The determining factors for choosing a gauge are the medium and the pressure and temperature range within which the gauge is to be used. It is on these factors that the design, materials of construction and eventually the price of the gauge depend.
Basically, Klinger liquid level gauges can be used for every medium encountered in practice; Klinger’s range of construction materials varies from low temperature steels to high-tensile heat-resistant steel.
Level gauges for steam and hot water
Robustly made, safe against glass breakage
Steam boilers are more frequently shut down and started up than other pressure vessels. This puts extreme demands on the glass and the gauge. The glass must withstand the thermal stresses which arise, the gauge body must therefore be stable and rigid. Klinger’s gauge bodies are designed to meet the needs of the glass: the glass lies between a pair of sealing and cushion gaskets and, except for the sight area, it is completely enclosed by metal. This is one of the prerequisites for the safety of any gauge in service: even if a glass breaks, it remains wedged in the glass housing. Glass splinters cannot be blown out.
Up to 32 bar: Reflex gauges
On steam boilers where the pressure does not exceed 32 bar, reflex gauges are the best and most economical solution.
Up to 120 bar: Transparent, mica-protected gauges
Klinger’s transparent gauges are offered for the pressure range up to 120 bar. Transparent gauges on steam boilers are used with an illuminator to ensure perfect visual indication.
Up to 180 bar: Bi-colour gauges
Klinger has developed bi-colour level gauges for steam pressures up to 180 bar. This insures the clearest indication possible. Such gauges are used exclusively on steam boilers.
Level gauges for media in the processing industry
The service conditions in the process industries (oil refineries, petrochemical and also chemical plant) are completely different to those in steam generating plant.
Reflex gauges
In the process industry too, the reflex gauge gives the clearest indication regardless of whether the medium is clear or coloured water.
Transparent gauges
If the medium is dirty, viscous or aggressive, flat transparent glasses guarantee better indication since the glass surface can be protected by mica shields against serious attack by the medium.
Temperature range -196°C to +400°C
Level gauges in the process industries are mainly exposed to non-varying service conditions: extremely high pressures at low temperatures or low pressure at high temperatures.
Low temperature applications
When working with media under cryogenic conditions it should be ensured that metallic materials display the necessary impact strength. Glass, which is brittle even at room temperature, does not change its properties at low temperatures.
No impairment of vision due to icing
Ice which forms on the gauge glass can make observation difficult. For such cases Klinger offers anti-frost blocks which ensure complete readability of the level even in low temperature applications. Gauges fitted with this accessory must of course be well insulated to suit the ambient temperature.
Ancillary heating systems
If the medium tends to become viscous or solidifies when the temperature falls, the deposits formed on the glass can make it impossible to read the level. For such cases we supply ancillary heating systems for the gauge and shut-off fittings. The medium is thereby maintained in the liquid state and good visibility is ensured.
Explosion proof illuminators
With coloured media indication is unexceptionable. If the medium is clear water and a transparent gauge is used, an illuminator must be used to ensure clear indication of the level. We supply illuminators to class IP 65 E Ex d II cT 6. Type approved according to ATEX.
