NIVOSWITCH vibrating fork level switches for liquids are commonly mounted on pipes, silos, tanks, or hopper bins. There, they can be used to control filling and emptying processes and work as fail-safe alarms that provide protection from overfill or dry runs. The plastic coated version is recommended in aggressive mediums and a highly polished version is recommended for abrasive mediums. The PNP/NPN transistor output versions can be connected directly to a PLC or relay unit. There is also a level switch intended for use with solids: NIVOSWITCH for Solids.
The NIVOSWITCH is a vibrating fork level switch. It’s ideal for use in shale oil and gas fields. There are currently hundreds of NIVOSWITCH, from NIVELCO, in use in the United States in field production tanks, condensate tanks, separators, and more. This level switch can install vertically or horizontally and can perform as either a high-level switch or a low-level switch. API recommended practice states that unmanned facilities should be instrumented with both a continuous level transmitter, as well as a high level shut off switch to prevent overfill.
| Supply Voltage | 20-255 V AC, 20-60 V DC |
|---|---|
| Ambient Temperature | −40 to 158˚F |
| Process Temperature | −40 to 266˚F |
| Process Pressure | maximum 580 psig |
| Output | 1 or 2 relays (SPDT), 2-wire AC / DC, transistor (PNP, NPN) |
| Process Connection | 1″, 1½”, 2″ or flanges or hygienic fittings |
| Ingress Protection | IP67, IP68, IP65 |
| Approvals | ATEX, IEC Ex, DNV (Marine), UKCA Ex |
NIVELCO NIVOSWITCH R−400/500 vibrating fork level switches with a parallel vibrating fork are suitable for detecting the level of liquids. Mounting on pipes and tanks, it can control filling and emptying and can also generate fail-safe alarms providing overfill or dry-run protection.
The operating principle is based on that the electronic circuit excites a vibration in the fork probe. When the medium reaches and covers the fork, its vibration changes. The fork will start vibrating freely again as the medium sets it free. Its electronics sense the change of vibration and give an output signal after a selected delay. The plastic-coated version is ideal for use in aggressive media, and the high polish version is ideal for use in abrasive media.
PNP/NPN transistor output versions can connect directly to a PLC or relay unit. Certain types of NIVOSWITCH vibrating forks are able to solve switching tasks of high-current loads with the help of UNICONT PKK switching amplifiers. Additionally, a hazardous area rating NIVELCO UNICONT PKK–312–8 Ex is an intrinsic safety switching unit for Ex-rating vibrating forks.
Type selection is aided by this table for choosing the proper version to a given level switching task. Most essential aspect is the consistency of the measurement medium.
| For Liquids | For Solids | ||||
| Features | Mini Compact | Compact | Mini Compact | Compact | |
| Metal Housing | X | X | X | X | |
| Plastic Housing | X | X | |||
| Extension | X | X | X | X | |
| Highly Polished Version | X | X | |||
| Plastic Coated Fork | X | X | |||
| 1″, 1 1⁄2″ Process Connection | X | X | X | X | |
| 2″ Process Connection | X | X | |||
| Relay Output | X | X | |||
| Electronic Output | X | X | |||
| Electrical Connection | Terminal | X | X | ||
| DIN Connector | X | X | |||
| M12 Connector | X | ||||
| Cable | X | X | |||
| Intrinsically Safe Version (Ex ia) |
X | ||||
| Flameproof Enclosure (Ex d) |
X | ||||
| Dust / Explosion Proof Version (Ex ta/tb IIIC) |
X | ||||
| DNV GL | X | ||||
| Fail-safe Setting (low-high level) |
X* | X | X* | X | |
| Function Indication | X | X | X | X | |
| Density Selection | X | X | |||
| Output Test Magnet | X | X | |||
*Only for 3-wire DC versions
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