Kenco Engineering Thermal Differential Switch User Manual
Page 2

Page 2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Series KTD Thermal Differential Switch is the state-of-the-art in gaseous and liquid flow switching or liquid level /
interface control. Flow or level detection is accomplished by using a high resolution
thermal differential technique. The
standard sensor wetted parts are of durable 316L series stainless steel, all welded construction with no moving parts. The
switch is easy to install and adjust, giving reliable, low maintenance performance in the most demanding applications.
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
MODEL DESCRIPTION
- - - - - -
Model
Process Connection
Sensor Material
Insertion Length (Inches)
Input Power
Configuration
Options
Options
Options (cont.)
Options (cont.)
Options (cont.)
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
No Options
00
Extended Neck
EN
Additional Cable
CA
SS Tag
TG
RTD Output
RT
*High Temp (850ºF)
HT
Variable Insertion
VI
Live Tap
LT
*Medium Temp (572ºF)
MT
Factory Calibration
CB
CE Approved
CE
Explosion-proof Window
XW
Thermocouple Output
TO
Sensor
Installed in
Tee
TE
* Remote Mounting Required
Model
Sensor Material
Description
Code
Description
Code
Level Switch
KTDL
316L SS
S6
Flow Switch
KTDF
304 SS
S4
304L SS
SL
Process Connection
Hastelloy-B
HB
Description
Code
Hastelloy-C
HC
½” NPT
050
Inconel 600
IO
¾” NPT
075
Monel
MN
1” NPT
100
Alloy-20
A2
1½” Sanitary
3A1
Special Material
SM
1” 150# ANSI Flange
RA1
2” 150# ANSI Flange
RA2
Input Power
1” 300# ANSI Flange
RB1
Description
Code
2” 300# ANSI Flange
RB2
110 Vac
110
Low Flow Sensor
LFS
220 Vac
220
Special Connection
SPL
24 Vdc
24D
24 Vac
24A
Configuration
Description
Code
Insertion Length
Integral Mounting
LE
002.00 (standard)
Remote Mounting
RE
000.50 – 120.00 (optional)
The Series KTD Thermal Differential Switch uses a thermal differential technique to measure liquid level or interface
by sensing changes in the thermal heat transfer characteristics of the media where it is located. The sensor consists
of a pair of matched Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD’s) encased in twin 316 series, stainless steel tubes.
One RTD is self-heated using a constant DC current. The other sensor is unheated and provides an accurate ambient
process temperature reference. The thermal differential created between the heated and reference RTD pair is
a function only of the media with which the sensor is in contact. The differential is greatest when no liquid is present
(dry condition) and decreases as liquid quenches the switch sensors (wet condition).
Hydrocarbons generally have lower heat-transfer characteristics than aqueous-based materials so liquid-liquid
interface detection is possible. In general, any two media will exhibit some difference in heat-transfer characteristics.
Thus, the switch can be calibrated to detect the interface between two immiscible liquids.
This switch can also be used as a no-flow or a low flow switch. In this case the actual flow of the liquid or gas
provides the cooling effect. In other words, the lower the flow rate the greater the temperature differential between the
(2) RTD’s.
Solid-state electronics transform the temperature differential into a voltage that is compared to a control voltage to
actuate a relay and indicate a change in state (wet vs. dry). The instrument head at the top of the unit contains the
Switch electronics board which is easily removable from the instrument head so that field wiring can be connected to
the field terminal block.