reflex gauge

A reflex level gauge glass, also known as a reflex sight glass or reflex gauge glass, is a type of level gauge used to visually indicate the level of liquids inside tanks or vessels. It consists of a transparent glass tube or sight glass with a section of its surface formed into a series of prisms or grooves. These prisms or grooves act as mirrors, reflecting light differently depending on whether the sight glass is covered by the liquid or not.

Here's how it works:

1. Transparent Glass Tube: The main body of the gauge is a transparent glass tube, typically made of borosilicate or similar materials that are resistant to high temperatures and pressures.

2. Reflex Surface: A portion of the glass tube's surface is molded or machined to have prisms or grooves. This creates a mirrored surface. The rest of the glass remains smooth and transparent.

3. Liquid Level Indication: When the liquid level is below the level of the reflex surface, light passing through the glass is refracted and absorbed by the liquid, making the liquid level appear dark. When the liquid level is above the reflex surface, light reflects off the mirrored surface, making the liquid level appear bright.

4. Observation: An observer can visually determine the liquid level by looking at the boundary between the dark and bright areas on the gauge glass. The level is typically read at the interface between the dark and bright sections.

Reflex level gauges are commonly used in various industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and power generation, where monitoring liquid levels accurately and reliably is essential for safety and operational efficiency. They offer several advantages such as ease of use, reliability, and suitability for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. However, they may not be suitable for applications where precise measurement of liquid level is required, as the reading is dependent on the observer's perception of the boundary between the dark and bright areas.