Anhui Chuchen UQK Series Float Level Controller: UQK-01/02/03/04 Full Model Selection Guide (Explosion-proof and Corrosion-resistant)

As the "ace series" of Anhui Chuchun specializing in industrial liquid level control, our UQK series float ball liquid level controllers have become the first choice for over 4,000 enterprises due to their core advantages of "simple structure, stable and durable performance, and wide application scenarios" - from corrosive solvent storage tanks in chemical workshops to clear water storage tanks in food factories, and even outdoor fire water tanks, you can find their presence everywhere. Many users have feedback that "there are many UQK models and it's easy to get confused when selecting", so today, from the perspective of our front-line technical team, we will use 5,000 words to thoroughly explain the full model parameters, core advantages, selection logic, and pitfall avoidance guidelines of the UQK series, helping you precisely match your needs and avoid the embarrassment of "selecting the right series but the wrong model"!

I. Why do we focus on the UQK series? - The float ball structure directly addresses the 3 major pain points in industrial control

In the field of industrial liquid level control, "stability, reliability, and ease of maintenance" are the core demands. However, traditional liquid level controllers often have problems such as "difficult fault diagnosis, narrow application scenarios, and complex installation". Based on 20 years of industrial instrument R&D experience, we have created the UQK series float ball liquid level controllers, which use the classic structure of "float ball buoyancy + magnetic coupling trigger" to directly address the 3 major pain points:

Difficult fault diagnosis → Simple structure, low failure rate: Our UQK series has no complex electronic components, and the core consists of a float ball, magnetic steel, and contact switch. The actual failure rate is only 0.8%. Even if a fault occurs, on-site workers can quickly locate the problem (such as float ball jamming or contact oxidation);

Narrow application scenarios → Full model coverage, compatible with multiple working conditions: From high-viscosity media (such as heavy oil) to corrosive media (such as 30% acid and alkali solutions), from normal pressure containers to pressurized containers (up to 6.4 MPa), from indoor workshops to outdoor heavy rain environments, our UQK series has corresponding models to adapt;

Complex installation → Multiple installation methods, easy to handle in 10 minutes: Supports horizontal, vertical, and side installation, and comes with standard brackets and flanges. No professional technicians are required. Workshop workers can complete the installation according to the manual, greatly reducing labor costs.

To date, our UQK series has formed a complete product matrix: UQK-01/01N/01T (basic models), UQK-02 (with adjustable levels), UQK-03 (continuously adjustable), UQK-04 (side-mounted and detachable), UQKST (explosion-proof and reinforced model), UQK-D (floating switch model), covering all needs from simple liquid level alarms to complex automatic control.

II. Core advantages of the UQK series: Not just "simple and durable", these 5 highlights are the key to selection

Many users think the UQK series "seem ordinary", but in fact, we have made a lot of optimizations in the details of the design. Each highlight comes from real working condition feedback:

1. Upgraded float ball structure: The core guarantee for stable operation

The float ball is the "heart" of the UQK series. We use a combination of "stainless steel 316L/PP material + sealed magnetic steel", and have undergone 3 strict tests:

Buoyancy test: In a medium with a density of 0.65g/cm³ (the lowest suitable density), the float ball can stably float, with no response delay (measured action error ≤ ±5mm);

Sealing test: The float ball is sealed by laser welding and soaked in 1 meter deep water for 72 hours without any water ingress, and the magnetic steel shows no rust (ordinary float balls are mostly sealed with glue, which is prone to water ingress and failure);

Wear resistance test: In a medium containing a small amount of particles (such as sewage), continuous operation for 1,000 hours, the surface of the float ball shows no obvious wear, and the magnetic coupling performance remains unchanged. More importantly, we have designed dedicated float balls for different media:

Ordinary media (water, oil): Stainless steel 316L float balls, with a temperature range of -40 to 150℃ and a pressure resistance of 6.4MPa;

Corrosive media (acid and alkali solutions): PP float balls, with strong corrosion resistance, suitable for acid and alkali solutions with a concentration of 30% or less;

High-viscosity media (heavy oil, slurry): Large-volume float balls (UQK-01N dedicated), with greater buoyancy to prevent blockage caused by media adhesion.

2. Explosion-proof design: Safety guarantee for chemical environments

For explosive environments such as chemical and oil and gas industries, our UQK series (UQKST, UQK-01T explosion-proof models) adopt explosion-proof / intrinsically safe designs and have passed national explosion-proof certifications:

Explosion-proof type: Explosion-proof mark ExdIIBT4, with a cast aluminum housing for the junction box and a gap of ≤0.15mm in the explosion-proof joint surface, effectively blocking internal sparks from igniting external explosive gases;

Intrinsically safe type: Explosion-proof mark ExibIICT4, suitable for more dangerous C-class explosive environments (such as hydrogen, acetylene);

Practical verification: In a simulated explosive gas environment, continuous operation for 72 hours without any safety hazards, fully meeting the safety standards of the chemical industry.

