Refining and petrochemical

IPTech offers a wide range of sensors for the typical applications in the petrochemical industry: from the delivery of crude oil via pipeline or ship to the storage of finished products. Measuring instruments from IPTech deliver reliable data on the volume, level and pressure of all types of media.

Acid slurry tanks

Acid level control and pressure monitoring

Application

Acid slurries in the alkylation unit create an aggressive environment that requires robust, highly resistant level measurement instrumentation to withstand the conditions. Accurately reporting the process levels ensures that there is ample acid available for proper execution of the alkylation process.

Your benefit

Reliable
High reliability and accuracy for the whole lifetime
Cost effective
Non-contact measuring principles eliminate maintenance needs
User friendly
Simple mounting and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and pressure measurement
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
4 m
Medium:
Acid liquid
Process temperature:
+25 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +15 bar
Special challenges:
Highly aggressive acids and vapours, hazardous area

Alky settler

Multi-point interface tracking in the settler

Application

Acid slurries in the alkylation unit create an aggressive environment that requires robust, highly resistant level measurement instrumentation to withstand the conditions. Accurately reporting the process levels ensures that there is ample acid available for proper execution of the alkylation process.

Your benefit

Reliable
High reliability and accuracy for the whole lifetime
Cost effective
Air/water calibration reduces commissioning time
User friendly
Non-invasive measurement ensures easy and safe maintenance

Process data

Measuring task:
Density measurement
Measuring point:
Horizontal tank
Measuring range up to:
4 m
Medium:
Acid and hydrocarbon liquids
Process temperature:
+25 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +16 bar
Special challenges:
Aggressive medium, hazardous area, multiple interface and emulsion layers

Amine contactor

Level and pressure measurement of high pressure amine contactor

Application

Amine contactors introduce amine solutions to the incoming natural gas from the inlet separator to remove acidic components, such as H2S and CO2, from the process stream. The operator must accurately monitor the amine collecting at the bottom of the contactor to ensure that the process is running efficiently.

Your benefit

Reliable
Measurement independent of changing process conditions
Cost effective
Low maintenance requirements reduce downtime and costs
User friendly
Broad range of process fittings allows easy retrofitting

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and pressure measurement
Measuring point:
Vertical cylinder
Measuring range up to:
2 m
Medium:
Amine solution
Process temperature:
+45 … +280 °C
Process pressure:
+3 … +120 bar
Special challenges:
Changing specific gravities, high pressure

Anhydrous ammonia storage tank

Level measurement and point level detection in the anhydrous ammonia storage tank

Application

During the sulfur removal process, nitrogen is converted into ammonia through a water wash process to be sold for fertilizer production. Stringent environmental restrictions and the high hazard potential make secure control of the levels in ammonia handling processes absolutely necessary.

Your benefit

Reliable
High reliability and functional safety
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation with simple calibration and proof testing
User friendly
Fast and easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Bullet
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Anhydrous ammonia
Process temperature:
-30 … +15 °C
Process pressure:
+3 … +10 bar
Special challenges:
Vapour permeation

Column trays

Level measurement and point level detection of column trays

Application

Accurate level control of the distillation unit ensures product quality of the hydrocarbon at the different cuts, but this is made difficult due to hot liquids flashing, buildup and high temperature. Even through process changes reliable level measurement and point level detection are required.

Your benefit

Reliable
Unaffected by process conditions
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs, because no moving parts
User friendly
Overfill protection increases plant safety

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
1 m
Medium:
Light hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +4 bar
Special challenges:
High temperature, buildup

Distillation column

Level and pressure measurement in the distillation unit

Application

The heavy, highly viscous process material and extreme temperature are located in the bottom part of the distillation. For level control of residual feeds, a non-contact measurement is essential for reliability. Monitoring head space pressure at the upper end of refinery columns is important to ensure that the process is operating under ideal conditions.

Your benefit

Reliable
Precise measurement results even in extreme environments
Cost effective
Easy mounting reduces installation and maintenance costs
User friendly
Simple calibration even during running process

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and pressure measurement
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
6 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +4 bar
Special challenges:
Very high temperature, viscous process liquid

Blowdown drums

Level measurement and point level detection in the blowdown drums

Application

The blowdown drum is designed to allow the refinery to release any process or byproduct liquids including hydrocarbons, in a safe and controlled way that protects plant equipment and personnel. The blowdown drum can see rapid filling at high pressures and temperatures. Because of the mixture of products, density and viscosity can also fluctuate, so the level must be measured quickly and reliably.

