K-Tek launches high -pressure liquid detector

This says the manufacturer, makes it ideal for use in high-pressure environments such as refineries.

K-Tek​ believes that the MT2000 provides the highest accuracy readings in the industry. With traditional displacers or DP transmitters, the specific gravity of the fluid being measured changes with temperature and pressure, producing varying accuracies.

The MT2000's guided wave radar on the other hand is unaffected by variations in specific gravity, thus providing accurate level measurements even with widely varying temperatures and pressures.

The new model is designed for use with the MT2000 guided wave radar level transmitter. It incorporates a borosilicate glass insulator/seal and a 316 stainless steel body, which allow it to handle extreme pressures and high temperatures.

The C8P71 directs the radar beam through a concentric wave guide, thus alleviating divergence problems and echoes from tank walls and surrounding structures. The C8P71 has a hermetic seal and is unaffected by vapors (excluding steam), making it especially useful for noxious environments.

"As temperatures fluctuate, specific gravities vary, causing errors in traditional devices like differential pressure gauges and displacers,"​ said Robert Hotard, product manager for Radar and RF products at K-TEK.

"As the MT2000 does not rely on specific gravity to make its measurements, it is not subject to errors caused by temperature changes. The end result is a more reliable level indication, tighter control of the process, and increased efficiency."​

K-Tek claims that because there is virtually no beam divergence and, therefore, no false echoes, the MT2000 is ideal for use in applications with complex, internal structures or small, tight spaces.

The C8P71 is available with a powder-coated aluminum enclosure or with a 316 stainless steel enclosure for corrosive environments. Thedual-compartment design of the MT2000 isolates the wiring and terminations from the sensing elements and internal electronics.

Priced at $1,325, the MT2000 is also ATEX certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

K-Tek currently operates at the cutting edge of liquid detection. But emerging nanotechnology, though still in its infancy, presents a potential challenge to traditional methods of detection.

A current project in the UK is looking into developing a new generation of micro Rheometers to help characterise and develop liquid based products.

This new micro rheometer or 'treacleometer' based upon micro and nanotechnology will measure the viscosity or 'feel' of a liquid based product. This new device exploits microengineering and will be built on the scale of a human hair. Looking rather like a micro straw, fluid will be drawn up into the device and the force exerted upon it will be measured by micromachined sensors.

Nanotechnology deals with particles so small the laws of physics no longer apply. The technology is already used to preserve foods, and boost flavour and nutritional values.

But until nanotechnology is fully understood and gains widespread consumer acceptance, it is unlikely to replace standard means of detection within food production.