Magnetic Liquid Level Gauges in Industrial Settings

Magnetic liquid level gauge combined with
guided wave radar in a single assembly
Vega Americas

Magnetic liquid level gauges are an excellent alternative to sight glass level gauges for many process measurement applications. Their reliable performance and adaptability to process requirements has made them a primary choice in the industrial arena.

Essentially, a magnetic level gauge or magnetic level indicator, is a sight glass with enhancements that provide better readability and a form factor enabling the inclusion of additional level monitoring functions on the same device. Where a sight glass requires operator proximity to read liquid level, the magnetic level gauge's indicating scale, or flags, can be clearly viewed from a considerable distance. A sight glass gauge can also be hindered by difficulties in visually determining liquid level because of deterioration of the glass surface or physical properties of the liquid. Magnetic level gauges remove the need to observe the liquid directly by incorporating a float device within a tube connected to the liquid containing vessel. As the float moves in response to liquid level changes, its magnet causes the indicator flags on the scale to rotate and display either a black face, indicating no liquid present at that position, or a colored face.

Magnetic level indicators or gauges can be modified with a range of options, including armored casings to protect the tube and float arrangement and limit switches to signal attainment of predetermined liquid levels. Combining a magnetic level indicator with another level measurement technology, such as guided wave radar or magnetostrictive, in a single assembly can provide an analog process signal representing continuous liquid level and serve as a redundant measuring device for critical applications.

The document included below provides illustrated detail about the devices and their proper application. There is more detail available, so share your process measurement requirements and challenges with instrumentation experts. The combination of your process knowledge and their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.

Combination magnetic and guided wave radar liquid level indicator from Classic Controls, Inc.

A Step Forward in Non-contact Radar Liquid Level Measurement

VEGAPULS 64 80 GHz Radar Liquid Level Sensor

Employing non-contact level measurement in a process control operation has many potential benefits. Radar level measurement has gained acceptance as an accurate and reliable method of liquid level measurement. The process measurement instrumentation manufacturers have continually made strides in the evolution of their product offerings, providing more effective lower cost solutions.

VEGA, a global leader in the manufacture of level and pressure instrumentation for the process industry, has introduced a new radar liquid level sensor. The VEGAPULS 64 operates at 80 GHz, a substantially higher frequency than previous models. The higher radar frequency, along with some other improvements, deliver operational benefits.

Tight beam focus accommodates
vessel internal fixtures
Courtesy VEGA

• Measurement is unaffected by condensation or buildup on the antenna
• High measurement certainty with product deposits on vessel walls
• System is quickly available for operation after cleaning cycles
• Tight focusing of the radar beam on the liquid surface provides easier setup and commissioning with complex vessel internal fixtures.

The radar level sensor is available with a number of connection fitting sizes, extending down to 3/4", which enable retrofitting of this improved technology to smaller vessels without extensive modification. There is also an encapsulated antenna variant that is suitable for hygienic or chemical applications.

There is more to learn about the advances in radar level sensors. Reach out to product specialists for more information. Share your level measurement challenges with the product specialists, then combine your process expertise with their product knowledge to produce effective solutions.

VEGAPULS 64 Encapsulated Version