Laser Transmitter measures level, distance, and position.

Press Release Summary:




SureShot XP employs compact, all-digital design suited for use in harsh environments. Laser is housed in explosion-proof assembly with screw-on glass cover, and dual-compartment design lets users isolate wiring and terminations from sensing elements and internal electronics. With virtually no beam divergence or false echoes, laser measures distances from 1-50 ft and can be directed through spaces with 2 in. dia.



Original Press Release:



K-TEK Announces SureShot XP, New Explosion-Proof Laser Transmitter Measures Level, Distance, & Position in Challenging Environments



New laser product features compact, all-digital design; provides speed and accuracy regardless of presence of surrounding vapor and dust

Prairieville, LA (June 1, 2004)- K-TEK, a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid and bulk solids detection, today announced the SureShot XP laser transmitter designed for measurement of dry bulk solids, opaque liquids, and slurries in challenging environments. The laser features virtually no beam divergence and is housed in an explosion-proof assembly with screw-on, glass cover for quick and easy access. A dual-compartment design allows users to isolate the wiring and terminations from the sensing elements and internal electronics. With virtually no beam divergence, and therefore no false echoes, the SureShot XP is ideal for use in vessels with complex internal structures and numerous obstructions, such as in petrochemical refineries and chemical plants, or in small, tight spaces, such as stilling wells. Designed to meet the requirements for use in hazardous areas (Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups B,C,D), the rugged, powder coated aluminum enclosure is rated for IP67 or NEMA 4X, DIP ratings. This ensures operation even in the harshest of conditions.

State-of-the-Art Laser Technology

The SureShot XP can measure distances from 1 to 50 feet (0.3 to 15 meters). A precise, pulsed laser diode features virtually no beam divergence (0.2 beam spread) and no false echoes. As a result, the laser can be directed through very tight spaces, as small as two-inches in diameter. This makes the SureShot XP ideal for vessels with numerous obstructions.

"The SureShot XP laser unit comes standard with explosion proof ratings," said Ivo Radanov, Product Manager for Lasers and Ultrasonics at K-TEK Corp. "This, combined with the unique level measuring capabilities of laser technology, such as narrow parallel beam and the ability to detect surfaces at oblique angles, opens the door to harsh environments in industries such as petrochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical. Because of the laser technology, the SureShot XP is not affected by vapors, material dielectric constants, turbulence, surface temperature, or complex internal vessel structures. The sophisticated and proven software features last pulse detection and intelligent digital signal processing, allowing the transmitter to ignore multiple agitator blades without complex 'bin plotting.' Just mount it and let it run."

The SureShot XP is also immune to reflections and echoes, thus providing consistent performance on solids and immunity to "cone up" and "cone down" variations in the material being measured. It is available in a small, compact enclosure and provides what is usually a better alternative to open air radar and ultrasonic devices.

All Digital Design & Unique Timing System

The SureShot XP features a unique, all-digital design that delivers speed and accuracy in a compact unit. Users are up and running quickly because no calibration or special configuration software is required. The SureShot XP works even in the presence of dust, vapors, or turbulence. Stainless steel dust tubes prevent dust build-up and protect the optical lens from being coated.

An advanced timing system and sophisticated, self-correcting digital signal processing (DSP) functions allow accurate and reliable measurement of level, distance, and position in the harshest of conditions. Geared to last pulse detection, the SureShot XP is able to select true signals even in the presence of surrounding noise, such as chemical vapors, dust, or agitator blades. The transmitter's variable gain and power provide better dust penetration. Color compensation corrects for weak or excessive return signals, even at high speeds. Readings can be updated as quickly as three times per second.

The SureShot XP is easily programmed with a Palm or Pocket PC handheld device or a desktop/laptop personal computer. Convenient, portable mounting options allow users to position the laser in any direction. K-TEK uses Class 1 lasers, making the SureShot products safe for the human eye. No special safety glasses are required.

Pricing & Delivery

K-TEK's SureShot XP explosion-proof laser level transmitters are available for immediate shipment. Prices start at $1950. Delivery is one week from receipt of order.

About K-TEK

K-TEK is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid and bulk solids detection. Founded in 1975, the company 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, ultrasonic transmitters, and a full line of point level switches, plumb bob devices, and field controllers.

K-TEK's products are used in over 175,000 installations worldwide in such applications as plastics manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas production, pulp and paper processing, mining and construction, food and beverage manufacturing, and power generation. For more information, please visit www.ktekcorp.com.

For further information, contact:
Kevin Hambrice, Director of Marketing
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

© 2004 K-TEK LLC. All rights reserved. K-TEK, AccuTrak, LASERMETER, and SureShot are trademarks of K-TEK. Other product and service names mentioned here are trademarks of their respective owners.

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