White Paper: A Dozen Ways to Measure Fluid Level

Process engineers continue to search for more accurate and reliable level measuring systems. The demands of advanced automated processing systems, the need for ever tighter process control, and an increasingly stringent regulatory climate require better systems.

Improved accuracy of level measurement reduces chemical processes variability, resulting in higher product quality, lower cost, and less waste. Regulations set strict criteria for accuracy, reliability, and electronic reporting, especially those governing electronic records. The new technology for calculating levels helps to fulfill these requirements.

ABB, a worldwide leader in process control instrumentation, authored this excellent white paper describing the variety of technologies available to measure fluids in industrial applications. Download the white paper here.

For more information, contact Hile Controls of Alabama. Call 800-536-0269 or visit https://hilealabama.com.

White Paper: Integrated Process Control Level Products for the Future

Smarter monitoring facilitates safer, more effective and more sustainable processes, increases uptime and extends service life, irrespective of the industry sector. Behind the scenes, it also helps to keep the infrastructure running efficiently, day-in and day-out. The value of level measurement in this sense can not be overstated whether it is for manufacturing process Measurement & Control or in inventory tank gauging. In applications such as custody transfer, the accuracy of measurements becomes a critical parameter, while in other process industrial applications, along with reasonable accuracy, the safety and reliability parameters are essential to ensuring the overall success of any enterprise. 

The Integrated Level Solutions of the Future white paper offers comprehensive and thorough insight into the various advanced technologies, including their main advantages and applicability.

In a dynamic environment, the level calculation is difficult with process vessels / tanks that constantly experience changes in the behavior of the measured process fluid due to agitation, mixing, chemical reactions or drained out for downstream processes depending on the application requires. In these systems, these procedures, combined with the fact that they occur at high temperature and/or high pressure, present a safety risk to equipment and staff, which makes the degree of measurement even more important. 

Any inappropriate and insufficient control can cause rates in vessels or tanks to be excessively higher or lower than their safe operating limits, resulting in damage to the machinery, impairing the quality of the final product or causing overflow, and potentially creating safety and environmental hazards resulting in financial losses. 

ABB 's Smart Level Measurement Solutions for Continuous and Point Level Detection can be used to measure a wide variety of liquids, including corrosive, flammable and hazardous materials, while maintaining improved protection, reliability and efficiency at a lower overall cost of ownership for your operations.

Download the white paper here.

Hile Controls of Alabama

https://hilealabama.com

800.536.0269

Guided Wave Radar vs. Differential Pressure Level Transmitter

An application guide courtesy of Tek-Trol Technology Solutions and Hile Controls of Alabama.

Differential Pressure (DP) transmitters can be traced back to the 1950s. Since then they have served as one the most popular technologies for fluid level measurement and have left their mark in process industry. The application range is vast and varies from chemical, petrochemical, and refineries to electric power generation and more. Over the years, Differential Pressure transmitters have single handedly dominated the worldwide market of process level measurement instruments with the largest sales volume.

Guided Wave Radar is a revolutionary method of liquid level measurement in which high-frequency electromagnetic waves are guided to travel from transmitter to the material to be measured. It works on the principle of Time Domain Reflectrometry (TDR).

This application guide provides a comparison between traditional Differential Pressure Level Transmitters and Guided Wave Radars for liquid level measurement applications by analyzing the features and benefits of both.

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL TEXT GUIDE FROM THIS HILE ALABAMA WEB PAGE

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Hile Controls of Alabama
https://hilealabama.com
800-536-0269

The ABB LMS200 Magnetic Level Gauge Switch

If you're looking for reliable liquid level detection from a non–invasive, non–contact, and economical device, ABB has a solution you need to consider.

ABB’s magnetic level gauge switches provide safe and reliable liquid level detection and process control when integrated externally on the KM26 series magnetic level gauges and LS series products. The LMS200 series are non–invasive magnetically actuated electrical switches that provide complete isolation from the process fluid by coupling with the magnetic floats and attraction sleeves already present in the ABB KM26 and LS series magnetic level gauge.

This passive,  method of coupling facilitates safe operation, while also eliminating the need for costly seals, diaphragms, and process connections commonly associated with point level switch technology. The superior design enables the setpoint to be adjusted without any changes to process piping, resulting in level switches that are quickly deployed, readily adjustable, and easy to maintain.

LMS200 Magnetic Level Gauge Switch (exploded view)

Wiring

The LMS200 provides double–pole, double–throw (DPDT) switching in the form of two isolated normally open or normally closed contacts. Since the switch is configured in a double pole double throw configuration, two separate devices can be controlled with the same switch. The current switching capacity of the switch allows for a wide variety of devices to be switched as long as the stated limits are not exceeded. Since the LMS200 is magnetically actuated, it is suited for any application where it is necessary to sense the passing of a magnetic float on a KM26, or similar chamber, attached to a vessel containing fluid. This will provide for the detection of a start/stop trip point of either a total or interface level of any vessel. These trip points can be used for alarms or activating a pump motor starter relay.

Mounting

The LMS200 is mounted using two standard stainless steel clamps that pass over the tabs mounted to the switch housing The clamp is then fastened to the KM26, or similar chamber. The switch can be easily positioned by loosening the clamp with a screwdriver and sliding the switch to the correct position on the chamber. Other switches can be added at any time, without the concern for additional process piping or valves.


For more information on the LMS200 Magnetic Level Gauge Switch, or any ABB process level product, contact Hile Controls of Alabama.

https://hilealabama.com
800-536-0269

Reboiler Condensate Level Measurement Using a Non–intrusive Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter

Introduction

Reboilers are found throughout refineries and are critical to reliable plant operation. Reboilers are designed to operate with no liquid condensate level. Unintentional condensate flooding of reboilers results in a greater risk of corrosion since corrosion processes occur in the liquid phase. Uncontrolled corrosion can lead to reboiler failure and unplanned shutdown costing billions of dollars.

The Application

The customer is a fractionation plant which produces ethane and propane. The application, reboiler condensate level, is critical to the plant operations. Process conditions: The transmitter is mounted as a non–intrusive device, so pressures are of no consequence.

• Ambient temperature: –2 to 43 deg. C (28.4 to 109.4deg. F)
• Process temperature: 65 deg. C (149 deg. F) 
• Process pressure: 22 barG

The Challenge

The condensate–pot level indicator was unreliable and insensitive to the variations in level–control– valve opening. Condensate–pot level control was poor, and the control valve had to be operated on manual. Finally this competitor transmitter failed and was replaced by the earlier generation magnetostrictive AT200 transmitter years ago. The customer is now looking to upgrade the measurement system.

The Solution

ABB offered the advanced next generation LMT series magnetostrictive transmitter for the level measurement. The LMT200 initially was added as a redundant measurement for ensuring the performance and reliability. The customer appreciated the advanced features including the Easy setup, built–in waveform and diagnostics capabilities of the LMT. This resulted in a higher confidence and switched the LMT measurement loop as the primary for the level control through the control system.

For more information contact Hile Controls of Alabama by visiting https://hilealabama.com or by calling 800-536-0269.

Reprinted with permission from ABB Measurement & Analytics.