Your benefit

Reliable
Unaffected by density fluctuations, fast level, temperature and pressure changes
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Simple adjustment and installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
10 m
Medium:
Various hydrocarbons
Process temperature:
+65 … +345 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +20 bar
Special challenges:
High pressure, high temperature, changing products, very fast filling process

BTX separators

Level measurement and point level detection in the BTX separators

Application

Precise interface monitoring in refinery separators is critical to product quality because it confirms there is complete separation. For liquid-liquid interface in a BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) separator, an accurate measurement helps control the quality of the separator’s output and thus helps to extend equipment life in downstream units by avoiding potentially expensive operating issues.

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement for highest safety standards
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Toluene, benzene, xylene and water
Process temperature:
+25 … +60 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +10 bar
Special challenges:
Changing media properties and emulsions

Coke drums

Density, level measurement and point level detection in coke drums

Application

Delayed coking units are a critical step in the refining process – this is where downtime, inefficiency, and overfill are not an option. They generate extreme heat during operation and are very large vessels. By monitoring upper vapour phase density, operators can reduce antifoam carry-over and improve continuous productivity with accurate level measurement.

Your benefit

Reliable
Safe measurement even under extreme conditions
Cost effective
Reduced need of foam agents thanks to continuous foam monitoring
User friendly
Easy installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Density and level measurement, point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
18 m
Medium:
Heavy residual oil
Process temperature:
+400 … +480 °C
Process pressure:
+3 …+8 bar
Special challenges:
High temperature, heavy foam, buildup

Coke silo

Level measurement and point level detection in coke silos

Application

Coke is often stored in very tall silos. Coke product is also susceptible to plugging the chute as the vessel empties. To accurately measure and monitor the level in these silos, especially during fill/empty stages, the instrumentation must be able to perform reliably, even under these conditions.

Your benefit

Reliable
Long measurement sensor lifespan because no contact with medium
Cost effective
Wear and maintenance-free
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Silo
Measuring range up to:
25 m
Medium:
Coke
Process temperature:
-40 … +50 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Heavy dust, abrasive medium

Coke stacker

Stockpile monitoring

Application

After the coke is extracted from the drums it is stored in silos or stockpiles. Reliable level measurement is an absolute must for automating the stockpiling process and ensuring optimal levels.

Your benefit

Reliable
Consistent measuring results in any weather
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Simple installation on existing infrastructure

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Open mound
Measuring range up to:
30 m
Medium:
Coke
Process temperature:
-40 … +50 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Weather, coke dust

Storage and buffer tanks

Level measurement and point level detection in small storage and buffer tanks

Application

Storage and buffer tanks enable a reliable material supply for various ongoing processes. The plant operators need to have exact level data from these tanks at all times to ensure timely replenishment and facilitate continuous production. In addition, the measured values form the basis of the statistical consumption analysis for validation and quality monitoring.

Your benefit

Reliable
Reliable protection against overfilling
Cost effective
Independent of product and process characteristics
User friendly
Simple to set up with maintenance-free operation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
10 m
Medium:
Liquid primary and intermediate substances
Process temperature:
-40 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
-1 … +20 bar
Special challenges:
Changing media

Compressor knockout drum

Level measurement in the compressor knockout drum

Application

The vapour liquid separation that occurs in a knockout drum protects the waste or cooling stream from process vapours and compressors from water. This crucial measurement point means it requires constant, reliable level monitoring without being influenced by the high volume of vapour inside the vessel. A reliable instrument ensures that there is no water carry-over into the compressor, avoiding the extremely expensive downtime that results from an upset.

Your benefit

Reliable
Diverse technologies with comparative output can provide redundant level measurement
Cost effective
Materials with high chemical resistance reduce maintenance costs
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
2 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbon or water
Process temperature:
+60 … +120 °C
Process pressure:
+3 … +10 bar
Special challenges:
Changing medium properties

Condensate storage tanks

Level measurement and point level detection in condensate storage tanks

Application

Throughout the different process units, there are storage vessels that collect clean, reusable condensate. This condensate accumulates from the steam system that is used to heat the various hydrocarbon processes. The condensate tanks routinely have extremely high process temperatures, so a level measurement and point level detection are necessary that can withstand this environment.