3. Wide adaptability: Full coverage from high-viscosity to corrosive media

Our UQK series can adapt to various complex media, which is unmatched by many similar products:

High-viscosity media: The UQK-01N model is specifically designed for media with a viscosity of >500mPa・s (such as heavy oil, coatings), with a float ball action boundary of 60mm to prevent blockage caused by media adhesion;

Corrosive media: PP float balls + 316L brackets, suitable for weak corrosive media such as 30% hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions, with no aging or deformation after 72 hours of immersion;

Clean media: Food-grade stainless steel float balls (compliant with GB 4806 standards), suitable for food media such as drinking water, juice, and milk, with no hygiene risks;

Media with particles: Thickened float ball surface, suitable for wastewater and mortar with a small amount of particles (particle size ≤1mm), avoiding wear.

4. Flexible installation methods: Adapt to different container types

Considering the diversity of containers in industrial sites, we have designed multiple installation methods for the UQK series to meet the needs of different scenarios:

Horizontal installation: UQK-01/01N/02/04, suitable for horizontal storage tanks and open containers, installed on the side of the container, with the float ball triggering the switch as the liquid level rises and falls;

Vertical installation: UQK-01T/03, suitable for vertical storage tanks and deep water pools, installed at the top or bottom of the container, with the float ball moving up and down along the guide rod for more stable operation;

External installation: UQK-04, suitable for containers that cannot be drilled, installed on the outside of the container, and indirectly detecting the liquid level through magnetic coupling without damaging the container's seal;

Quick installation: Standard interfaces such as M20×1.5 thread and DN80 flange are provided, allowing installation in 10 minutes without complex tools.

5. Durable contact switch: The key to long-term stability

The contact switch is the core for control signal output. We use silver alloy contacts, which have the advantages of "resistance to electric arcs and oxidation":

Contact capacity: AC220V/DC24V, load 150W, capable of directly driving small pumps and valves without additional relays (ordinary products have a contact capacity of only 50W and are prone to erosion);

Service life: The measured contact action life is ≥5×10⁵ times. Calculated at 10 actions per day, it can operate stably for 137 years, far exceeding the service life of industrial equipment;

Signal stability: Contact resistance ≤50mΩ, no signal drift caused by poor contact, ensuring accurate execution of control instructions. III. UQK Series Full Model Parameters: One Table to Understand All Differences (Measured Data)

There are many models in the UQK series, and many users are confused. We have compiled a full model parameter comparison table based on measured data. All data is real and verifiable, with no false claims:

Model Actuation Limit Adjustment Method Installation Method Compatible Medium Working Pressure Working Temperature Protection Grade Explosion-proof Grade Core Features Actuation Error Measured

UQK-01 10mm Non-adjustable Level Installation Ordinary medium (water, oil, solvent) 4.0MPa (standard); 6.4MPa (special) -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExdIIBT4 Basic model, high cost performance, suitable for common scenarios ≤±5mm

UQK-01N 60mm Non-adjustable Level Installation High-viscosity medium (heavy oil, paint) 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExdIIBT4 Large buoyancy float ball, avoids medium adhesion and jamming ≤±8mm

UQK-01T 40mm Adjustable Vertical Installation Ordinary medium, scenarios where side installation is not possible 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExibIICT4 Vertical installation, suitable for narrow-mouth containers ≤±6mm

UQK-02 2~550mm Step-adjustable Level Installation Ordinary medium, scenarios where range adjustment is needed 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExdIIBT4 Multi-step adjustment, suitable for different range requirements ≤±7mm

UQK-03 8~1000mm Continuous-adjustable Vertical Installation Ordinary medium, scenarios requiring wide range adjustment 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExdIIBT4 Continuous adjustment, wide range (8~1000mm) ≤±5mm

UQK-04 8mm Non-adjustable External Level Installation Sealed containers, scenarios where no holes can be made 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 Available ExdIIBT4 External installation, does not damage container seal ≤±6mm

UQKST Series Same as corresponding UQK model Same as corresponding UQK model Same as corresponding UQK model Same as corresponding UQK model 4.0MPa -40~150℃ IP65 ExdIIBT4/ExibIICT4 Enhanced explosion-proof version, suitable for hazardous environments Same as corresponding model

UQK-D Custom (based on cable) Non-adjustable Hanging Installation Drainage, corrosive medium Atmospheric pressure (<0.1MPa) 0~80℃ Anti-corrosion housing Not available (customizable) Original Italian components, prevents false actuation ≤±10mm

Supplementary Notes:

Contact material: The contact material for UQK-01/01T/02/03/04 standard models is 1Cr18Ni9Ti, and PP material can be customized for corrosive media; the contact material for the UQKST series is 316L; the float material for UQK-D is PP / stainless steel, selectable;

Power supply method: The UQK series does not require additional power supply. It triggers mechanical contacts by the buoyancy of the float ball and is a passive switch, which is safer;

Output signal: All are normally open + normally closed contact signals, which can be directly connected to pumps, valves, alarms, etc., to achieve automatic control.

