Feedwater Heaters are used to “pre-heat” feedwater before it is fed to the steam drum or boiler to be converted to steam. The feedwater heater is a larger shell & tube heat exchanger through which condensate returns and any makeup water is pre-heated prior to being sent to the boiler for conversion to steam. This “pre-heating” means that less energy (fuel) is required to flash the water into steam.

The rugged, yet simple, design of the KM26 Magnetic Level Gauge, which can be certified to ANSI / ASME B31.1 “Power Plant Piping requirements”, includes a magnetically coupled float level indicator for local visual indication. Its float design and magnet technology provides very high magnetic flux density at the measurement point to prevent “decoupling” of the indicator on high-pressure heaters.

To eliminate the maintenance problems with mechanical transmitters and controllers, the AT200 Magnetostrictive Transmitter is utilized. The AT200 is a very accurate (1/32”) level transmitter that is actuated by the magnetic field in the KM26. It is simply strapped to the outside of the KM26 Housing. (Magnetic Level Switches can also be mounted in this fashion with the KM26). The AT200 is a loop powered, 4-20 mA transmitter. HART, Honeywell DE, and Foundation Fieldbus versions are also available. With the AT200 transmitter mounted on the outside of the heater, maintenance is very low, since it is not exposed to the internal temperatures and extremes of the heaters.

One of the Customers is now controlling from the KM26+AT200 systems with their DCS to a level set point of 9 inches. They tell us, "With this system, 9 inches is 9 inches". Using this precision level control, they are able to maintain a 5 degree differential on their heaters. In addition, says the customer "...and we are getting about 6% more efficiency! That is BIG BUCKS!" Read more..

Level gauges, switches & transmitters - check the Technical Details at www.measurIT.com.