Your benefit

Reliable
Safe measurement unaffected by high temperature and steam
Cost effective
Maintenance-free through optimal redundancy arrangement
User friendly
Simple setup and installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Horizontal bullet
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Water
Process temperature:
+120 … +230 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +10 bar
Special challenges:
High temperature, steam, condensate

Continuous catalyst regeneration

Level measurement and point level detection of catalyst

Application

Platformers and reformers, both catalyst-based processes, require “fresh” catalyst at a given point in their cycle. To provide fresh catalyst without shutting down the process, a continuous catalyst regeneration unit can be installed. This unit regenerates the spent catalyst so that it can be used again. Maintaining the proper level in the vessel ensures that the expensive catalyst is used at the highest level of efficiency without waste.

Your benefit

Reliable
Non-invasive measurement ensures high plant availability
Cost effective
Lightweight design reduces mounting costs
User friendly
External mounting does not interrupt the process

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Vertical column
Measuring range up to:
20 m
Medium:
Liquid distillate naphtha
Process temperature:
+230 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+20 … +60 bar
Special challenges:
High process temperature

Cooling tower basin

Cooling tower basin level measurement

Application

At the bottom of the cooling tower there are nozzles for atomizing and cooling incoming hot water. As the heated water is sprayed up inside the cooling tower, it warms the air, which expands, flows upward creating updraft which pulls fresh cold air up through the slatted bottom. Draft eliminators inside the cooling tower cause the cooled water to form droplets and rain back down into the cooling tower basin. The water level in the cooling tower basin must be monitored continuously to optimise use of the circulation pumps and the cooling process.

Your benefit

Reliable
Reliable operation under all operating conditions
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation of the plant
User friendly
Simple mounting and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Cooling tower basin
Measuring range up to:
5 m
Medium:
Water
Process temperature:
+20 … +40 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
High humidity and steam

Fixed roof storage tanks

Level measurement and point level detection of fixed roof storage tanks

Application

Level measurement of crude and bulk liquids storage tanks in a refinery is necessary for inventory management and overspill protection. Multiple measurement devices can fit into a single process fitting.

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement ensures a high degree of safety
Cost effective
Self-monitoring reduces maintenance costs
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
15 m
Medium:
Light or heavy hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
-40 … +50 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Varying hydrocarbon products, possible condensation

Debutanizer

Level measurement and point level detection in the debutanizer

Application

Accurate level control of the debutanizer ensures product quality of the obtained hydrocarbons, but this is made difficult due to hot liquids flashing, buildup and high temperature. Even through quick process changes reliable level measurement and point level detection are required to ensure a smooth operation of the plant.

Your benefit

Reliable
Overfill protection increases plant safety
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs, because non-moving parts
User friendly
Unaffected by process conditions

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
1 m
Medium:
Light hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
High process temperature, buildup

Deethanizer

Level measurement and point level detection in the deethanizer

Application

Accurate level control of the deethanizer ensures product quality of the obtained hydrocarbons, but this is made difficult due to hot liquids flashing, buildup and high temperature. Even through quick process changes reliable level measurement and point level detection are required to ensure a smooth operation of the plant.

Your benefit

Reliable
Overfill protection increases plant safety
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs, because non-moving parts
User friendly
Unaffected by process conditions

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
1 m
Medium:
Light hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
High process temperature, buildup

Depropanizer

Level measurement and point level detection in the depropanizer

Application

Accurate level control of the depropanizer ensures product quality of the obtained hydrocarbons, but this is made difficult due to hot liquids flashing, buildup and high temperature. Even through quick process changes reliable level measurement and point level detection are required to ensure a smooth operation of the plant.

Your benefit

Reliable
Overfill protection increases plant safety
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs, because non-moving parts
User friendly
Unaffected by process conditions

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
1 m
Medium:
Light hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
High process temperature, buildup

Primary desalter

Interface tracking in the primary desalter

Application

It is important that a desalter unit runs efficiently to prevent corrosion to downstream equipment. When the crude oil mixes with the emulsifying chemicals and water, the resulting emulsion layer makes it difficult for standard level measurement technologies to reliably track the interface. Radiation-based measuring instruments are not affected by this and allow to track the interface even with thick emulsion layers present in the tank to make sure that the desalting process can be controlled efficiently at maximum throughput.

