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KM26 | MAGNETIC LEVEL GAUGE  |  OI/KM26-EN REV I
This manual is designed to provide information on installing, 
operating and troubleshooting or maintenance of the KM26 
family of magnetic level gauge (MLG). The KM26 series 
consist of the KM26S (side mounted), KM26T (top mounted), 
LMG100 (Econolev), MW (MagWave) and EC (external 
chamber) models.
Every section of this manual is dedicated to the specific 
phases of the MLG lifecycle. The start of the lifecycle begins 
with the receipt of the MLG and its identification and 
continues through installation, the connection of all electrical 
components, the configuration of the device (transmitters 
and switches) and accessories and finally ends with the 
trouble-shooting and maintenance operations.
General description of KM26 MLG
The ABB model KM26S and KM26T liquid level magnetic level 
gauge are designed for use in applications where a simple 
gauge glass cannot or should not be used. Due to its superior 
design, the KM26S and KM26T can safely be used with 
flammable, corrosive or toxic liquids; or where operating 
conditions exceed safety limits of glass. The rugged 
construction of the KM26S and KM26T make them ideally 
suited for use in operating environments where extreme 
temperature and / or pressure may be encountered.
The basic KM26S and KM26T systems consist of a 1. sealed 
float, 2. float chamber and 3. an indicator assembly. The float 
chamber is connected directly to the process vessel.
The float contains a magnet assembly and is designed and 
weighted to float in the process liquid submerged 
approximately 70 to 80%. The indicator assembly consists of 
a hermetically sealed glass or polycarbonate tube containing 
the shuttle or magnetic bar graph indicator and a graduated 
scale corresponding to the desired operating range. The 
indicator assembly is mounted in close proximity to the float 
chamber. Magnetic coupling exists between the float and the 
indicator. As the float follows the changing liquid level, the 
indicator changes position to reflect that level based on the 
magnetic coupling action.  
Detailed description
The float chamber of the standard KM26 is mounted as a 
communicating chamber to the process vessel. It is usually 
flange mounted, but different mounting options are available 
upon request. Within the float chamber is a float which is 
designed to float with approximately 70 to 80% of its mass 
submerged in the process fluid. The float magnet assembly is 
located such that the magnetic actuation point of the magnet 
assembly is at the liquid level when the fluid is at the specific 
gravity specified. The position of the float will vary directly 
with the level of the process fluid.
The indicator assembly, consisting of a glass or polycarbonate 
tube, an indicator (shuttle or magnetic bar graph) and a 
graduated scale, is installed parallel and in close proximity to 
the float chamber. This is necessary to allow for maximum 
magnetic coupling between the float and the indicator. The 
indicator and tube are mounted in a stainless steel channel 
which has a graduated scale attached. The graduations on 
this scale correspond to the desired operating range. The 
glass indicator tube is an IP68 certified hermetically sealed 
which prevent the ingress and accumulation of dust and 
moisture. The indicators are painted with high visibility paint 
so readings can be obtained from long distances.
Around the middle of the shuttle is a black reference line that 
directly corresponds to a value on the graduated scale to 
obtain the process liquid level. The shuttle tube must be in 
the proper orientation for it to operate correctly and this is 
determined by the rubber bumper in the glass tube. The 
optional magnetic bar graph indicator is available in yellow / 
black or red / white for use in locations where temperature is 
not excessive. The flippers on the bar graph rotate to change 
color at the fluid level. Consult the factory for applicable 
temperature limits and insulated options.
The indicator tube is positioned such that the normal 
downward travel of the float is stopped at a position that 
corresponds to the scale zero by a spring mounted on the 
bottom flange for the KM26S and a float stop tube for the 
KM26T. Therefore, as long as the float and the shuttle are 
magnetically coupled, the shuttle will be visible. Both the 
KM26S and the KM26T are equipped with a float stop spring 
at the top of the chamber. These springs absorb the force on 
the float that occurs if fluid levels change rapidly in the 
chamber and propel the float up or down.
1     Introduction
Figure 1 - KM26 overview
1. Float 2. Fluid contained in this chamber 3. Process connections 4. 
Liquid level 5. Center of magnet assembly 6. Indicator 7. Hermetically 
sealed glass tube  8. Calibrated scale