K-TEK, a leading manufacturer ofstate-of-the-art instrumentation for level measurement, today announced theKSONIK MICRO, a compact, low cost, ultrasonic level transmitter/switchdesigned for liquid and bulk solids level applications. The KSONIK MICROfeatures Variable GAP technology that allows the instrument to work even inthe presence of dust, vapor, or foam. Variable GAP technology also providesthe narrowest beam angle in the industry, less than four degrees; thisallows the transmitter to make accurate measurements in narrow vessels. TheKSONIK MICRO features an electronic filter that removes ambient noise, suchas from falling rocks and grain. Integrated KSCOPE display provides detaileddata and trends, including echo profiles. Adjustable threshold means levelmeasurements can be made even with H-beams present in a silo.The KSONIK MICRO measures liquid levels to 32.8 feet (10 meters) and bulksolids to 16 feet (5 meters). Blanking distances have been shortened to lessthan one (1) foot. A 4-20 mA output is standard for remote indication orremote control. A single pole-double throw (SPDT) relay can be used toactivate alarms and pumps."For the first time, obstacles like dust, vapor, and foam do not limit therange of a level instrument," stated Kevin Barnfather, Director of Sales andMarketing, Ultrasonic Products, K-TEK. "The KSONIK MICRO combines thehighest accuracy for simple level measurement applications and ample powerfor challenging environments. Our unique, Variable GAP technology means wecan make accurate level measurements in difficult environments that ourcompetitors cannot face, such as high ambient noise and dusty, narrow tanks.Our on-board KSCOPE software takes level measurement to new heights byproviding quick and easy access to detailed process information, includingecho profiles and trends."Variable GAP TechnologyUltrasonic measurements are based on the Time-of-Flight (TOF) of an acousticwave that is emitted from a transducer and directed toward the product beingmeasured. This wave is reflected back toward the transducer and thenconverted to an electric signal. The KSONIK MICRO features a unique approachto measurements using Variable GAP -- Gain, Amplitude, and Power -technology. Variable GAP ensures accurate measurements by always workingwith the smallest return signal. The Gain is automatically increased if thereturn echo is being absorbed by dust or foam in the environment. If theinstrument cannot hear the return echo after adjusting the gain, theAmplitude is automatically increased. If the device still cannot hear theecho, the Power is automatically adjusted.Working together, Variable GAP provides 32,000 different combinations,guaranteeing measurements using the best echoes. GAP is automatic anddynamic; no two shots are the same. This means the KSONIK MICRO is alwayslearning, constantly delivering a better return echo.KSCOPE DISPLAYThe KSONIK MICRO's integrated display provides easy access to detailedreadings, including distance and level, percentage fill, flow rate, totalflow, height to the top of the material being measured, and temperature. Anon-board echo profile provides full diagnostics which can also indicatetrends.The KSONIK MICRO is housed in an IP65 polycarbonate enclosure. Thetransducer uses PVDF wetted parts for corrosive environments.
