June 2004Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
News
Realtime closed loop processes using viscosity or density as the control parameter are now a realistic and practical solution for a wide range of applications. Solartron Mobrey's density and viscosity analyser systems are based on its proven vibrating element transducers - and all configurations have been tried and tested. Built for hard work, Solartron transducers are unlike other viscosity sensors in that they contain no moving parts; require little or no maintenance and infrequent calibration.
At the heart of the viscosity systems, the 7827 viscosity analyser provides continuous accurate and repeatable measurements of dynamic viscosity, density and temperature, with a response measured in seconds rather than minutes. Most viscosity sensors only provide a measure of line dynamic viscosity. But 7827 - in conjunction with a Solartron 795x signal converter/flow computer - provides accurate measurement of:
* Kinematic viscosity (cST) at line temperature.
* Base/referred density.
* Base kinematic viscosity at fixed or variable reference temperatures.
Solartron Mobrey's expertise in the on-line measurement of viscosity and density has been harnessed for applications such as:
* Heavy fuel oil, feedstock and bitumen blending.
* Crude oil viscosity control for pipelines.
* Controlling polymerisation.
* Distillation and quench oil applications.
* De-asphalting processes.
* Lube oil production.
* Heavy fuel oil viscosity conditioning for engines.
* Flowmeter correction.
* Interface detection.
Viscosity analyser systems
The viscosity of a fluid at a reference temperature is a sensitive indicator of its quality. Viscosity analysers are therefore required to indicate the viscosity at one or more base or reference temperatures. The Solartron viscosity analyser systems are capable of accurate and reliable base viscosity determination. Using viscosity for process control presents several technical challenges:
* Measuring dynamic viscosity at line conditions accurately enough to provide the precise base viscosity required for process control.
* Converting dynamic viscosity to kinematic viscosity.
* Deriving base viscosity from line viscosity.
* Having a rapid response to changes in fluid composition and temperature.
* Performing reliably under the arduous conditions usually experienced in the oil and petrochemical industry.
Using designs and methods pioneered by Solartron, viscosity analyser systems are proving a highly successful low maintenance solution in the most demanding of applications.
Density systems interface detection
In multiproduct pipelines the interface between the products must be detected and measured so that diverter valve systems can operate accurately to separate the products and divert them to the appropriate storage tanks. Density has proved to be an efficient indicator for product identification, and can be implemented using a single density meter. In some refineries where leaded and unleaded gasoline or different qualities of diesel are to be segregated, two density meters may be used in a density difference system.
Represented in southern Africa on an exclusive basis by Dupleix Liquid Meters (DLM) Solartron Mobrey will design systems based on proven techniques to suit clients, individual application requirements for viscosity measurement, meter correction or interface detection. The skids are designed by Solartron Mobrey UK and built in partnership with DLM and experienced systems constructors to meet clients' standards and local regulatory conditions.
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