Portalevel® Max Plus

One of the latest additions to the Portalevel® range, the all-new Portalevel® Max Plus offers vast improvement to the functionality and display. All packaged into a smart, ergonomic, and rugged enclosure. With the implementation of three calibration modes, the user has much greater control when testing a large variety of liquids and fire suppression systems. A new user interface upgrade now indicates which phase the sensor is placed, indicating either GAS or LIQUID. 

• User-friendly display, versatile and accurate to ±1.5 mm.
• Three intelligent calibration features and four power settings for increased gain. 
• Capable of testing a wide variety of fire suppression agents, such as; CO₂, FM200™, NOVEC™ 1230, old Halon agents, FE-13™, FE-25™, NAF S III™ and all core Clean Agent systems.

The Portalevel® Max is designed to be a portable way to non-invasively locate the liquid level inside most single skinned cylinder. Our technology is suitable for many applications, but it is most widely used as a replacement to both weighing fire suppression cylinders during installation and servicing. Or additionally as a replacement for the fitting of internal and invasive liquid level ‘float’ devices. Once the liquid level height inside a container has been located, the agent weight can be determined using the Portasteele® Calculator. This is designed to quickly convert liquid height to agent weight accounting for the cylinder size, agent type and temperature. 

Converting Liquid Level to Weight

Monitoring the liquid level in fire cylinders is a vital aspect of any fire suppression system maintenance schedule. However, understanding how the liquid level relates to the fill weight of the cylinder is equally important. Coltraco Ultrasonics offer, in conjunction with the Portalevel® range, the world’s first liquid level to agent mass calculator. 

The Portasteele® Calculator calculates the agent weight of a fire suppression cylinder. It does this by using the liquid level determined by our Portalevel® range or inversely, by using the required fill level for a certain weight of suppression agent. The Portasteele® Calculator is sold as a stand-alone unit on a 7’’ hand-held tablet to be used in conjunction with our Portalevel® range. 

Operating Principle

• An ultrasonic transducer, coated in ultrasound gel (or water) generates an ultrasonic pulse that is transmitted into the fire cylinder and is reflected back. The ultrasonic gel acts a couplant by removing any air gaps between the ultrasonic transmitter and the cylinder wall, thus allowing the transmission of ultrasound. 
• As the wave travels throughout the cylinder, some of its energy is dissipated into the cylinder and its contents. This results in the signal returned to the transducer having decreased amplitude. Analysis of the returned signal can be used to determine if the transducer has been placed in the liquid or gas phase. 
• The Portalevel® Max Plus will display a numerical value which is an indicator of the strength of ultrasound received by the unit.  
• The device is calibrated by moving the transducer up and down the cylinder whilst reading the numerical value off the display and engaging the ‘CAL’ button when in the appropriate section. 
• The user has the option of selecting between three calibration modes depending on the cylinder and agent type.
• The Portalevel® Max Plus will now indicate which section of the cylinder the ultrasonic transducer is located by displaying GAS or LIQUID, thus allowing the user to accurately find the liquid level. 

Portalevel® Max Plus Unit: main electronic unit fitted with harness points for handsfree operation. 

Handheld Ultrasonic Sensor: fitted with magnetic head to ensure perfect positioning on the cylinder wall every time.

Ultrasonic Gel: ensures perfect connection between cylinder and sensor allowing the transfer of ultrasound into the inspection surface. 

Carrying Case: robust protective case which is ideal for transportation, storage and protection in harsh environments.

Infrared Thermometer: used to measure cylinder surface temperature. 

Calibration Certificate: providing traceability of accuracy and documenting unit setup.

Operating Instructions: manual provides setup instructions and step-by-step guide for usage. Technical support is available for the lifetime of the product.

See the full Coltraco range HERE

Frequently asked questions

What agents can the Portalevel® MAX Plus measure?

The Portalevel® MAX Plus can measure the level of a wide variety of liquids. The primary application is for checking the liquid level in fire suppression cylinders. These agents commonly include: CO2, FM200™, NOVEC™ 1230, Halon agents, FE-13™, FE-25™, NAF S III™ and, all core Clean Agent systems. However, the Portalevel® Max Plus has been shown to work on other liquids such as water, fuel, LPG and even mayonnaise in the processed food industry.

How accurate is the Portalevel® MAX Plus?

The Portalevel® MAX Plus can identify the liquid level to ±1.5 mm of the actual liquid level. When using the Portasteele® Calculator to convert the liquid level to agent weight, the results are accurate to within 1%.

What are the three calibration modes used for?

CAL1 – This is the standard setting to be used in most cases. This will work when the trend in readings you observe go from high to low with a large drop-off (see annex for explanation)CAL2 – This mode is to be used when the difference between high and low readings is great, or if CAL 1 is insufficient.CAL3 – This mode is to be used when the difference between high and low readings is small, and/or CAL 1 or 2 is insufficient.

What cylinders can the Portalevel® MAX Plus measure?

The Portalevel® MAX is one of the most powerful we have developed and works on a large range of cylinder sizes. We have an extensive range of products that can measure anything from 10 cm to over 15 m diameter, so get in touch to find out which unit is suitable for your application.

Do I need specific ultrasonic gel?

No, you can use any ultrasonic gel, available in most pharmacies, as well as petroleum jelly. Water will also work, but in hot environment needs very regular application.

Can I use the Portalevel® Max Plus on CO2 above 31°C?

No, unfortunately above this temperature CO2 converts to a gas and your cylinder will no longer have a liquid level to measure. We recommend testing CO2 in lower temperatures. Please, get in touch if you need recommendations for hot climate CO2 monitoring.

Will high temperatures affect other fire suppression agents, such as Clean Agents?

Yes, however, these agents are far more stable at higher temperatures that CO2, and although the liquid level will naturally rise with increased temperature it is far less than with CO2 and, therefore, can still be tested.

My cylinder has a siphon tube inside, can I still use the Portalevel® Max Plus?

Yes, this unit is specifically designed to work despite the presence of a siphon tube.

By Coltraco