meters, Coriolis flow meters, and rotameter flow meters are among some of the most common found in industry.

Coriolis Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Rotameter Flow Meters
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Each of the separate technologies have attributes which can make them more suitable to certain applications. Selecting the most appropriate flow measurement technology for an application is one of the initial and crucial steps to designing a well functioning fluid measurement system.

Selection criteria, such as fluid temperature, pressure, and velocity will be part of the selection process. Additional considerations include whether the fluid may be abrasive, corrosive, clean or dirty. The state of the fluid, liquid or gas, must also be considered.

The table below provides quick general guidance on which technologies to consider, based upon the factors outlined above. This will help you better focus further product selection research efforts.

Flow Meter Technology Selection Table
Courtesy Yokogawa Corporation of America

Selecting the right device is not always an easy task, especially since it may be something that you do infrequently. Manufacturers often have knowledgeable local representatives that are experienced in this field and more than willing to contribute their expertise to your selection process.