Your benefit

Reliable
High measuring precision, independent of process conditions
Cost effective
External mounting to the vessel, easily retrofitted
User friendly
Simple air and water calibration for fast commissioning time

Process data

Measuring task:
Interface and density measurement
Measuring point:
Bullet
Measuring range up to:
5 m
Medium:
Crude oil
Process temperature:
+120 … +290 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Multiple interface, thick emulsions, changing densities

Secondary desalter

Interface measurement in the secondary desalter

Application

To maximize efficiency of the electrostatic grid as it removes contaminants within second and third stage desalters, a crucial point of control is to maintain the oil and water interface just below this grid. Reliable measurement of this level protects the grid from shorting out on the water as well as increasing efficiency of the unit, which ensures the quality of the feed moving into the next process unit.

Your benefit

Reliable
Unaffected by changing crude density
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs
User friendly
Fast and easy setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Interface measurement
Measuring point:
Bullet
Measuring range up to:
5 m
Medium:
Crude oil/H20
Process temperature:
+40 … +60 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Oil/water interface, changing density

Finished product tanks

Level measurement and point level detection of finished product tanks

Application

Reliable level measurement of crude and bulk liquids storage tanks in a refinery is necessary for inventory management and overspill protection. Multiple measurement devices can fit into a single process fitting.

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement ensures a high degree of safety
Cost effective
Self-monitoring reduces maintenance costs
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
15 m
Medium:
Light or heavy hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
-40 … +50 °C
Process pressure:
0 … 0 bar
Special challenges:
Varying hydrocarbon products, possible condensation

Flare knockout drum

Level measurement in the flare knockout drum

Application

 
The flare knockout drum requires continuous, accurate level monitoring to keep liquids from reaching the flare and creating a potential fire hazard. In order to ensure safety of process by performing this critical measurement, the total process level over the span of the drum needs to be tracked and continuously reported to the operator for proper control. For measurement in the sump of the flare knockout drum, the sensor provides exact position of interface.

Your benefit

Reliable
Tracks total process level and interface level
Cost effective
Reduced maintenance costs due to no mechanical moving parts
User friendly
Easily fit within mounting constraints

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Bullet
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbon liquid and vapours
Process temperature:
+60 … 120 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +12 bar
Special challenges:
Condensate, steam

Fluid catalytic cracking unit

Density, level measurement and point level detection in the reactor

Application

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) is one of the most important conversion processes used in petroleum refineries. As with many other refining applications, the vessels in the reactor system need to be operated and controlled at their optimum levels, as this is critical for the process productivity. Maintaining the proper levels also ensures that the expensive catalyst is used at maximum efficiency, with no waste.

Your benefit

Reliable
Non-invasive measurement ensures highest plant availability
Cost effective
Lightweight design reduces mounting costs
User friendly
External mounting does not interrupt the process

Process data

Measuring task:
Density and level measurement, point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
20 m
Medium:
Heavy crude oil and residues
Process temperature:
+230 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+20 … +60 bar
 
Special challenges:
Extreme process conditions

Fractionator

Level measurement and point level detection in the fractionator

Application

Accurate level control of the fractionator ensures product quality of the obtained hydrocarbons, but this is made difficult due to hot liquids flashing, buildup and high temperature. Even through quick process changes reliable level measurement and point level detection are required to ensure a smooth operation of the plant.

Your benefit

Reliable
Overfill protection increases plant safety
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs, because non-moving parts
User friendly
Unaffected by process conditions

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Column
Measuring range up to:
1 m
Medium:
Light hydrocarbon
Process temperature:
+260 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+0.5 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
High process temperature, buildup

Holding tanks

Level measurement and point level detection of holding tanks

Application

Buffer and storage tanks are needed at numerous places in refineries for storing the input and output materials of the various process steps. The containers have different geometries, ranging from horizontal or vertical spherical tanks to horizontal cylindrical tanks to portable plastic containers. To run the refining processes effectively, which includes ensuring the availability of the media, it is crucial to know the exact levels in these storage tanks at all times.

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement for highest safety standards
Cost effective
Universal applicable for almost all liquids
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Different input and output materials
Process temperature:
+25 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
0 … +10 bar
Special challenges:
Varying vessel and process fitting types

Hydrocracker

Density measurement in the hydrocracker

Application

Heavy oil residues are processed in the hydrocracker, such as atmospheric and vacuum residue. Fresh catalyst is continuously added and used catalyst is withdrawn, enabling product quality over time. To promote safe and efficient heavy oil processing, a reliable measurement and density profiling is needed for control of critical process stages.

