Point Level Switch offers SIL-certified overfill protection.
Press Release Summary:
Safety IntelliPoint RF(TM) Switch, used in above-ground bulk storage tanks, meets American Petroleum Institute's 2350 Recommended Practice for overfill/spill protection. Specifically, it comes standard with SIL1 certification; SIL2 is optional, and SIL3 is possible with redundant switch. Integral software continuously monitors application for changes and maintains repeatable trip point on probe. Switch detects presence or absence of material without calibration, and MTTF is 110 years.
Original Press Release:
Ametek Drexelbrook Offers SIL-Certified Point Level Switch
Safety IntelliPoint RF(TM) SIL Conforming Safety Switch
Provides Overfill and Spill Protection for Bulk Storage Tanks
HORSHAM, PA -AMETEK Drexelbrook--the leader in level measurement technology-has pioneered another breakthrough with the introduction of the Safety IntelliPoint RF(TM) Switch, the first RF Admittance device with SIL certification. The safety switch was developed specifically for above ground bulk storage facilities, such as tank farms, to meet the American Petroleum Institute's 2350 Recommended Practice (RP) for overfill and spill protection.
"Overfills and spills are a major cause of product releases and pollution at tank farms, fuel terminals and refineries," notes Bob Irving, Vice President of Marketing for AMETEK Drexelbrook. "Spills are expensive to clean up, pose potential harm to the environment and may result in significant property damage. The safety switch was designed to provide overfill protection to an industry-leading SIL1-certified standard. SIL2 certification is an option, and, with a redundant switch, a SIL3 rating can be achieved."
The safety switch is derived from Drexelbrook's highly successful IntelliPoint Series(TM) of RF Admittance point level switches-the industry's first RF point level switch that doesn't require users to calibrate or adjust set points. The IntelliPoint(TM) is able to detect the presence or absence of material without calibration. Users need only to install the switch in a tank and apply the power. The IntelliPoint's software continuously monitors the application for changes in composition, dielectric or conductivity and maintains a repeatable trip point on the probe.
Other RF and capacitance systems require calibration adjustments when the process material changes. Since the IntelliPoint recognizes changes in material, it is ideal for non-dedicated tanks that are used for a variety of products.
In addition, the IntelliPoint requires significantly less maintenance than traditional mechanical switches, and its Cote-Shield(TM) technology ignores errors caused by coating build up on the sensing element that often results in false alarms.
The safety switch is available in a two-wire configuration. The system is housed in a dual compartment enclosure that separates the customer wiring and power supply from the sensing element and operating circuits. The encapsulated power supply/terminal block design also eliminates the possibility of damage caused by moisture in the conduit.
The safety switch is available with a variety of sensing elements, including one for floating roof tanks with cable and brass bottom weights, as well as elements for corrosive liquids, sanitary service, agitated tanks or granular media. The safety switch is FM, CSA and ATEX approved for use in all hazardous areas. It has an independently tested mean time to failure (MTTF) of 110 years.
AMETEK Drexelbrook is an acknowledged leader in level measurement and a unit of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales exceeding $2.5 billion. For more information on the safety switch, contact AMETEK Drexelbrook, 205 Keith Valley Road, Horsham, PA 19044. Telephone: 215-674-1234 or Fax: 215-674-2731. Website: www.drexelbrook.com
