Fork Type Level Switch

Introduction to PITAMBARA ENGINEERING : Fork Type Level Switch

PITAMBARA ENGINEERING is known for its innovative and reliable solutions for industrial measurement and control. One of their key products is the Fork Type Level Switch, a versatile instrument used to detect the presence or absence of liquids or solids at specific levels in tanks, vessels, and pipes.

What is a Fork Type Level Switch?

A Fork Type Level Switch is a point-level detection device that operates based on the principle of vibration. The switch features a tuning fork-shaped probe, which vibrates at a specific frequency. When the probe comes into contact with the material (liquid or solid), the vibration is dampened or altered, triggering the switch to activate or deactivate an output signal. These level switches are widely used for applications where accurate, reliable level detection is needed, especially in challenging environments.

Working Principle

  1. Vibration of the Fork: The fork-shaped probe of the level switch is oscillated (vibrated) at a natural frequency by a piezoelectric crystal or other vibration mechanism.
  2. Material Contact: When the material (liquid or solid) reaches the probe and makes contact, the vibration frequency changes due to the dampening effect of the material’s mass.
  3. Signal Change: The shift in vibration frequency is detected by a sensor, which processes the change and activates or deactivates the switch accordingly.
  4. Output Activation: The instrument then provides an output signal, which can be connected to control systems to trigger actions such as an alarm, pump, valve, or other process control equipment.

Key Features of PITAMBARA ENGINEERING Fork Type Level Switch

  1. Reliable Point-Level Detection: The fork-type level switch provides precise detection of the material level at specific points within a tank or pipe, ensuring accurate level monitoring.
  2. Simple Operation: The switch operates on the principle of vibration, which makes it simple to install and use, with no moving parts that can wear out or become damaged over time.
  3. Versatile Application: Suitable for both liquids and solids, including challenging materials like slurries, powders, and sticky substances.
  4. Non-Contact Measurement: Since the switch is mounted externally and detects the material level through vibration, there is no direct contact between the switch and the material, reducing the risk of contamination or wear.
  5. High Sensitivity: The fork-type level switch is highly sensitive, able to detect even small changes in the material level, making it ideal for critical level detection applications.
  6. Durability: Typically constructed from durable materials like stainless steel, these level switches can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures, corrosive substances, and extreme pressures.
  7. Customizable: PITAMBARA ENGINEERING offers customizable options for fork length, material compatibility, output type, and mounting options to suit specific process needs.
  8. Fail-Safe Design: The instrument is designed to be fail-safe, ensuring reliable operation in the event of a system malfunction or failure.

Advantages of PITAMBARA ENGINEERING Fork Type Level Switch

  • Maintenance-Free Operation: Since there are no moving parts, fork-type level switches require very little maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.
  • Compact and Easy to Install: These level switches are generally compact, making them easy to install in a wide variety of tanks, pipes, or vessels with limited space.
  • Accurate and Quick Response: The fork-type design provides quick, accurate level detection with minimal delay.
  • Versatility: The switches can be used for detecting a wide range of materials, including powders, granules, liquids, and slurry mixtures.

Applications of Fork Type Level Switches

  • Food and Beverage Industry: For detecting levels of granular or powdered materials, liquids, and slurries in production lines, silos, and storage tanks.
  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry: For level detection in tanks containing chemicals, powders, or liquids, ensuring process control and safety.
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment: Used to monitor and control the levels of water, sludge, and other materials in treatment facilities.
  • Agricultural and Processing Plants: For level monitoring in silos, bins, and hoppers containing grains, pellets, or liquids.
  • Mining and Minerals Processing: To detect levels of solids, slurries, or liquids in mining operations, mills, and tailing ponds.
  • Petrochemical Industry: Used in refining and storage processes for accurate level monitoring of liquids and slurry-like substances.

Conclusion

PITAMBARA ENGINEERING Fork Type Level Switch is a robust, accurate, and reliable solution for point-level detection in a wide variety of industrial applications. Its simple yet effective vibration-based operating principle ensures that the instrument can detect both solids and liquids without direct contact, making it ideal for applications where material properties might vary or where contamination is a concern. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and versatility make it a preferred choice in industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, mining, and water treatment.

  • Precautions for installation
  • Applications
  • Features
  • During installation, tank shuld be completely empty.
  • There should be no objects which shall hinder the float.
  • Ensure that the float position inside the tank should be such that agitation on it will be minimum.
  • The position of mounting nozzle should be far away from the liquid fill pipe to protect the float from damage and faulty readings due to turbulence.
  • Ensure that tank structures / fittings do not come in the way of calibrated gauges boards
  • Instruments required- Welding machine, combination/crimping plier, spanner and adjustable.
  • Even with large changes in liquid density, the immersion of a large diameter float will change very little, thus density has little effect on accuracy.
  • Float systems are simple and easily understood.
  • Even if the primary requirement is the transmitted signal, local indicators can continue to operate, even on loss of power.
  • Simple
  • Low Maintenance
  • Economical Measurement Solution
  • Easy Mounting
  • Assured Level Indication without power supply