Yarway Water Columns & Probes

Yarway water columns and probes provide reliable, cost-effective liquid level sensing for boilers and other pressure vessel applications. The system uses conductivity probe technology to sense water level as part of an electronic level indicating system.

Yarway water columns support gauges, reduce transient level fluctuations and form part of an electronic level indication system. Users can install the probes in a water column or mount them directly to a pressure vessel. Therefore, the product can accommodate different system layouts and monitoring requirements.

High-pressure and low-pressure probe designs support different operating conditions. HP probes use stainless steel construction with zirconia insulation. Meanwhile, LP probes use stainless steel construction with PTFE insulation for lower pressures and temperatures.

Westech Industrial supplies Yarway water columns throughout Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Our team can assist with product selection, application review, technical coordination and service support. Westech can also incorporate selected instrumentation into custom panels, packaged systems and other fabricated assemblies when appropriate.

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Description

Conductivity-Based Water Level Detection

Yarway water columns and probes use conductivity technology to detect water at each probe location. Water completes the sensing circuit when it contacts the probe tip. Steam or an uncovered probe produces a different electrical condition.

The associated electronic level indicator uses these probe signals to identify the water level. Therefore, operators can monitor several predetermined level points along the column or vessel.

This technology provides a practical alternative when an application requires remote electronic level indication. It can also support high-water and low-water monitoring within a properly configured boiler control system.

Water Column Design for Stable Level Indication

The water column connects to the steam and water sides of the boiler drum. Condensation and circulation establish a representative water level inside the column.

The column also helps reduce transient level fluctuations that could make direct indication less stable. In addition, it can support associated gauge equipment where the installation requires local level viewing.

Yarway manufactures the water columns to applicable ASME boiler and pressure piping requirements. Standard pressure designs include 850, 1,800 and 3,000 psig ratings at saturation. However, the lowest-rated component determines the complete system rating.

HP Probes for High-Pressure and High-Temperature Service

HP conductivity probes support demanding boiler conditions. Each HP probe uses a welded stainless steel electrode with a zirconia ceramic insulator. A brazed joint between the insulator and probe body helps identify the HP design.

The HP probe rating reaches 3,000 psig at saturation. It also supports temperatures up to 1,000°F or 538°C.

HP probes connect through ½-inch swaged receptacles and use compression-style fittings. This connection differs from the threaded LP design. Therefore, users cannot interchange HP and LP probes or install them in the wrong receptacle.

LP Probes for Lower Pressure Applications

LP probes provide an economical option for lower pressure and temperature conditions. Each LP probe uses a threaded stainless steel electrode with a PTFE wetted insulator.

The LP design supports pressures up to 850 psig and temperatures up to 525°F or 274°C. Users must select an HP probe when either operating limit exceeds the LP rating.

LP probes use ⅜-inch NPTF connections. Their threaded configuration allows installation in a compatible water column connection or pressure vessel fitting.

Direct Vessel or Water Column Mounting

Users can mount the conductivity probes directly into a compatible pressure vessel or install them along a Yarway water column. This flexibility helps accommodate new projects, equipment replacements and different vessel arrangements.

Custom fittings with probe adapters are available for specific installation requirements. However, the selected fitting, probe and pressure component must suit the full process conditions.

Connection and Installation Options

Available water column options support several piping and installation requirements. Options include flanged vessel, vent or drain connections. Female socket-weld and reducing fittings are also available.

Additional choices include Weldolet or Bosset connections, a ¾-inch vent stub and welded support brackets. Users can also select a pre-wired, column-mounted junction box.

These options help match the water column to the boiler connections, wiring arrangement and physical installation requirements. PED 97/23/EC conformance is also available for applicable configurations.

Protected Wiring and Grounding Arrangements

Standard probe covers use stainless steel construction and carry an IP32 rating. The standard arrangement includes 36 inches of high-temperature probe wiring from the conduit.

Water columns with probe covers include grounding points beneath the upper cover brackets. Individual probe housings provide separate ground connections. Proper grounding supports reliable operation of the electronic level indicating system.

Applications

Yarway water columns and probes suit applications that require electronic detection of water level at defined points. Product selection depends on process pressure, temperature, conductivity and connection requirements.

