Vibrating Tuning Fork Level Switches - Classical Tech With Modern Application

Industrial Vibrating Tuning Fork Level Switch
Vibrating Tuning Fork Level Switch
Courtesy Clark Reliance - Jerguson
Tuning forks,when combined with appropriate electronics, can be used in the industrial process control field as liquid level switches. This simple, all solid state device can be a cost effective solution to wide ranging requirements for single point level detection.

This type of level switch is designed using the principles of a tuning fork.  Piezo-electric crystals induce fork oscillation at a fundamental frequency.  Employed as a high level indicator or alarm, the forks vibrate in air until the liquid level rises and covers the forks. The liquid measurably dampens the fork vibration frequency when it covers the sensor. The level switch electronics detect the frequency shift and change the state of a relay to provide an indication of the change. A variety of output options can provide on/off load switching or a direct interface with a PLC. Use the level detectors as high or low level switches with proper configuration. 

A primary advantage of the vibrating tuning fork level switch is its all solid state design. There are no floats or other mechanical linkages. It is also generally unaffected by flow, bubbles, foam, vibration, or solids content. They can also be installed in any orientation. Variants are available for special installations that may require hygienic fittings or explosion proof housings.

Explore these level switches for your applications. Share you requirements with a product specialist and attain the best solution.


Specialty Ball Valve - Self Cleaning Flushable

Industrial ball valve
Self-Cleaning Flushable Ball Valve
Courtesy PBM Valve Solutions
For some industrial fluid process operations, one of the shortcomings of ball valves can be their propensity to trap small amounts of process fluid when they are operated. This is troublesome on two fronts. Firstly, a process that changes media between operations can be subject to contamination from the trapped fluid. Secondly, the fluid trap is detrimental to any attempt to sanitize the process line. A variant of the common ball valve, a self-cleaning flushable version, eliminates costly downtime required to disassemble, clean and reassemble traditional valves. Self-cleaning flushable ball valves, from PBM Valve Solutions, can be used in a variety of processes including food, beverage, paints, resins, chemicals, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

In the video below, you can see how the special features of this innovative valve design work. Contact a product specialist to explore how you can bring the advantages of this innovative valve to your process.


Dual Input Temperature Transmitter Has Some Useful Applications

Industrial temperature transmitter
Advanced Temperature Transmitter
Courtesy Azbil N.A.
Temperature measurement is a mainstay of many commercial and industrial processes and operations. Much can be deduced from an accurate measure of process temperature, and a large segment of the industrial control products marketplace is devoted to reliable and accurate measurement of temperature

There are a variety of instruments and methodologies for measuring temperature, the most common of which is probably direct contact between the substance under scrutiny and a temperature sensor of some type. In industrial process applications, contact sensors are often thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTD), chosen for their cost, accuracy, and flexibility of installation.

Every operating process is "critical" to some group of stakeholders. The process may be of great importance for a number of reasons:

  • The process output may serve as an input to another process with great value.
  • The process output may be of great direct value to the stakeholders.
  • The process may have significant levels of hazard associated with improper or out of control operation.
  • Out of control operation may result in substantial financial loss to the stakeholders.
When temperature is an important indicator of process function, whether for financial or safety reasons, the operator cannot tolerate a loss of the temperature signal. One manufacturer has an advanced solution in the form of a dual input temperature transmitter with built in functions that:
  • Switch to the backup sensor if the primary has a failure indication.
  • Alert the operator if the deviation between the two sensor readings indicates sensor drift. 
  • In wide range temperature applications, switch between sensors with differing measurement ranges for better accuracy.
Along with HART communications and other useful features, these advanced temperature transmitters can help reduce risk and increase performance and safety. Assess how these advanced devices can enhance your process performance. A product data sheet is included below. Product specialists can help with product configuration and selection, along with any application concerns you may have.


Company Overview - Victory Energy Operations

Industrial Boiler
Industrial Water Tube Boiler
Courtesy Victory Energy
CTI-Controltech represents Victory Energy Operations in California. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and services heat recovery steam generators, industrial boilers, fired packaged boilers, waste heat boilers and related equipment. Target markets include power generation, bio-renewable, oil sands, petrochemical, district heating, education and healthcare. Victory Energy also offers mobile/rental boilers, auxiliary equipment such as economizers, deaerators and stacks. Services include full-time aftermarket field services and aftermarket spare parts. 

Victory is a full service provider, from design and manufacturing to service and repair. Learn about this truly 21st century company from the video included below. You can always contact the industrial control and combustion specialists at CTI Controltech for solutions to your combustion, steam, and other HVAC challenges.