OPERATING OVERVIEW

Introduction

Portalevel® is a portable, ultrasonic, liquid level indicator. It will locate and verify the level of all gaseous fire extinguishants stored in liquid state in single skinned cylinders. Portalevel® is designed for use on CO2, Halon, FM200® - and other Halon replacements stored in all commonly used cylinder types. It is simple to use and brings immediate cost and safety benefits over other methods such as weighing and radioactive measurement. The equipment comes with a comprehensive set of instructions and Coltraco offers phone and E-mail helplines to both advise on unusual requirements and solve any operating problems.

Portalevel® and its Industrial version can also be used to find the the level of liquids in any single skinned metal vessel of less than 1" (2.5cm) wall thickness.

The Principles of Ultrasonic Level Finding

The Portalevel® works by generating ultrasound then reading back the "echo" of the sound it produces from the cylinder or vessel to which it is applied.

Different materials either liquid or solid will dampen the echo to different degrees.

The echo or ultrasonic feedback generates an electrical signal which:

• Creates digital readings on the LCD
• Powers the LED lights

In Co2, Halon and FM-200 cylinders, high readings are generally found above level where there is no liquid to dampen the echo.

Reverse mode. With some vessels and some liquids, such as plastic tanks filled with water, a better echo (higher reading) is achieved off the liquid rather than the empty vessel. The readings will therefore be higher below the top level of the liquid. This will not cause a problem in finding the level because it is the significant change which indicates the liquid/gas interface.

Outline of the Measurement Process

Finding the level of liquid in a cylinder with Portalevel® is a simple 5 stage process which can take an experienced operator less than 30 seconds a cylinder.

• 1. Predict and mark the correct level of Liquid in the cylinder/s to be measured
• 2. Calibrate the Portalevels™ LEDs to an average above predicted level reading.
• 3. Take a series of readings working up from the base of the cylinder until
  the LEDS light up and/or the LCD numerical reading jumps significantly.
  This indicates the liquid level.
• 4. Bracket the area of the change in reading to identify the exact level of the liquid.
• 5. Confirm this level is correct compared to the predicted level

For more details see below:

Preparing to Locate the Level of Gas Fire Suppression System Cylinders

To use the equipment quickly and effectively it must be used to check known or predicted levels.

The correct cylinder fill levels must therefore be calculated and marked. For CO2, the level is generally 2/3 of the height. This will vary slightly with temperature. For Halon and Halon replacements, standard cylinder sizes are generally used and the fill is calculated for each specific task. To assist these calculations, Coltraco supply charts and data with the detailed operating instructions for Portalevel®.

Finding the Liquid Level

Having marked the predicted correct level, apply the applicator to four or five points above the anticipated level and in approximately the same area.

The LCD readings will vary slightly but will be of a broadly similar magnitude.

Take an average reading and press the LED Calibration button. The LEDS are now calibrated to that average reading. At and above that reading, the LED 1ights will go on.

Now take readings below the marked level. These readings will be lower than those above level and the LED lights will be off.

Take readings moving progressively up towards the marked level. The LCD readings increase as you move towards the actual level of the liquid.

For simple level checking it is normally sufficient to move up by steps until the LEDs light up and then mark the base of the applicator. To confirm the reading reapply the applicator with the top edge at the point just marked. Few or no LEDs will be lit and a drop in the LCD reading will occur.

Certifications and Approvals

• Manufactured to ISO 9001 Quality Standards
• Manufactured to US MIL-STD
• NATO Stock Number 6680-99-192-2735
• Det Norske Veritas Accepted
• Portalevel® Trade Mark Registered Number 2290334
• UL Approval applied for
• UK Government Cage Code KD983
• US Department of Defense Halon Depletion Agency approval

After Sales Service

We are a dedicated Customer Services provider and service-led manufacturer with a mission to remedy any client concern in a friendly and professional manner. Our Technical Department is available at all times to discuss any technical or operational queries and experienced in giving telephone "teach-ins". All queries are answered on the same day and our technical staff are available to overseas clients outside UK office hours by arrangement. Our technical staff have many years' experience of the operation of the Portalevel® in the field in a wide variety of market sectors and climatic conditions.