Several instrumentation companies offer non-fouling solutions with only minor variations of the existing and unsuitable solutions. These instruments use a Teflon-coated elastomer diaphragm, which is rela- tively weak and prone to puncture. Their answer is to use a bulky pro- tective cage, consisting of a shield mounted on bolts and standoffs. However, these shields can collect rags, grease and biosolids in the wastewater, which leads to erroneous readings.
Newport News officials contacted Keller America, whose LevelRat provided a unique approach to wastewater level measurement.
The tougher Kynar diaphragm used on the LevelRat provides supe- rior abrasion and puncture resistance relative to other wastewater level transmitter solutions. This design also minimizes the 36 XKY profile, creating a sleeker design without the need for bulky shields. The result is a truly non-fouling instrument that provides superior operation in environments that would clog traditional level transmitters.
The LevelRat is specifi- cally designed for extended service in lift stations and, thanks to Keller’s guaranteed light- ning protection, the unit is ideal for areas prone to chronic lightning damage.
The LevelRat is assembled in the U.S. to customer specifications, includ- ing custom pressure ranges and cable lengths.
Keller America specializes in pressure measurement solutions, offering a complete line of pressure transmitters, gauges and loggers. For more infor- mation on how the LevelRat can provide accurate and reliable level mea- surement, contact:
39
plant proficiencies
Kohler introduces large diesel
industrial generator line
K
ohler has unveiled an all-new range of large diesel industrial gener- ators. The company’s KD Series includes generator sets in nodes between 800 kVA and 4,200 kVA, which arepowered by an entirely new line of G-Drive engines. The generators will be available glob- ally under the Kohler and Kohler-SDMO brands and are designed to deliver durability and reliability in various emergency and prime applications. Targeted industries include: data centers, health care, water treat- ment, oil and gas, telecommunications, min- ing, and more.
“This is an exciting and transformational product launch,” says Tom Cromwell, group president-power for Kohler. “After a very collaborative and thorough worldwide development process, we’re very pleased to be rolling out this new line of gen- erators. We expect strong response to these advanced new gensets that will offer beneficial cost savings and unri- valed performance to our customers around the globe.”
The KD Series generators offer cost savings
because the line delivers the best fuel consumption at more nodes between 800 kW and 2,500 kW. The new generators are designed to meet global emis- sions regulations and are highly customizable to match an end user’s spe- cific requirements. Multiple options are available to ensure optimal performance for the most demanding applications.
Products are designed for high ambient temperature conditions. Thanks to high technology regulation and monitoring control systems on each com- ponent, the KD Series offers a very high power quality and best transient response in compliance with the most stringent regulations standards.
“These generators are powered by our new state-of-the-art G-Drive engines, which were developed to provide outstanding power density and complete dependability in the field,” Cromwell says. “Plus, because these are fully integrated Kohler generators, we’ll be able to stand behind this line in an elevated manner, which includes a comprehensive global three-year warranty.”
When service is needed, Kohler has a global dealer and distribution infra- structure consisting of more than 800 facilities offering 24/7 parts availabil- ity. Distributor technicians are factory-trained to provide fast and accurate assistance and have expertise in power specifications, equipment integration and more.
A global force in power solutions since 1920, Kohler is committed to reli- able, intelligent products, purposeful engineering and responsive after-sale support. Kohler’s acquisition of SDMO in 2005 created one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial generators. Combined, the companies have 150 years of experience in industrial power and now benefit from global R&D, manufacturing, sales, service and distribution integration.
Kohler Co., which was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacturing of engines and power systems; kitchen and bath products; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler and St Andrews, Scotland.
800/544-2444 • [email protected] • www.kohler.com
Keller’s non-fouling level transmitter
solves tough measurement problem
I
n wastewater measurement, accurate read- ings are essential to ensuring proper pump operation. A failure in this area can result in unhygienic liquid waste overflow and costly repairs to pump mechanisms.In Newport News, Virginia, several restaurants were built in an area serviced by the same municipal wastewater lift sta- tions. These restaurants introduced heavy grease content to the wastewater and caused the municipality’s existing level measure- ment equipment to foul and fail.
ANTIQUATED SOLUTIONS
Before development of the commercial district, Newport News Water- works and Hampton Roads Sanitation District relied on a combination of mechanical floats and traditional submersible level transmitters. However, with the restaurants in operation, the increased volume of grease clung to both instruments and, as a result, the primary and redundant level measure- ment failed to properly transmit level data to the pump controller.
The accumulation of grease to the submersible level transmitter clogged the pressure ports that blocked the free flow of liquid and proper applica- tion of hydrostatic pressure to the sensing diaphragm. On the redundant float switch, which should trigger the pump in the event of a failed level transmitter, the accumulation of grease blocked the mechanical operation of the float ball. With the level transmitter and backup system inoperable, the affected lift stations failed, either reading too much wastewater or too little, thus causing the pumps to run continuously or not at all.
IDEAL SOLUTION
Several instrumentation companies offer non-fouling solutions with only minor variations of the existing and unsuitable solutions. These instruments use a Teflon-coated elastomer diaphragm, which is rela- tively weak and prone to puncture. Their answer is to use a bulky pro- tective cage, consisting of a shield mounted on bolts and standoffs. However, these shields can collect rags, grease and biosolids in the wastewater, which leads to erroneous readings.
Newport News officials contacted Keller America, whose LevelRat provided a unique approach to wastewater level measurement.
The tougher Kynar diaphragm used on the LevelRat provides supe- rior abrasion and puncture resistance relative to other wastewater level transmitter solutions. This design also minimizes the 36 XKY profile, creating a sleeker design without the need for bulky shields. The result is a truly non-fouling instrument that provides superior operation in environments that would clog traditional level transmitters.
The LevelRat is specifi- cally designed for extended service in lift stations and, thanks to Keller’s guaranteed light- ning protection, the unit is ideal for areas prone to chronic lightning damage.
The LevelRat is assembled in the U.S. to customer specifications, includ- ing custom pressure ranges and cable lengths.
Keller America specializes in pressure measurement solutions, offering a complete line of pressure transmitters, gauges and loggers. For more infor- mation on how the LevelRat can provide accurate and reliable level mea- surement, contact:
877/253-5537 • [email protected] • www.kelleramerica.com