Kenco Engineering Flat Glass Level Gauge User Manual

KENCO ENGINEERING COMPANY

K

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P.O. BOX 470426 TULSA, OK 74147-0426 ● PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]

www.kenco-eng.com e-mail: [e-mail]

MODEL KMR, KMT, KHR, AND KHT FLAT GLASS GAUGES

INSTALLATION / OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Kenco Flat Glass Gauges are simple, rugged instruments engineered and constructed throughout to give you accurate
liquid level readings for the life of the vessel. We offer a complete range of gauges suitable for most applications. Like
any instrument, Kenco flat glass gauges must be installed, operated, and maintained with reasonable care and due regard
for the application, and the environment, if they are to give accurate readings over a long life.

This instruction sheet covers medium and high pressure gauges, as well as, large chamber gauges. Weld Pad gauges
are covered in a separate instruction sheet. Contact Kenco if you need the Weld Pad sheet.

MODEL CONFIGURATOR

Gauge Type

Style (R – Reflex; T- Transparent)

Sections – (1 through 9)

Glass Size – (1 through 9)

Construction

Connection Location

Connection Size

Connection Type

Gauge Type Connection Location Connection Size Connection Type

Material Code Gauge Code Size Code Type Code

Medium Pressure M End E ½” 50 NPTF N
High Pressure H Side (Right) R ¾” 75 Socketweld (Female) S
Side (Left) L 1” 1 150# ANSI Flange A
Back B 1½” 15 300# ANSI Flange B
2” 2 600# ANSI Flange C

Construction

Material Code

Carbon Steel C 6” 6 2500# ANSI Flange F
Stainless Steel Wetted W 8” 8
All Stainless Steel A
Special X

INSPECTION & DELIVERY

Upon receiving the gauge, check all components carefully for damage incurred in shipping. Notify the shipping company
immediately of any such damage, and request a damage inspection. Confirm that the gauge model number and
pressure/temperature ratings (located on the nameplate) match the application conditions. Also, confirm that the gauge
materials are compatible with the process media and the environmental conditions around the gauge.

CAUTION – Kenco Gauge Glasses are not to be used for indicating the level of lethal substances as defined

by ASME Section VIII.

3” 3 900# ANSI Flange
4” 4 1500# ANSI Flange E

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GAUGE CONSTRUCTION

Glass

Chamber

Gasket

Cover

Glass

Cover

Glass

BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE GAUGE
Consider the following:

• To avoid imposing piping strains on the gauge chamber, connect and mount the gauge so that it does not support

• Differential thermal expansions between the vessel and gauge can impose severe mechanical loads on the

• Support brackets should be considered for gauges over four feet in length or over 100 pounds in weight,

• Always provide shutoff valves between the gauge and vessel. Kenco automatic ball check valves are

• Bolt torque is vital to the proper operation of a flat glass gauge. Because gaskets compress over time, bolt torque

CAUTION – Gauges should always be isolated from the process system by closing the upper and lower

OPERATION

CAUTION – Rapid opening of connecting valves can cause glass breakage and / or possible injury to

Always warm up the gauge slowly when it is used with a vessel containing a hot fluid. Slowly open the shutoff valves
carefully, and wait until the gauge is fully warmed up before completely opening the valves. Kenco Gauges use tempered
glass, designed to withstand thermal shock. However, additional loads that you cannot measure are imposed on the
glass during installation. Resistance to thermal shock is reduced accordingly. This procedure also applies to cold fluids.

During system shutdown, it is best to leave the shutoff valves open so that as the gauge cools it depressurizes along with
the rest of the system. Keeping valves closed during shutdown can trap high pressure liquid in the gauge. For high
pressure / temperature applications a viewing system of mirrors should be used to protect personnel from physical injury
in the event of glass breakage.

Gauges should be isolated periodically and bolt torque checked to prevent leaks. This is especially important on gauges
used in intermittent operation, or varying service conditions. When putting a gauge into service always check for leaks
and be certain the shutoff valves are fully open with all vents and drains closed before leaving the site.

Reflex Gauge (Model KMR & KHR)

Cushion

Cover

the piping.

gauge, especially if the vessel contains hot or cryogenic liquids. To prevent these, install an expansion loop
between the gauge and vessel, or use a reasonably long run of piping.

especially when the gauge is exposed to vibration. These support brackets will prevent overloading the
connecting valves and piping and prevent damage to the gauge from excessive vibration.

recommended to provide protection against physical injury and loss of product if glass breakage should occur.
These valves also provide a means to isolate the gauge for maintenance.

should be checked before the gauge is installed (see MAINTENANCE). Bolt torque should also be checked after
the first few hours of operation.

isolation valves, and draining the gauge to relieve pressure before doing any torque or
maintenance checks.

personnel. Gauges should be brought into service slowly.

Transparent Gauge (Model KMT & KHT)

Cushion

Chamber

Gasket

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