Displacer Level Switch
If you are looking for reliable level measurements in conditions that are not suitable for traditional float-operated instruments or are looking for a cost-effective level measurement tool, you have likely come across displacer level switches. If you are not familiar with a displacement type level switch, you may have a number of questions like, “What is a displacer level switch? How does a displacer level switch work? What are the applications of displacer level switches? How do I choose the best displacer level switch?”
This guide covers everything you need to know about displacer level switches and provides resources for purchasing the best displacer level switches. Read on to learn more.
What is a displacer level switch?
A displacer level switch is an innovative level control instrument for the process industries. Displacer level switches have weight-based sensors that are heavier than the liquid and suspended by a spring within the mechanism. Displacer level switches are ideal for both simple and complex applications, are known for being more cost-effective than other types of level switches, and are suitable for use with foam, surging, or agitated liquid media.
How does a displacer level switch work?
A displacer level switch relies upon simple buoyancy. The instrument houses a spring loaded with weighted displacers that are heavier than the liquid that needs to be measured. When the displacers are immersed in the liquid, the buoyancy forces a change in the net force acting on the spring. As the force of buoyancy increases, the spring compresses. The spring connects to a magnetic sleeve housed in a non-magnetic barrier tube. As the spring moves, the magnetic sleeve moves close to the pivoted magnet, which causes the switch outside the barrier tube to flip. Displacer level switches have built-in limit stops that prevent overuse of the spring in the event of a level surge.
Applications of a Displacer Level Switch
Displacer level switches are popular and commonly utilized measurement devices. Displacer level switches are used throughout a number of industrial applications, including:
Chemical
- Ammonia storage
Crude Oil
- Process and field storage tanks
- Production fluid storage
- Wellstream separation
Natural Gas
- Compressor waste liquid
Nuclear Power
- Containment and drainage sumps
- Cooling tower intake and basin levels
- Liquid waste storage
- Spent fuel pools
- Cooling tower basins
- Emergency coolant tanks
- Scram discharge volume tanks
- Turbine steam generators
Petroleum Refining
- Diesel fuel storage tanks
Power Generation
- Ammonia storage
- Cooling tower basins
- Fuel oil storage
- Condensate storage
- Cooling tower intake and basin levels
- Water services
Pulp and Paper
- Mill water storage
Renewable Energy
- Biofuel
- Biogas
Water and Wastewater
- Filter tank level
- Water services
- Lift station pump control
- Water storage tanks
How to Choose the Best Displacer Level Switch
The best displacer level switches are made by industry-leading manufacturers that are trusted for the high-performance standards consistently met by their instruments. Additionally, the best displacer level switches are sold by respected suppliers.
If you need a device to consistently, reliably, and affordably measure foaming, surging, or agitated liquid media, look for a displacer level switch that offers the following features:
- Adjustable displacers positioned along the suspension cable
- A long suspension cable, 20 feet is standard
- An anti-surge design that eliminates the possibility of switch short cycling
- The option for flanged or threaded mounting capabilities
- Can be installed easily
- Come with a variety of switch mechanisms, namely dry contact, hermetically sealed, and pneumatic
- Come with a variety of switch mechanism enclosures, including TYPE 4X/7/9 Class I, Div. 1, Groups C & D, polymer coated aluminum; TYPE 4X/7/9 Class I, Div. 1, Group B, polymer coated aluminum or cast iron; and NEMA 1, carbon steel for pneumatics
- Come with a variety of displacers, such as porcelain, 316 stainless steel, karbate, and brass
Magnetrol® displacement type level switches offer the industrial user a wide choice of alarm and control configurations. Every unit utilizes a simple buoyancy principle and is well-suited for simple or complex applications. Magnetrol® displacement type level switches can be used with foaming or surging liquids or agitated fluids, and usually cost less than other types of level switches.
TechStar is your manufacturing representative for instrumentation, automation, and analytical products, service and training. Since 2001, TechStar has been the one-stop-shop for quality Magnetrol® devices and instruments. Magnetrol powers the future of advanced process control solutions, and is known as the level and flow expert for 85 years and counting. To acquire a Magnetrol displacer level switch, visit TechStar today.