{"id":10782,"date":"2019-02-21T07:10:02","date_gmt":"2019-02-21T12:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=10782"},"modified":"2024-06-05T10:25:55","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T15:25:55","slug":"wika-magnetic-level-indicator-offshore-seaside-applications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/applications\/wika-magnetic-level-indicator-offshore-seaside-applications\/","title":{"rendered":"WIKA Magnetic Level Indicators for Offshore and Seaside Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"

WIKA is a global company with decades of instrumentation experience, including a deep understanding of alloys and different manufacturers\u2019 trade names for them. That\u2019s why EPC companies from around the world partner with WIKA on offshore and seaside engineering projects that require corrosion-resistant magnetic level indicators and other level instruments.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

To build an offshore platform or seaside processing plant today, you need the services of engineering companies, construction firms, and suppliers from around the world \u2013 not to mention a variety of rugged materials and instrumentation. The various components \u2013 ranging from fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic pressure gauges to exotic alloys for a magnetic level indicator \u2013 must be able to withstand the corrosive nature of seawater, salt air, and harsh media. Adding to the complexity is that each supplier may work with materials that go by different names in different regions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Global Projects Require a Global Instrument Manufacturer<\/h2>\n

Take exotic alloys as a case in point. Suppliers will often drive particular trade names into specification requirements. However, in a global economy, sourcing by trade-name alloys can be tricky. Let\u2019s say the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) company is based in the UK, the platform will be built in Houston, and the end destination is Asia. The problem with material sourcing is that the UK firm is basing construction on a Europe-specific trade-named alloy with an EN number (European Standard number), which means the alloy would have another name in the United States. If the instrument manufacturer is not aware of the exotic alloy\u2019s various trade names in different markets, confusion could set in and weeks may pass before the issue is cleared up. And as all parties know too well, delays are as costly as they are frustrating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because WIKA is a global manufacturer, our specialists understand and work with these challenges daily. Our instrumentation experts are able to recommend engineering best practices and help all stakeholders come to mutual understanding in today\u2019s global economy<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s in a Name?<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with one of the most common offshore alloys, duplex stainless steel, which gets its name from the combination of two types of steel: ferritic and austenitic. One of the frequently used alloys in this group is <\/span>UNS<\/span><\/a>S32305\/S31803, which goes by the trade name of 2205. Although this alloy is commonly specified for piping and construction, it is not recommended for a magnetic level indicator (MLI). Why? The problem lies with its <\/span>ferritic\u00a0<\/a>chemical composition. The float magnet of the level gauge would be attracted to the inner pipe wall, causing hang-ups and inaccurate readings. For this reason, WIKA recommends using super-austenitic steel \u2013 which is amagnetic and contains at least 6% molybdenum for excellent corrosion resistance \u2013 rather than duplex stainless steel for instruments exposed to demanding offshore environments. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, super-austenitic stainless steels go by several trade names. Here are some of the most common ones: <\/span><\/p>\n