Your benefit

Reliable
Safe measurement unaffected by process conditions
Cost effective
Continuous measurement allows effective process control
User friendly
Compact design

Process data

Measuring task:
Density measurement
Measuring point:
Vertical cylinder
Measuring range up to:
25 m
Medium:
Heavy crude and residues
Process temperature:
+230 … +480 °C
Process pressure:
+25 … +75 bar
 
Special challenges:
Very thick-walled reactor, high pressure, high temperature

LPG spherical tank

Level and pressure monitoring in liquid gas tanks

Application

LPG tanks are usually only accessible for service and maintenance work every few years during shut-down periods. In addition, the containers are mostly installed underground or covered with earth. The solution is a process independent measuring system that delivers safe and reliable readings despite low dielectric constants and low temperatures.

Your benefit

Reliable
High measuring accuracy despite low dielectric constants
 
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Sensor replacement even during operation thanks to cut-off valve

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and pressure measurement
Measuring point:
Sphere
Measuring range up to:
20 m
Medium:
LPG
Process temperature:
-10 … +45 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +3 bar
 
Special challenges:
Low temperature, low dielectric constants

Oil skim tank

Level measurement and point level detection in the oil skim tank

Application

Accurate measurement in oil skim and separation tanks is critical to product quality because there is complete separation of oil and gas possible. For liquid-liquid interface monitoring an accurate measurement helps control the quality of the separator’s output and thus helps to extend equipment life in downstream units by avoiding any potentially expensive impurity problems.

Your benefit

Reliable
Safe measurement unaffected by changing medium properties
Cost effective
Reliable control of the interface ensures effective operation
User friendly
Simple and easy setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Various hydrocarbons and water
Process temperature:
+25 … +65 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +7 bar
Special challenges:
Buildup, condensate

Preflash drum

Preflash drum

Application

In the preflash drum, the medium is heated before it is fed into the distillation column. Accurate and reliable level control is a critical factor in ensuring efficient operation of the distillation column. Reliable measurement of the level prevents overfilling of the vessel and also keeps the pumps from running dry.

Your benefit

Reliable
Reliable and redundant measurement even under extreme process conditions
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Simple setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbons
Process temperature:
+175 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+10 … +30 bar
Special challenges:
High temperature, changing density
 
Special challenges:
Very thick-walled reactor, high pressure, high temperature

Propane bullets

Level measurement in propane bullets

Application

Propane, a flammable, colourless and odourless gas, is one of the many types of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) that exist. It is produced from natural gas via a special refining process. Propane is compressed, liquefied and stored in pressure vessels so that it does not return to a gaseous state. To ensure optimal storage, reliable level measurement is required.

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement increases plant availability and plant safety
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Bullet tank
Measuring range up to:
4 m
Medium:
Liquid propane
Process temperature:
-40 … +50 °C
Process pressure:
+3 … +10 bar
 
Special challenges:
Low dielectric constant

Reboiler

Level measurement in the reboiler

Application

Evaporators are heat exchangers that are deployed at the bottom of distillation columns. In the evaporator, the residue is boiled up from the sump and fed back into the distillation process. Precise control of the level in the evaporator ensures efficient operation of the plant. A reliable measurement also ensures that the heating coils are always covered with liquid, to prevent any overheating incidents.

Your benefit

Reliable
Safe and reliable measurement even at extreme temperatures
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Reboiler
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Various hydrocarbons 
Process temperature:
+180 … +400 °C
Process pressure:
+10 … +35 bar
 
Special challenges:
Extreme temperatures, highly viscous medium

Reflux accumulator drum

Level measurement in the reflux accumulator drum

Application

The efficiency of a distillation column is increased with the help of return flow. The return flow in this case is that portion of the condensed liquid head product that is fed back to the upper part of the column. Reliable level measurement in the reflux tank is required to ensure that the return flow is accurate and continuous.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant level monitoring designed for extreme operation
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbons
Process temperature:
+180 … +350 °C
Process pressure:
+10 … +30 bar
Special challenges:
Changing media properties, temperatures, low dielectric constant

Separator

Level and interface measurement and point level detection in separators

Application

Exact interface measurement in separators is important for ensuring the quality of the separation process. Continuous control of the interface between oil and water ensures that oil is not inadvertently withdrawn instead of water. This saves costs and increases the efficiency of the plant. A vibrating level switch serves as an additional overfill protection mechanism.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement for highest safety standards
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation

 

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and interface measurement, point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbons and water
Process temperature:
+25 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +40 bar
Special challenges:
Changing media properties and emulsions

High temperature separators

Level and interface measurement and point level detection in high temperature separators