IV. 5-minute Quick Selection: We Teach You to Match Scenarios (Practical Measured Data)

The core of selection is "matching scenarios". We have summarized a 5-step selection method. Follow it, and the accuracy rate is 99%:

Step 1: Confirm the measured medium (our compatibility list + contraindications) The medium type directly determines the material and model selection of the float ball, which is the first step in the selection process:

✅ Recommended compatibility:

Ordinary medium: water, diesel, gasoline, ethanol, ethylene glycol, industrial cleaning agents (choose UQK-01/02/03);

High-viscosity medium: heavy oil, paint, syrup, lubricating oil (viscosity > 500mPa・s, choose UQK-01N);

Weakly corrosive medium: hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide solution, ammonia water with concentration below 30% (choose PP material custom-made version);

Food medium: drinking water, juice, milk, edible oil (choose food-grade stainless steel material version);

Medium with a small amount of particles: sewage, mortar (particle size ≤ 1mm, choose thickened float ball version).

❌ Not recommended compatibility:

Strongly corrosive medium: concentrated hydrochloric acid (concentration > 30%), hydrofluoric acid, chloroform (it is recommended to choose our GCC-HK2X/4X metal housing liquid level gauge);

High-pressure medium: working pressure > 6.4MPa (it is recommended to choose UHZ-158C high-pressure magnetic flip plate liquid level gauge);

High-temperature medium: working temperature > 150℃ (it is recommended to choose high-temperature radar level gauge);

Foam medium: foam thickness > 5cm (foam will affect the buoyancy of the float ball, it is recommended to choose 80G radar level gauge).

Second step: Verify the working conditions parameters (the key to avoid selection mistakes)

The working conditions parameters determine whether the product can operate stably. We have compiled a "Working Conditions Parameters Comparison Table":

Working Conditions Parameters Our UQK Series Compatibility Range Selection Suggestions

Liquid level control range 8mm~1000mm (conventional); custom (UQK-D) Control range < 8mm: no compatible model; > 1000mm: choose UQK-03 + extended guide rod

Working pressure ≤6.4MPa (special model) Exceeding 6.4MPa: choose UHZ-158C high-pressure magnetic flip plate liquid level gauge

Working temperature -40~150℃ (conventional); 0~80℃ (UQK-D) Exceeding 150℃: choose high-temperature liquid level controller

Environmental type Indoor / Outdoor / Explosive environment Explosive environment: choose UQKST explosion-proof model (ExdIIBT4/ExibIICT4)

Container type Horizontal / Vertical / Sealed / Open Sealed container without opening: choose UQK-04 external installation model

Third step: Determine the installation method (select according to the container type)

Different container types require different installation methods. Our practical suggestions are as follows:

Horizontal storage tanks, open containers: choose horizontal installation models (UQK-01/01N/02), installed in the middle of the container side, the float ball operates more sensitively;

Vertical storage tanks, deep water tanks: choose vertical installation models (UQK-01T/03), installed at the top of the container, the guide rod is vertical to the liquid surface to avoid the influence of liquid surface fluctuations;

Sealed containers, unable to open holes: choose external installation models (UQK-04), detect indirectly through magnetic coupling without damaging the container seal;

Outdoor water supply and drainage, small storage tanks: choose hanging models (UQK-D), cable lengths of 3/5/10m are available, no bracket is needed for installation.

Fourth step: Select model functions (match according to needs, avoid unnecessary expenses)

Different models have different core functions. Choose according to needs to be more cost-effective:

Basic control requirements (such as high and low liquid level alarms): choose UQK-01, not adjustable but cost-effective;

High-viscosity medium: choose UQK-01N, large buoyancy float ball to avoid jamming;

Cannot install on the side: choose UQK-01T, vertical installation suitable for narrow-mouth containers;

Range requires multi-level adjustment: choose UQK-02, adjustable in steps (2~550mm). Continuous range adjustment is required: Select UQK-03, with stepless adjustment (8~1000mm), suitable for wide range control.

Sealed containers cannot be drilled: Select UQK-04, which can be installed externally without breaking the seal.

Explosive environment: Select UQKST series, with explosion-proof certification for safety.

Water supply and drainage, small storage tanks: Select UQK-D, which is easy to install with a hanging method and prevents misoperation.

Step 5: Installation and Calibration (Our simplified on-site measurement process)

The installation and calibration of the UQK series are very simple, and can be completed by on-site workers in 10 minutes:

Installation and fixation: Fix the bracket/flange according to the selected installation method, ensuring that the float can move freely up and down without obstruction.

Position adjustment: Adjust the trigger position of the float according to the high and low liquid level requirements (adjustable models can be adjusted through the knob/rod).

Test action: Manually move the float up and down to check if the contact switch triggers normally (measure the on-off with a multimeter).