  • Boiler drums and steam generators
  • Boiler water level indication
  • Remote electronic level indication systems
  • High-water and low-water monitoring
  • Gauge support and level stabilization
  • Pressure vessel level sensing
  • Conductive liquid level detection
  • Direct vessel-mounted probe installations

Documents

Yarway_Water Column_IOM_July2026_Westech.pdf

Manufacturer Info

Penberthy is a trusted process instrumentation manufacturer known for direct reading liquid level gauges, flat glass gauges, gaugecocks, and related accessories. Its products support petroleum, chemical, natural gas, and general process applications where reliable visual level indication is required.

Website: https://www.penberthyprocess.com/

SPECS

Product type
Water column with optional conductivity probes
Sensing technology
Conductivity-based point level detection
Standard pressure ratings
850 psig (58 barg), 1,800 psig (124 barg) or 3,000 psig (207 barg) at saturation
Standard column material
SA-106 Grade B, UNS K03006
HP column body
NPS 3, Schedule XXS
IP column body
NPS 3, Schedule 160
LP column body
NPS 3, Schedule 160
Vessel stub connections
NPS 1½
Drain stub connection
NPS ¾
HP probe construction
Welded stainless steel electrode with zirconia insulator
HP probe rating
3,000 psig (207 barg) at saturation; up to 1,000°F (538°C)
HP probe connection
½-inch swaged receptacle with compression-style fitting
LP probe construction
Threaded stainless steel electrode with PTFE insulator
LP probe rating
850 psig (58 barg) at 525°F (274°C)
LP probe connection
⅜-inch NPTF
Probe covers
Stainless steel, IP32
Probe wiring
36-inch high-temperature wire from conduit
Manufacturing standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section I; ASME B31.1
Junction box option
Pre-wired, column-mounted junction box, Type 3R / IP22
Connection options
Flanged, female socket-weld, reducing fittings and Weldolet or Bosset connections
Additional options
NPS ¾ vent stub, welded support brackets and custom fittings with probe adapter
Conformance option
PED 97/23/EC conformance available
Availability
Western Canada: Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan

PRODUCT FAQ's

What do Yarway water columns do?
Yarway water columns provide a stable chamber for boiler water level indication. They support gauges and help reduce transient level fluctuations. With conductivity probes installed, they also form part of an electronic level indicating system.
How do Yarway conductivity probes detect water?
Water conducts the probe’s electrical sensing signal when it reaches the probe tip. The connected electronic system interprets the signal as a covered probe. It identifies an uncovered probe when water falls below that level.
What is the difference between HP and LP probes?
HP probes use zirconia ceramic insulation for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. They support up to 3,000 psig and 1,000°F. LP probes use PTFE insulation. They support applications up to 850 psig and 525°F. The two probe styles use different connections and are not interchangeable.
Can the probes mount directly to a pressure vessel?
Yes. Users can mount probes directly into compatible pressure vessel fittings. They can also install the probes along a Yarway water column. Custom fittings with probe adapters can support specific installation requirements.
What pressure ratings are available?
Standard Yarway water columns offer ratings of 850, 1,800 or 3,000 psig at saturation. The lowest-rated fitting, valve, probe or system component determines the complete installation rating.
What connection options are available?
Options include flanged connections, female socket-weld connections and reducing fittings. Weldolet or Bosset connections are also available. Additional options include vent stubs, support brackets and a column-mounted junction box.
How often should users inspect the water column and probes?
Operators should visually inspect the water column for leaks every three months. They should also conduct periodic blowdowns based on operating requirements. Under trouble-free conditions, users should inspect the probes after the first 12 months. Future inspection intervals depend on the contamination found during that inspection.
Does Westech Industrial provide service support?
Yes. Westech can assist with application review, product selection, technical coordination and service support. Our team can help evaluate pressure, temperature, connection and installation requirements.
Can Westech include the level system in a custom-fabricated solution?
Yes. Westech can support custom panels, packaged instrumentation and other fabricated systems around the selected level equipment. Our team can coordinate the instrumentation with the broader project requirements.
Where are Yarway water columns available from Westech?
Westech Industrial supplies Yarway water columns and conductivity probes in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.