PLT Mag-Gage

A non-magnetic chamber with process connections to the vessel, an internal float weighted to the specific gravity of the fluid and carrying a 360 degree magnetic assembly, and a hermetically sealed external indicator that interlocks magnetically with the float and tracks its position exactly. Chambers are fabricated and welded to ANSI/ASME B31.1 and B31.3 code, minimum schedule 40, with all welds GTAW/TIG.

Use it whenUse it anywhere a sight glass is the current answer and is a safety or reliability problem -- the process is hot, cold, toxic, high pressure, or the glass keeps getting broken or fouled. It is also the choice when you want direct local indication that works with no power at all.

Chambers offered in several styles, in 2 inch to 3 inch pipe with raised face flanges in schedule 40, with 1/2 inch FNPT vent and drain connections. The binder lists process connections from 1/2 inch through 8 inch and larger, pressure ratings from vacuum to 5000 PSIG, a temperature rating of -350 F to +1100 F, specific gravity range of 0.28 and up, and lengths from 4.0 inches to 50 feet.

Use it whenSpecify the chamber around the vessel's existing connections and the service conditions. The very wide temperature and pressure envelope is the reason this line comes up on cryogenic and high-temperature service where other level technologies stop.

The patented Wide-Flag solid design magnet indicator, rated -350 F to 1100 F, which the binder states is visible from over 200 feet. Wide Tracker is the alternative indicator style. An extra large rectangular indicator is also offered.

Use it whenUse the Wide-Flag where somebody has to read level from a distance -- across a tank farm, from a control point, from a truck. Reach for the extra large rectangular indicator when the reading has to carry farther still or the sightline is poor.

Scales photo-etched into stainless steel, customizable to any increments, offered as gallon, percent, plus-minus, tenths, inch-only and metric scales, with optional wide acrylic scales including a 3 and a half inch acrylic option.

Use it whenChoose the scale in the units the operator actually works in. If the crew thinks in gallons, order a gallon scale rather than making them convert from inches -- it is a no-cost decision at order time and a daily irritation if it is wrong.

The baseline float for general service.

Use it whenUse it for ordinary process service where temperature, pressure and chemistry are all within normal limits.

Floats for high pressure service, with an interface version for reading the boundary between two liquids.

Use it whenUse the titanium float when pressure is high enough that a standard float will not hold. Use the interface float when the measurement you need is the line between two liquids of different density, not the top of the liquid -- oil on water, for example.

Floats in CPVC and Kynar, plus coated floats for corrosive processes.

Use it whenUse them where the process would attack stainless. Choose by chemical compatibility with the specific fluid, and give PLT the fluid and conditions rather than picking from the list yourself.

A patented carbon fiber float.

Use it whenAsk about it for low specific gravity service, where getting a float to float at all is the problem. PLT lists a specific gravity range down to 0.28 across the line.

Magnetostrictive level transmitter using a piezomagnetic wave guide sensor in a dual compartment enclosure, two-wire loop powered at 10 to 30 VDC with 24 VDC nominal, with a graphic display readable in inches, metric or percent, and a stainless steel enclosure option.

Use it whenAdd one when the level has to reach a PLC, SCADA system or recorder as well as being visible at the vessel. Because it mounts to the existing Mag-Gage chamber, you get a transmitted signal without a second vessel penetration -- and the mechanical gauge keeps working if the electronics or the loop fail.

Electrical point level switches in NEMA 4X enclosures with 3/4 inch FNPT connections. The binder lists the MGS-200EX at 150 VAC/VDC, 1.0 amp and 25 watts, and the MGS-700EX at 125/250 VAC, 10.0 amps and 2500 watts, with a range to +600 F.

Use it whenPick the MGS-200EX for signalling a PLC input or a small relay, and the MGS-700EX when the switch has to carry a real load such as a motor starter or solenoid directly. Order the /2 version when you need two set points from one switch.

Additional electrical point level switch models in the MGS range.

Use it whenConfirm the electrical ratings with PLT for the specific load; the MGS range is split by switching capacity.

Non-bleed pneumatic switch with a supply pressure range from vacuum to 200 PSIG, a 1/2 inch deadband, 0 F to 200 F rating and a 1/4 inch FNPT connection.

Use it whenUse it where there is no electricity, or where electricity is not wanted -- a remote site, a purely pneumatic control scheme, or an area where avoiding electrical equipment altogether is simpler than certifying it. Non-bleed means it does not continuously consume air.

Weld neck, lap joint and ring joint flanges, all butt weld construction, and NACE MR0175 and MR0103 compliance, with 150, 300 and 600 pound ratings.

Use it whenSpecify the flange type to match the vessel and the piping spec, and call out NACE when the service is sour and the customer's spec requires it. Getting this right at order time avoids a field fit problem.

Low temperature cryogenic insulation, high temperature insulation blanket, electrical heat tracing, freeze protection, steam tracing and frost extension.

Use it whenAdd freeze protection or tracing whenever the chamber sits outdoors in a climate that freezes, or whenever the fluid would solidify in a stagnant chamber. A gauge chamber is a dead leg, so it freezes or plugs before the vessel does -- this is the option most often regretted when it is left off.

Gate valves, and vent and drain valves.

Use it whenOrder isolation valves when the gauge has to be serviced without taking the vessel down, which is most of the time on continuous process.

PLT offers customization and fabrication, and states standard 2 to 4 week delivery with expedited delivery available on request.

Use it whenUse it when the vessel or the connections are not standard. The short standard lead time, and the expedited option, is a real advantage on turnaround and outage work -- but the binder is explicit that delivery requirements must be given with the initial inquiry.