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Posted on 18/02/11, under Application News, Capacitive, Distillation of Alcohols, Guided Microwave TDR, Level Interface, Level Measurement, Offshore Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Radar, Steels and Metal Manufacturing · RSS · No Comments
When installing an external bypass, bridle or cage level system with a float and magnetic level indicator, a direct local level indication is often the reason. VEGA offer options for this, from a straight forward float based Magnetic Level Indicator perhaps with a reed chain unit, to an additional or alternative technology, which could be a capacitance level probe or radar based system using guided or non-contact radar techniques they dont rely on a float or have any moving parts. By doing this it allows a dual, divergent technology and or redundancy system to be deployed via one process connection, so if the float system is compromised, there is a second system, thus increasing safety and reliability on critical applications, on displacer replacement for example. If needed, a level indicator for the ‘second’ level probe in the bypass can also be driven/powered directly for a second local display if also required.
Posted on 15/02/11, under Capacitive, Instrument Ranges, Offshore Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Principles of Good Measurement, Radar · RSS · No Comments
When considering replacing a level displacer, to really get the best result first you need to look at the following: What is the main reason for replacement and what are the process conditions inside the chamber? …perhaps talking to operators an process people on the plant can help. Also what condition is the level displacer chamber, cage or bypass in? If the reason for changing it out for another level system is ‘build up’ from the process causing drift or (too much) recalibration – any replacement technology explored must bear this in mind. And finally, what accuracy and repeatability are you looking for? If the chamber is very old, heavy and corroded, is it worth looking at changing the whole unit for a lighter unit with a different level technology. VEGA have radar, guided radar and admittance technologies each with distinct advantages, none with any moving parts, designed specifically for level and interface measurement. So, depending on the process conditions and accuracy required and the experience of the existing system performance, VEGA can give you answers advice and solutions. If you are looking to replace everything from the isolation valves outwards, VEGA also have a wide range of chambers, bypass and cage designs available, to enable a user to have a whole pre-calibrated level system ready to bolt on and go. So be armed with process information about what will be happening inside the chamber, is condensation likely to occur (especially with hydrocarbons) what issues with build up or waxing can happen and what density, pressure and temperature ranges are needed. Materials of construction and build standards of the chamber and any associated pipe work, i.e. ASME, AD 2000, is non destructive testing or 3.1b Material certification required ? VEGA can provide all of this for your application and much more. Ask for our MAGFLEX brochure and to be put on the mailing list for our upcoming application guide to level inside cages, bridles stilling wells and bypass chambers.
Posted on 09/02/11, under Application News · RSS · No Comments
Design tips; Firstly what are you measuring? Consider the likelihood of build up or heavy deposits, could they be big enough to create a false signal after a period of time? All pipework should be made out of metal if using a non contact device, ensure the connections are smooth and well aligned and internal welds are of good quality and a smooth finish. Even small protrusions can create a large false echo! Side connection sizes should be flush with the inside of the main tube and diameter kept to a minimum as these can create unwanted echoes too. The horn antenna of the device should be as close to the tube diameter as possible. If the radar is looking through a valve on the top of the tube (not recommended) or any flanged connections below the end of the antenna, ensure that they are completely smooth and flush, no protruding gaskets with little or no recesses, as these can cause interfering multiple reflections further down the measuring range. Make sure the end of the antenna is well above the first side connection. Alternatively consider using a non contact radar with its own integrated stilling tube, which can work independently of any internal configurations or finishes.
Ideally, if you have a drawing of what you propose, contact your local VEGA engineer for advice on getting the best performance from your installation from the start. The next blog will cover guided radar devices.
Posted on 07/02/11, under Application News, Guided Microwave TDR, Level Interface, Level Measurement, Offshore Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation · RSS · No Comments
Making sure the guided radar or guided microwave transmitter stays central. It is very important to make sure that the rod or cable on a radar level transmitters installed in a bridle, cage or stilling tube doesn’t touch the sides, otherwise this can cause a false level reading. It is possible to use non-conductive spacers along the length of the probe, however care must be taken that build up on these spacers don’t cause false readings them selves in the long term. VEGA have options for special spacers, centering weights and fine cable that can handle longer length applications while minimising this risk.
Posted on 04/02/11, under Application News, Instrument Ranges · RSS · No Comments
We have recently updated our brochure on our range of bridles and bypass chambers for the measurement of liquid level across a number of industries. Whether it is for displacer replacement, for process isolation and pre-commissioning – “bolt on and go” level systems, particularly useful for the offshore sector, or for dual redundancy, diverse technologies in one process installation using a magnetic level gauge, these are all important solutions. They have particularly useful for upstream oil and gas, refining and power generation industries. VEGA call the dual technology solution MAGFLEX – ‘MAG’netic level indicaton and VEGA’FLEX’ guided microwave radar. If you would like a copy of the brochure email us: info@uk.vega.com
If you would like more information on the above blog please contact us on the details below.
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