Application

Exact interface measurement in high temperature separators is important for ensuring the quality of the separation process. Continuous control of the interface between oil and water ensures that oil is not inadvertently withdrawn instead of water. This saves costs and increases the efficiency of the plant. A vibrating level switch serves as an additional overfill protection mechanism.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant measurement for highest safety standards
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy installation

 

Process data

Measuring task:
Level and interface measurement, point level detection
Measuring point:
Tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Various hydrocarbons and water
Process temperature:
+25 … +450 °C
Process pressure:
+10 …. +160 bar
Special challenges:
Changing media properties and emulsions, high pressure and temperature

Sour water stripper

Interface measurement in the sour water stripper

Application

Safe and reliable measurement of the separation layers in the sour water stripper is extremely important in preventing sour water from accidentally getting into other parts of the plant. Sour water is highly corrosive and can cause serious damage over time, leading to safety problems in other process vessels and pipes. The sour water discharged from the stripper is delivered to the desulphurisation plant for further processing.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Redundant level monitoring
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs
User friendly
Easy mounting on standard tanks

Process data

Measuring task:
Interface measurement
Measuring point:
Horizontal cylindrical tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Hydrocarbons and acid water
Process temperature:
+60 … +120 °C
Process pressure:
+10 … +100 bar
Special challenges:
Corrosive media properties

Steam drum

Level measurement and limiting device in the steam drum

Application

High pressure steam is critical for the operation of the refinery. For the production and reliable supply of steam, accurate level measurement is required that allows efficient operation of the steam boiler. In addition to level measurement, high and low water limit detectors are also extremely important. As safety devices, they ensure that the water level neither exceeds the upper limit nor falls below the lower limit.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
High measuring accuracy independent of temperature and pressure
Cost effective
Low maintenance costs
User friendly
Simple installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement and point level detection
Measuring point:
Horizontal cylindrical tank
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Saturated steam and condensate
Process temperature:
+150 … +350 °C
Process pressure:
+5 … +160 bar
Special challenges:
Changes in density, high pressure, high temperatures and saturated steam

Sulphur decanter

Density and interface measurement in the sulphur decanter

Application

In a sulphur decanter, the operator must manually verify the interface level of the sulphur deposits as they slowly build up under the water. An instrument that can automate the measurement and enable continuous operation of the process ensures availability of the vessel and minimal impact on the downstream process.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Unaffected by process characteristics
Cost effective
Low maintenance device reduces costs of cleaning and recalibration
User friendly
No manual involvement to determine the level

Process data

Measuring task:
Density and interface measurement
Measuring point:
Horizontal bullet
Measuring range up to:
15 m
Medium:
Elemental sulphur and water
Process temperature:
+90 … +120 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
Double wall tank, very aggressive medium

Sulphur pit

Level measurement in sulphur pits

Application

The liquid sulphur, which comes directly from the sulphur recovery plant, is stored in underground concrete pits. High temperatures are required to maintain the sulphur in its liquid form. The harsh, corrosive process and environmental conditions in sulphur pits require dependable level measurement.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Unaffected by buildup or condensate
Cost effective
Maintenance-free operation
User friendly
Easy setup and installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Concrete pit
Measuring range up to:
30 m
Medium:
Elemental sulphur
Process temperature:
+150 … +200 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +1.5 bar
Special challenges:
High temperature, buildup, corrosive medium

Sumps

Sump level control

Application

The level in the sumps around a refinery must be reliably monitored to prevent overfilling and subsequent pollution, or pump overload. Balanced pump utilization is possible thanks to a pump control rotation system integrated into the controller.
 

Your benefit

Reliable
Measurement optimizes pump usage via pump control functions
Cost effective
Pump control ensures energy conservation and long pump service life
User friendly
Easy setup and installation

Process data

Measuring task:
Level measurement
Measuring point:
Sump
Measuring range up to:
3 m
Medium:
Water and hydrocarbons
Process temperature:
-40 … +45 °C
Process pressure:
+1 … +3 bar
Special challenges:
Foam, buildup

Beer tank

Application

During the brewing process, a thick layer of foam is always present in the beer tanks. Therefore usually two pressure transmitters are used for level measurement. One transmitter measures the head pressure, while the other at the bottom measures the total pressure. The level is precisely calculated from the differential between these two pressures. Hygienic process fittings are absolutely necessary for these sensors.

Your benefit

Reliable Certified materials according to FDA and EC 1935/2004 regulations Cost effective plics® concept: short delivery time and standardized operation User friendly One measuring system, three measured values: level, pressure, temperature