Target Market Application
Industry: Chemical Distribution
Application: Large terminal storage tanks (2271247.08 Litres)
Location: Kansas, USA
Product: Flowline Pulse Radar Level Sensors
Criteria
The client required reliable level measurement to accurately manage and monitor large terminal storage tanks containing highly corrosive liquids.
Process
The replenishment of the plants large sodium hydroxide and urea inventories is conducted via rail car. The tank filling processes involves the agitation of the highly corrosive liquids which causes the generation of a substantial amount of foam and vapour.
Recommendation
Flowline recommended pulse radar level sensors for the following reasons:
- They are corrosion resistant and can withstand harsh chemical environments.
- They are reliable, safe and easy to use for data monitoring. Each pulse radar level sensor provides continuous level data to a controller which displays the level and activates a high level audible alarm (mounted on each sensor) to alert the operators when the tank is full.
Features & Benefits
- The (16L) 316L stainless steel antenna horn with PTFE inner shield is ideally suited for corrosive environments.
- Comes with a user friendly push button module with an LCD display providing a readout of the level in meters (or feet) with percent of span bar.
- 26 GHz pulse radar units are unaffected by vapour or condensation.
- A small dead band allows for utilisation of entire tank/vessel.
- Built in failsafe diagnostics with selectable failsafe outputs.
- Intelligent sensor can recognise, store and reject false echo signal returns.
- Robust IP67 rated aluminium display enclosure with a polycarbonate window can handle harsh conditions.
How does pulse radar work?
Pulse radar is unaffected by process conditions that cause other sensing technologies to fail or require ongoing maintenance. These applications include foam, vapour, condensation, temperature, pressure, vacuum and scaling liquid media. The radar sensor emits a 26 gigahertz pulse from the antenna base. The pulse travels through the free space and reflects against the liquid dielectric material and returns to the antenna. The sensor measures the pulse time of flight and translates this into liquid level distance.
A Comparison of Pulse Radar Models
| Series | LR10 | LR15 | LR20 | LR25 | LR30 |
| Classification | General purpose | General purpose | General purpose | General purpose | General purpose |
| Media | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid |
| Application | Storage | Storage | Storage | Process | Lift station |
| Process condition | Easy | Difficult | Difficult | Extreme | Difficult |
| Tank location – Above Grade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tank location – Below Grade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosive | Yes | Diluted | Yes | Yes | Diluted |
| Range (Up to) | 10m | 30m | 20m | 35m | 30m |
| Installation | Tank adapter or flange | Tank adapter or flange | Flange | Flange | Bracket |
| Mount | 1.5 inch NPT | 1.5 inch NPT | 3 inch, 4 inch ANSI | 4 inch, 6 inch ANSI | Bolt |
| Max. temperature | 80º C | 150º C | 150º C | 130º C | 100º C |
| Max. pressure | 3 bar | 10 bar | 5 bar | 40 bar | Atmospheric |
| Ant. material | PTFE | 316L | 316L & PTFE | 316L & PTFE | Nylon |
Outcome
For this application, the Flowline pulse radar sensor was the perfect solution, as its advanced radar technology is unaffected by foam and vapour (conditions often generated during the tank filling process).
At Fusion we pride ourselves on our ability to match the right products to our clients applications. With support from Flowline and their fantastic range we look forward to assisting with any level measurement applications you may have.
Intrinsically Safe Requirements & Solids
In addition to general purpose level sensors / transmitters we can also assist with pulse radar sensors engineered to suit intrinsically safe requirements as well as solids applications such as silo, crusher, stockpile ans transfer stations.
For further information contact us.
Contact Fusion For More Information
Interested in Flowline level measurement products?
Contact us today to speak to a Fusion representative about your requirements.