K-TEK Announces AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 Are First Magnetostrictive Level Transmitters to Be Certified for IEC 61508 SIL 2 Environments


Level transmitters feature dual compartment design and patented, piezo ceramic sensor for high accuracy measurements in harsh environments

Prairieville, LA (August 26, 2008) - K-TEK, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art instrumentation for level measurement, today announced that the AccuTrak AT100 and AccuTrak AT200 high accuracy, magnetostrictive liquid level transmitters have been certified for operation in SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) environments. The AccuTrak transmitters are the only magnetostrictive transmitters in the industry to be certified to the exacting IEC 61508 safety standard. They help reduce risk at the process measurement level when implementing Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in process plant environments, such as chemical plants, refineries, and power plants.

The AccuTrak AT100 is a high accuracy, magnetostrictive level transmitter that can be directly inserted into the medium to be measured; the AccuTrak AT200 is an externally mounted, non-contact transmitter that can be attached to the K-TEK KM26 magnetic level gauge or other magnetic gauges to form a complete level measuring system. Both the AT100 and AT200 feature a modular, dual compartment design that separately houses wiring and electronics.

Field-replaceable terminal components provide added flexibility and accuracy. AccuTrak transmitters can be used to measure clean or dirty fluids, and total level, interface level, or multiple levels from the same sensor. The transmitters provide accurate level measurements even with widely varying pressures and temperatures: up to 3000 psi (207 bar) or 800°F (427°C).

Patented Piezo Ceramic Sensor

The AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 transmitters operate on the magnetostrictive principle. A magnetic field around the wire in the transmitter causes a torsional stress wave that propagates at a known velocity. K-TEK's patented, piezo ceramic sensor converts the mechanical torsion into a strong electrical return pulse that provides highly reliable measurements, even in harsh environments. The transmitter's microprocessor-based electronics measure the elapsed time between start and return pulses, and convert the data into an accurate position measurement proportional to the level of the float.

"Our goal is to prevent dangerous situations or control them should they arise," stated Robert Hotard, Product Manager, Magnetostrictive and Guided Wave Radar Transmitters at K-TEK. "Unlike other devices that claim to have obtained a 'target SIL rating,' the AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 transmitters have been designed for safety compliance and are compatible with IEC 61508 SIL 2 standards. This provides users with the assurance they need that our products will safely perform as needed."

Wide Selection of Housings and Probe Materials

The AccuTrak transmitters are housed in explosion-proof, power coated cast aluminum or 316L stainless steel, dual compartment enclosures. A variety of probe materials are available to accommodate many applications. The standard probe type is 316L Stainless Steel. Options include Alloy 20, Hastelloy C-276, and PFA Jacket over 316L Stainless Steel. The AccuTrak transmitters are FM Approved, CSA Certified, ATEX Certified, and GOST (Russia) Certified.

Chinese approvals are available through K-TEK's local offices in Tianjin.

The AccuTrak magnetostrictive level transmitters are available with two-wire, intrinsically-safe, loop powered 4-20 mA signal outputs.

Optionally available are HART protocol, Foundation Fieldbus, and Honeywell DE for interoperability with a wide range of measurement and control systems. Level and temperature measurements are displayed locally with a built-in, LCD display.

Pricing & Delivery

K-TEK's AccuTrak AT100 and AT200 for SIL 2 environments are available for immediate shipment. Prices start at $1900 per device. Quantity discounts are available. The data sheets can be downloaded at:
http://www.ktekcorp.com/dnn20/Default.aspx?tabid=54&productTypeId=2

About K-TEK Corp.

K-TEK is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art liquid and solids level instrumentation. Founded in 1975, the company pioneered the KM26 magnetic level gauge with extruded outlets and precision engineered floats and continues to set the pace in the industry with such innovations as AccuTrak, the first SIL 2 certified (IEC 61508) magnetostrictive level transmitter; SureShot, the first low cost, all digital design laser level and distance transmitter; Resonator, the first vibrating fork switch that features a one-step, external calibration process, eliminating hassles with equipment covers; and MT5000, the industry's first guided wave radar level transmitter with full waveform digital readout and display. The company also manufactures ultrasonic transmitters and a full line of point level switches, plumb bob devices, and field controllers. K-TEK's products are used in over 300,000 installations worldwide in such applications as chemical processing, oil and gas production, power generation, pulp and paper processing, mining and construction, food and beverage manufacturing, and plastics manufacturing. For more information, visit www.ktekcorp.com.

For further information, contact:
Kevin Hambrice,
Director of Marketing & Customer Service K-TEK
18321 Swamp Road, Prairieville, LA 70769 USA
+1 225.673.6100, Fax: +1 225.673.2525
Email: khambrice@ktekcorp.com
Web: www.ktekcorp.com

PR Office:
Shari Worthington, President
Telesian Technology Inc.
49 Midgley Lane, Worcester, MA 01604 USA
+1 508.755.5242, Fax: +1 508.795.1636
Email: sharilee@telesian.com

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