Level Measurement & Control


Level measurement in condensation vessels

February 2012 Level Measurement & Control

Vega has the solution for all measuring demands in condensation vessels for liquids and gases.

Condensation vessels are used in many different stages of the distillation and processing of oil products. With gaseous products such as propane, the still liquid fractions condense out and are fed back. With liquid distillates, the condenser separates out the highly volatile gaseous components.

The layout of the condensation vessels places specific demands on the applied measurement technology. In condensate traps for gases, the liquid collects in a small vessel extension at the lower end of the condenser. The measuring ranges there are less than one metre. However, it is a different story with the measuring ranges in gas traps: almost the entire vessel is filled with liquid and the measuring ranges nearly correspond to the total vessel height, anything up to 4 m.

Level measurement in gas traps with Vegaflex 65

With its coaxial measuring system, Vega’s guided microwave sensor the, Vegaflex 65, is particularly well suited for implementation in condensate traps without the use of an additional reference vessel. The sensor’s applied concentric tube prevents it from being affected by strong turbulence on the product surface. It measures the level of any of the different hydrocarbons reliably, from high boiling point derivatives to liquid gases.

Level detection with Vegaswing 63

Because the possible overfilling of a condensation vessel represents a high safety risk, reliable detection of the maximum level is absolutely essential. Due to the fact that it has a wide temperature range and is completely independent of product characteristics, Vega’s Vegaswing 63 vibrating level switch is especially suitable for use in this area. Even process temperatures up to 250°C do not harm the sensor.

Level measurement in reference vessels with Vegaflex 66

The guided microwave measuring principle lends itself well particularly to small measuring ranges up to one metre, which are usual in condensate traps for gases. The single rod Vegaflex 66 is the optimal solution for measurement in reference vessels. Together with the bypass tube, the sensor probe forms a coaxial system that can even be used in products with very low dielectric constant, such as liquid gases. Existing displacer systems can be replaced by this sensor without any structural alterations.

For more information contact John Groom, Vega Instruments SA, +27 (0)11 958 1901, [email protected], www.vega.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

A new era in radiometric level and density measurement
Mecosa Level Measurement & Control
The LoopSeries LB 430 radiometric detector from Berthold Technologies has a revolutionary power solution and sets new standards in level and density measurement.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

Read more...
Differential pressure measurement in gas extraction and power generation project
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
Methane exploration and extraction in Lake Kivu in the East African Rift Valley has primarily focused on gas composition analysis. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter was used for differential pressure measurement, the key to monitoring gas levels within the lake.

Read more...
Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter

Read more...
Level measurement of leachate from sewage sludge humification
Level Measurement & Control
A municipal utility in eastern Germany operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant with sustainable sludge treatment. The ultrasonic signal was being partially deflected by the wind, leading to frequent false measurements and inefficient process workflows. The problem was solved by replaced the ultrasonic level sensor with KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 non-contact radar.

Read more...
Groundbreaking measurement system
Mecosa Level Measurement & Control
Berthold Technologies has launched the LoopSeries LB 430, an innovative, industry-leading measurement system designed to enhance operational efficiency with advanced level, density, and level switch capabilities.

Read more...
Level measurement of a water sump at a sewage treatment plant
Level Measurement & Control
A major city council in South East Queensland, Australia maintains and operates a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater. Due to the risk of flooding, the water sump must be continuously monitored. The solution is KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter.

Read more...
Simplicity in measurement
Endress+Hauser South Africa Level Measurement & Control
Endress+Hauser’s new 80 GHz compact radar range is designed to help customers reach their compliance targets through simple yet efficient measurement solutions.

Read more...
Don’t buckle under pressure
VEGA Controls SA Pressure Measurement & Control
In Africa, urban populations are increasing and infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented pace. This makes sustainable water management and treatment more crucial than ever. By investing in VEGA pressure instrumentation, water utilities and municipalities are equipping themselves with pressure sensors that facilitate sustainable water management focused on efficiency, reliability and resilience.

Read more...
Case History 196: Unstable condensate level control.
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
The operators in a petrochemical refinery were having great trouble in trying to stabilise the condensate level in a vessel, and this was adversely affecting other loops downstream. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to retune the controller.

Read more...