A manufacturer of sanitary paper uses aluminium sulphate, which is delivered in powder form, as an aid in production. The powder must first be dissolved in a medium and this is done in an open agitator tank filled with process water. Until now, the level in this tank was measured by a pressure transmitter with a metallic measuring diaphragm.
However, measurement of the density change that occurs during dissolution was never correct, which is why the shift personnel repeatedly had to check the concentration by hand. What is more, the metallic membrane was often damaged by high-pressure cleaning. The consequences for the user were high personnel costs, expenditures for a spare parts inventory and varying quality due to incorrect mixing.
The solution
As the first step to improve the situation, Vega installed its non-contact radar sensor Vegapuls 61 in the tank for level measurement. Mounted directly above the dissolution tank with a mounting bracket, it measures the change in level instantaneously during the pouring of aluminium sulphate. In addition, a pressure transmitter with ceramic measuring cell was mounted on the side of the tank.
Aluminium sulphate has a density almost three times that of water and the hydrostatic pressure changes considerably more than the level, so a Vegabar 52 was installed in the side of the tank. The physics of these properties are used by the control system to analyse the output signals of both sensors. Using a differential calculation, the density is determined to an accuracy of 1° Baume.
This solution has simplified and accelerated the production processes. The high overload resistance of the ceramic measuring cell also allows the vessel to be cleaned with high pressure. Damaged pressure membranes are now a thing of the past and the stock of spare parts is no longer needed. The redundant measurement has also increased operational reliability and savings have been made in raw material thanks to exact mixing ratios.
VEGA handles the pressures of water treatment systems VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
A water treatment system for a major metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States demands careful monitoring and management of processes across its sprawling network. Choosing VEGA for its process automation needs meant more than just obtaining precise and reliable pressure sensors.
Read more...Precise process and maximum savings with VEGABAR VEGA Controls SA
Flow Measurement & Control
Accurate measurementsof differential pressure is crucial for safety, efficiency and optimising operational processes. For over 40 years, VEGA has supplied industry-leading pressure measurement solutions, establishing itself as a trusted expert with a proven track record in sensor technology.
Read more...Smart technology for municipal services VEGA Controls SA
Flow Measurement & Control
A new wave of smart technologies has emerged from VEGA Instruments, promising a revolutionary impact on the efficiency and dependability of municipal services.
Read more...Enhancing beer brewing precision VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
Brewing beer is a complex process that requires utmost precision in every step. To ensure precision, it is crucial to measure and control the pressure and point levels in the wort kettle and hops dissolver. Using VEGA instrumentation can offer numerous benefits to breweries.
Read more...Level measurement in oil storage VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Measuring the level of crude oil in storage is essential for safe and efficient operations. VEGA offers solutions that effectively address the challenges, ensuring precise and consistent level measurements in crude oil storage facilities. VEGA’s sensors offer reliable data on the volume, level and pressure of all types of media. Accurate level measurement is complicated by crude oil thermal expansion properties, particularly in lighter oil grades.
Read more...Hack-proof measurement technology VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice IT in Manufacturing
Users in the process industry have not prioritised cyber security. This might be because they assume the IT department’s responsibility, or they don’t feel directly threatened. However, both attitudes are neglectful, and here’s why: IT security should always be a joint task between IT and OT.
Read more...Cloud-based inventory management Endress+Hauser South Africa
Level Measurement & Control
Netilion is an award-winning cloud-based IIoT ecosystem designed for industrial processes. It connects the physical and digital worlds to send valuable information from the field straight to your phone, tablet or other device.
Read more...Greener mining through water management strategies VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
Water scarcity is a pressing concern in South Africa, leading to the establishment of stricter regulations on water discharge and management. To promote greener mining operations that minimise environmental impact and optimise resource utilisation, responsible dewatering practices are essential.
Read more...A new approach to milk processing VEGA Controls SA
Pressure Measurement & Control
Ensuring the quality and safety of milk throughout the production process is of the utmost importance in the dairy industry. Process instrumentation plays a vital role in this stage by providing accurate measurements of level, pressure and point level to guarantee optimal storage conditions.
Read more...Smart solutions for tabletting VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
The manufacturing of pharmaceuticals is considered to be one of the most challenging production environments. Pharmaceutical manufacturers across the globe have opted for VEGA sensors in their production facilities.
printer friendly version