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For more information contact:
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, +1 508.755.5242
Kevin Hambrice, Director of Marketing, +1 225.673.6100

K-TEK's LS Series Level Switches First to Offer Hermetically-Sealed Cam Action Mechanism and One-Step Switchpoint Adjust for More Reliable Measurements and Zero Maintenance

Compact switch design handles demanding applications, eliminates moisture and high temperature problems associated with conventional cage designs

Prairieville, LA (May 9, 2005) - K-TEK, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid measurement now celebrating 30 years of manufacturing excellence, today announced the LS Series of magnetically coupled level switches. Featuring a compact switching mechanism that is isolated from the process fluid, the devices are designed to handle a wide range of demanding applications, including low specific gravity (>0.25), high temperature (up to 1000°F/538°C), and high pressure (up to 4500 psi/310 bar). The LS Series features a unique cam action switching mechanism which means no maintenance and more reliable readings because there are no bias springs to adjust or maintain as parts age. In addition, an external, 360° adjustable switch mechanism eliminates the conventional, large, lid housing. This reduces the potential for switch failure due to high temperatures or trapped moisture.

The LS Series switches are designed for power plants, refineries, and offshore platforms. These point level switches are available with a wide variety of customized floats and displacers to accommodate the specific gravity requirements of virtually any fluid application.

"While mechanical cage level switches are a fairly dated technology, continuous research and development have led to tremendous innovations," said Kevin Hambrice, Director of Marketing, K-TEK. "LS Series features, like the cam action switch and 360° external adjustability, free plants from the day-to-day hassles that accompany conventional cage level switch designs and result in increased reliability, decreased maintenance, and lower overall cost of ownership."

Unique Switch Design

The LS Series are magnetically coupled level switches that provide a variety of tank side chamber and top insertion configurations. The unique design isolates the switching mechanism from the process fluid, eliminating problems related to coating, plating, fouling, fugitive emissions, and hazardous material leaks.

The streamlined design of the LS Series features a unique, 360° externally adjustable, cam action switching mechanism. This means there are no bias springs to adjust and maintain as parts age. The result is more reliable readings, zero maintenance, and a longer life for the device. There is also no bulky housing cover to remove, eliminating the potential for switch failure due to high temperatures or trapped moisture. Center-to-center dimensions can be matched to any competing model for easy drop-in replacement.

LS Series devices use either a float or displacer. As the fluid in the vessel rises or falls, the position of the float or displacer changes. Magnets inside the switch post, attached to the float or displacer, move with the changing level. A switch attached to the exterior of the switch post detects the magnet's movement and transfers the contact positions. Such an approach provides one-step access to the switching mechanism, much easier than having to remove the bulky housing of a conventional cage level switch. Adding isolation valves on the inlet and outlet of the cage allows the entire unit to be removed without draining the vessel.

LS Series switches can be configured for single or multiple switch points, thus measuring either upper fluid or interface level in tanks containing multiple fluids, such as oil and water.

Designed for Accurate Measurements

LS Series switches are designed for even the most demanding level applications. A range of external cages, floats, and displacers are available to handle specific gravities as low as 0.25, temperatures as high as 1000°F (538°C), and pressures up to 4500 psi (310 bar).

A wide variety of process connection options are available for challenging measurements, from condensate to C02 to crude oil. Configurations include side/side, side/bottom, top mount, and more. Process connection types include flanges (slip on and weld neck), socket weld, and NPT. K-TEK offers a complete line of ANSI, DIN, HG, and almost any customer-specified flange sizes. Optionally available are stilling wells and support tubes; high temperature and cryogenic insulation; and vent, drain, and isolation valves.

Wide Selection of Materials and Certifications

K-TEK manufactures a large selection of cage, float, and displacer designs, including custom options. Choices for cage material include Carbon Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Hastelloy C-276, and P11 and P91 Chrome Molly Steel. Float and displacer materials include 316 Stainless Steel, Hastelloy C-276, and, for low specific gravity and high pressure applications, Grade 2 and 5 Titanium. Ceramic is also available for displacer-switches.

K-TEK is the only level gauge manufacturer in North America to hold ASME, PED (Pressure Equipment Directive), and National Boiler certifications. The LS Series level switches meet ASME code requirements for B31.1 power piping and B31.3 process piping.

Pricing & Delivery

K-TEK's LS Series magnetically coupled level switches with external chamber are available for immediate shipment. Choose from eight different designs and six switching mechanisms:

• LS500: Vertical float, flanged top insertion
  
  
• LS510: Vertical float, MNPT top insertion
  
  
• LS550: Vertical displacer, flanged top insertion
  
  
• LS560: Vertical displacer, MNPT top insertion
  
  
• LS600: Vertical float, flanged chamber
  
  
• LS700: Vertical float, sealed chamber
  
  
• LS800: Vertical displacer, flanged chamber
  
  
• LS900: Vertical displacer, sealed chamber

Prices start at $750. Delivery is three to four weeks from receipt of order. Expedited orders for delivery in one week or less are also available.

About K-TEK

K-TEK is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level measurement instrumentation for liquid detection. Founded in 1975, the company is now celebrating 30 years of manufacturing excellence. K-TEK pioneered the KM26 magnetic level gauge with extruded outlets and continues to set the pace in the industry with such innovations as AccuTrak™, the first Fieldbus-compatible magnetostrictive level transmitter, and SureShot™, the first low cost, all digital design laser level and distance transmitter. The company also manufactures magnetostrictive level transmitters, guided wave radar transmitters, RF capacitance transmitters, ultrasonic transmitters, and a full line of point level switches, plumb bob devices, and field controllers. K-TEK's products are used in over 250,000 installations worldwide in such applications as chemical processing, oil and gas production, pulp and paper processing, plastics manufacturing, mining and construction, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation. For more information, see http://www.ktekcorp.com.

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© 2005 K-TEK LLC. All rights reserved. K-TEK, AccuTrak, and SureShot, are trademarks of K-TEK. Other product and service names mentioned here are trademarks of their respective owners.