4 Major Types of Level Gauges
Posted in Uncategorised, on October 25, 2021 By Admin
Detecting a gas or compressed air tank's levels requires a properly functioning level gauge. But depending on the type of application, different types of gauges are best suited for the job. If you are looking to replace your level gauge, you may want to know your options.
Here are four types of level gauges you can use to restore your machine's performance.
Reflex
The traditional level gauges in most machines are reflex variants. Using microscopic light refraction principles, the high contrast in light between the liquid and vapour zone inside the gauge is consequently used to measure the liquid level inside the tank. This makes them a great tool to check levels without using any internal light source, which, combined with its affordability, makes them one of the top choices of many process equipment manufacturers worldwide. High-quality suppliers, such as McRae Engineering, can provide you with quality gauges for all the process equipment you're manufacturing.
Transparent
A conservative and simplified version of a reflex level gauge, it uses two glass pieces to let light pass straight to the measuring chamber. In doing so, it has no use for prisms and mirrors, making it mechanically simpler than reflex gauges. This simplicity also makes it a better choice for cases where corrosive fluids and high temperatures are involved.
Bi-Colour
Steam generators often need a bi-colour level gauge because it needs to measure water levels in a boiler. These level gauges use an LED set that uses different colours and light behaviours that help in determining the temperature inside the boiler. For example, a boiler with a high-temperature level changes to red because of green light ray deviation in typical bi-coloured level gauges. Similarly, if the temperature is lowered and there is more water than steam inside the chamber, then red light deviates and the observer can see the gauge turning green. Essentially green and red lights are transmitted differently depending on the medium they come in contact with, which is water and steam in this case.
Magnetic
Direct viewing level gauges, such as transparent, bi-coloured, and reflex, are susceptible to fractures due to mishandling. Additionally, fumes from corrosive materials can cause massive damages to its internal components resulting in inaccurate measurements. Magnetic level gauges resolve this problem using a float that aligns with an external magnetic indicator, thus accurately showing the liquid's levels.
With this knowledge, you can now choose the optimal level gauge depending on the application you need it for.
You can always count on McRae Engineering to help you find the best solutions for all your process equipment needs from venturi scrubbers to liquid ring pumps. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
