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Level Measurement
Why is it important?
Three Mile Island
Level Measurement
Can the level sensor be inserted into the tank or should it be completely external? Should the sensor detect the level continuously or will a point sensor be adequate? Can the sensor come in contact with the process fluid or must it be located in the vapor space? Is direct measurement of the level needed or is indirect detection of hydrostatic head (which responds to changes in both level and density) acceptable? Is tank depressurization or process shut-down acceptable when sensor removal or maintenance is required?
Level Measurement
5 Main Types
Radar Differential
Consists of Transmitter, Antenna, receiver/signal processor, operator interface. Electromagnetic wave sent downward toward surface of process fluid, reflected back and collected Level of tank based on difference of time from emission to collection to EM wave.
Advantages
Can
detect the liquid level a layer of light dust or airy foam. Least expensive of 5 common types Automated calibration.
Disadvantages
If
foam layer is too thick, level of foam will be transmitted, not process fluid Interference from rat-holing, angled process material surfaces, solid deposition on antenna
Also know as Hydrostatic Tank Gauging Based on density of fluid and pressure changes DP = h (SG)
Advantages
Can
be used in either open top or pressurized vessels Simple theory easy to apply
Disadvantages
Bubbles
in system (affecting SG) can cause errors in measurement Error associated with pressure measurement passed along to level measurement
Operate in the low MHz range measuring admittance of an AC current circuit that varies with level. Based on Dielectric Constant of the material Often used as level switches
Advantages
Good
for level measurement of solids and other nonreflective materials Sensitivity easily adjusted by varying probe parameters
Disadvantages
Materials
with high conductivity can cause a short within the probe Temperature has a large effect on the system Likelihood of false indications high with fluids
Also known as SONAR Similar to radar issues an electronic pulse (sound wave) and measures time until echo received
Advantages
Instruments
include temperature compensation, data filters and self-calibration options Can be used to detect the interface level between 2 liquids
Disadvantages
Cannot
be used with agitated liquids Signal will be absorbed by foam, dust, mist, humidity
Uses Radiation absorption to directly measure level using point source radiation and strip detection Highest absorption indicates lowest level in vessel
Advantages
Can
be used to measure either level or density of a process material Radiation source can be very long-lasting, often outliving the process Can be installed outside the process avoiding process interruptions as radioactivity can see through walls
Disadvantages
Radiation
Pressure Measurement
Why is it important?
Pressure Measurement
is the range of pressures to be measured? Is pressure dynamic or static? What is more important: absolute accuracy or good repeatability? How much overpressure protection is required?
Types of Measurement
Mechanical
U-tube
manometer, Bourdon tube, Diaphragm and Bellows Gauge, Capacitive sensor, Potentiometric, Resonant Wire, Piezoelectric, Magnetic, Optical
Electrical
Strain
Mechanical
Mechanical pressure measurement devices are large and cumbersome. Not suited for automated control loops typical in industry. Mechanical devices:
U-tube
U-tube Manometer
Bourdon Type
Flexible element used as sensor. Pressure changes cause change in element position. Element connected to pointer to reference pressure.
Similar concept to Bourdon type. Widely used because they require less space and can be made from materials that resist corrosion.
Electrical
Have become more common with increased reliance on computerized control systems.
Strain Gauge
Measures deflection of elastic diaphragm due to pressure difference across diaphragm. Widely used in industry. Used for small pressure ranges. Measurements tend to drift.
Capacitive Sensor
Measures changes in capacitance of electrically charged electrodes from movement of metal diaphragm due to pressure difference across diaphragm.
always has capacitance of zero. Measures pressure indirectly by measuring drift in capacitor arms. Unbalanced measures ratio between output voltage and excitation voltage.
Resonant Wire
Wire is oscillated at resonant frequency by oscillator circuit. Pressure changes cause change in wire tension which changes oscillatory frequency. Generates digital signal. Very precise, used for low differential pressure measurements. Sensitive to temperature variation and has non-linear output
Piezoelectric
Measures the charge developed across quartz crystal due to change in pressure. Charge decays rapidly making unsuitable for static pressure measurements. Sensors are very rugged. Pressure can be applied longitudinally or transversally. Used to measure dynamic pressure changes associated with explosions and pulsations .
Magnetic
Measures induced current caused by movement of magnetic components from pressure changes. Used in applications where high resolution in small range is desired due to very high output signals. Sensitive to stray magnetic fields and temperature changes.
Optical
Detects effects of minute motions due to process pressure changes through partial blocking of an LED. Immune to temperature effects. Excellent stability and long-duration capability.
Questions?
References
http://www.omega.com/literature/transactio ns/volume3/pressure.html http://www.omega.com/literature/transactio ns/volume4/ http://www.mme.wsu.edu/~me305/va.web/ Exp16/U-Tube/utube_schematic.htm