Steam boilers are common in the oil & gas industry as steam generation is essential to the operation of a refinery. There are primarily two types of steam boilers: water-tube and fire-tube. In both, water must be maintained at a specific level according to the boiler design as a certain height is needed above the working level to provide a sufficient area to release the steam.
Additionally, as steam is generated the water in the boiler evaporates, and the boiler must receive a supply of water to maintain the level. If the boiler operates with insufficient water, severe damage could occur and there is ultimately the risk of explosion. Level control in boilers must be given special attention due to the safety requirements and extreme process conditions.
Depending on the type of boiler used, the high temperatures and pressures create a problem: the density of the water changes as the temperature and pressure increase, as does the dielectric constant of the steam phase. This causes measurement errors when using float gauges, differential pressure transmitters or traditional guided radar level measuring instruments. (The microwaves that travel through the gas phase are slowed down as the dielectric increases.)
Utilising guided radar with gas-phase compensation is a way to overcome the changing density and the changing dielectric of the steam phase. Gas-phase compensation works by utilising a reference length on the guided-radar rod. The reflection distance from this reference length varies directly with the dielectric change, allowing the measurement point to be continually updated to the highest level of accuracy.
Endress+Hauser recommend its FMP54 for this demanding application. FMP54 has CRN for both ANSI B31.1 and ANSI B31.3 making it suitable for both process piping and power boilers. It is available with gas-phase compensation and there is a secondary redundant gas-tight feed-through. The internal design of the process connection uses a ceramic-graphite seal, which ensures long-term reliability and safety in high-pressure steam applications.
Precise level control
Level Measurement & Control
Whether in silos, tanks or process containers, the exact detection of fill levels is crucial for stable, safe and economical production processes. However, many common measuring methods quickly reach their limits in practice.
Read more...Cleaning solutions for optical sensors Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Achieving accurate and continuous process visibility requires reliable sensor performance, even in challenging media. Endress+Hauser’s CYR51 mechanical cleaning unit addresses these challenges by providing stable, automated cleaning of turbidity and UV-Vis absorption sensors.
Read more...Powering Africa’s sustainable mining VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
At the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, one theme rises above all others, progress through precision. For VEGA, a global leader in process instrumentation, this mission aligns perfectly with its core purpose, which is turning measurement into meaningful progress.
Read more...Cutting-edge sensor technology Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The advantage of Endress+Hauser’s Memosens technology is that digitised measured values and sensor information are transmitted via a non-contact connection from the sensor to the cable, and as a digital signal to the transmitter.
Read more...VEGA is redefining synthetic fuel production VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Polish company, Ekobenz specialises in producing bio-hydrocarbons. The company utilises advanced manufacturing techniques where VEGA sensors monitor levels and interfaces, essentially overseeing separation layers in the process.
Read more...Precision in paper processing VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Paper manufacturing is a demanding process that relies on consistency, precision and control at every stage. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter is well-suited to these harsh environments.
Read more...Ensuring clean and safe water Endress+Hauser South Africa
Editor's Choice Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors is designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.
Read more...Where every grain counts VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
VEGA’s advanced level and pressure measurement solutions offer transformative technologies to improve grain storage management in sub-Saharan Africa.
Read more...Enhancing gold leaching efficiency Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser offers a range of advanced technologies designed to enhance the stability and accuracy of pH and dissolved oxygen measurements on gold processing plants.
Read more...Elevating mining separation processes through precision instrumentation Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In mining operations, the quest for efficiency and productivity is key. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance the performance of extraction processes while balancing operational costs and environmental impact.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version