K-TEK, a leading manufacturer ofstate-of-the-art level instrumentation for liquid and bulk solids detection,today announced the LM80 laser transmitter for non-contact level measurementand positioning. Designed for a variety of applications, the LM80 measuresposition over very long ranges, at distances up to 500 feet (150 meters).The device also accurately measures level at distances up to 100 feet (30meters). Whether handling plastics, coal, grain, or aggregates, the LM80 canmeasure any solid surface at any angle. The small wavelength of the lasermeans a narrower beam with virtually no beam divergence and, therefore, nofalse echoes. This provides high accuracy readings even when dealing withthe most challenging circumstances, such as measuring into silo cones, eveninside silo chutes and through narrow openings in protective grids. The LM80can be installed on any existing silo nozzle, three inches or larger,regardless of location.The LM80 features an all-digital design that provides speed and accuracy ina compact unit. An advanced timing system and self-correcting signalprocessing functions allow the device to accurately and reliably makemeasurements in the harshest conditions. The system can select the truesignal even in the presence of dust, as is commonly found in silos of coal,plastics, or grain, as well as in underground mines or quarries."This LM80 combines a number of advanced technologies into a single, unique,reasonably priced measurement device, going far beyond where othermeasurement technologies leave off," said Ivo Radanov, Product Manager forLasers at K-TEK. "The laser provides unheard of flexibility and accuracywhen compared with traditional level devices. Virtually any surface can bemeasured at any angle with pinpoint accuracy. No beam angle divergence meansthe transmitter can be narrowly focused over long distances withoutinterference from its surroundings, such as internal structures. No falseechoes and no reflections mean complete immunity to 'cone up,' 'cone down,'and angle of repose variations in the material being measured. The LM80 isbeing installed in hundreds of level or positioning applications. The unitis simple to install and use and is maintenance-free."Color Compensation & Last Pulse DetectionThe advanced signal processing software in the LM80 automaticallycompensates for color differences in the materials being measured. Thedevice is able to easily distinguish between dark color surfaces such ascoal, and light color surfaces such as plastic pellets and aggregates. Theunit can also measure the position of moving targets over long distances,such as overhead cranes and tripper cars. Thus, one unit can handle bothlong distance positioning and level measurement applications at one-thirdthe price of competitive models.The LM80 includes last pulse detection, which selects true signals fromamong the many that are reflected from dust clouds, agitator blades, orother obstacles. Variable gain allows the device to select the best returnsignal in quickly changing visibility conditions, such as dust, vapors, andmaterials of different colors. A built-in filtering system allows the unitto handle rapid level tracking applications, such as rock crushers oraggregate process hoppers, as well as slow moving levels, such as ininventory silos.The laser transmitter is housed in a powder coated aluminum enclosure, IP66rated. It is FM certified for Class I Div 2 Group A,B,C,D and ATEX for Ex nAnC II T4. Dual internal compartments isolate the optical components from thewiring terminations, eliminating the possibility of moisture buildup anderrant readings. Stainless steel dust tubes with built-in purge port preventdust build-up and protect the optical lens from being coated.The LM80 is a compact, stand-alone unit that is quick to set up and install.It requires no calibration or special configuration. The unit is easilyprogrammed with a compact handheld device. An optional laser pointerprovides precise alignment. Portable mounting options allow users toposition the laser in any direction. * Long Range to 500 ft. / 150 m (positioning applications) and Up to 100 ft. / 30 m (level applications) * No Beam Divergence = No False Echoes * Measures any Surface at any Angle with Narrow Beam * Rugged and Robust Enclosure * Built-in Purge Port (1/8" FNPT) * Last Pulse Detection for Measurement with Light Dust * Ideal for Plastic Pellets, Grain Silos, Food Processing Industry, Crushers & Rock Silos, Indoor/Outdoor Positioning Applications- Overhead Crane, Tripper Cars * Optional: Variety of Mounting Solutions
