Level Gauges – Exploring the Different Types

Posted in Uncategorised, on October 26, 2016 By Admin

Level gauges are used primarily in the industrial instrumentation field as a means of detecting fluid or liquid levels inside of a process vessel or storage tank. There are several different types of this level measurement device. In addition to offering a fast and easy way to inspect levels, gauges can be used for detecting various kinds of vapor leakages.

Depending on how level gauges are used, they will be made from different materials, such as glass tube, plate glass, and reflex plate glass. When used for boiler applications, tubular glass level gauges are the ideal option. However, there are also reflex level gauges, transparent level gauges, bi-color gauges, and magnetic level gauges. A gauge’s use is dependent on the type of liquid involved, including water, oil, and diesel.

Making Comparisons

For toxic, corrosive, combustible, or extremely hazardous liquids, magnetic level gauges are necessary. In addition to being perfect for high temperatures and pressures, this gauge is optimal for low-specific-gravity liquids and full vacuums.

In the case of reflex level gauges, the levels of fluid within a vessel are detected. These gauges are commonly made from carbon steel or stainless steel. They work by detecting the dissimilarity within the index of refraction between fluids and vapors. External light waves coming into this type of gauge undergo absorption or reflection and are present in the vapor and liquid area.

There are also transparent gauges. For these level gauges, the functional temperature and pressure, as well as features and constructional material, are similar to reflex gauges. However, this type of gauge is comprised of two transparent glasses, each with a liquid cavity on either side. Based on the dissimilarity in the transparent characteristics of the two glasses, the level of liquid is detected.

Finally, there are bi-color level gauges, which are used for measuring the levels of liquids inside of boilers. For this application, bi-color gauges are the best solution since they are guarded against the wet steam generated by the drum. The way that these level gauges detect the level of liquid is based on the index of refraction between steam and water.