Liquid Interface Level Measurement Using Guided Wave Radar, Magnetic Level Gauges, Float & Displacer, Thermal Dispersion, and RF Capacitance

The need for interface measurement arises whenever immiscible liquids - those incapable of mixing - reside within the same vessel. The lighter material rises to the top and the heavier material settles at the bottom. In oil production, for example, water or steam is used to extract oil from a well. Well fluids then route to production separators where they settle into their primary constituent parts as a water-hydrocarbon interface. Water may also be used as a transport medium or a cleaning agent and forms an interface with an allied material which is later extracted.

Knowing the position of a process interface is necessary for maintaining product quality and operations efficiency. The interface is measured and controlled by precision level switches and transmitters. Though at least 20 different types of liquid level measurement devices are in service today, only a very few are suitable for accurate and reliable interface measurement. Grouped by their operating technologies, these include Buoyancy (Floats and Displacers), RF Capacitance, Thermal Dispersion, Radar, and Redundant Technologies (those combining two measurement technologies in one instrument).

The five leading interface measurement technologies in use today are Guided Wave Radar, Magnetic Level Gauges, Float & Displacer, Thermal Dispersion, and RF Capacitance. These five leading interface measurement technologies in use today are discussed in the technical bulletin titled "Liquid Interface Level Measurement" and produced by Magnetrol International.

DOWNLOAD THE TECHNICAL PAPER HERE

For more information on any industrial level control application, contact Miller Energy. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.

Tips For Best Control of Low Flow Rates

Low flow measurement and control instrument uses
Coriolis flow measurement sensor.
Image courtesy Brooks Instrument

Coriolis mass flow measurement is the method of choice for applications requiring best accuracy under very low flow conditions. The Quantim Series of mass flow controllers from Brooks Instrument provide indication of fluid flow, density and temperature for applications down to 0.001 Kg/hr. The instrument, in addition to a Coriolis flow sensor, provides digital signal processing, an integral or close coupled control valve, and PID control to deliver a total flow control solution in an integrated package.

Obtaining best available performance on a consistent basis is supported by a well done installation.

• Mount the instrument to a stable surface free from excessive mechanical shock and vibration that might impact performance.
• Locate the device where it can be easily accessed or removed.
• Install an appropriate filter on the fluid inlet side.
• Provide a positive shutoff valve on the downstream side to enable zeroing after installation.
• Make sure the process flow direction matches the required flow direction of the instrument.

The sensor and control valve are designed to function properly when filled with process fluid. This means your installation cannot deliver entrapped gas in a liquid or liquid droplets in a gas. If compressed gas is used to force dosing fluids through a system, it may be necessary to provide a degassing arrangement upstream of the flow controller. Dissolved gas that flashes due to a pressure drop through the instrument can form bubbles that distort sensor and valve performance. 

Little to no maintenance is required after the instrument is installed and zeroed. The inlet filter should be changed at intervals sufficient to assure delivery of clean process fluid to the instrument.

More technical detail on the Quantim Coriolis flow measurement and control instruments is provided in the document below. Whatever your flow measurement or control application, share your challenge with measurement and control specialists, combining your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to leverage an effective solution.

Mass Flow Controller - Quantim Series from Miller Energy, Inc.