Boiler drum level monitoring
April 2016
Level Measurement & Control
The importance of water level monitoring in a boiler drum cannot be over-emphasised. Very high level may result in erosive wet steam causing damage to downstream equipments including turbine. Very low level may cause over-heating, leading to tube failure and possible explosion. Hence all boiler regulations require continuous monitoring of boiler drum water level.
Levelstate Systems manufactures the Electronic Drum Level Indicator (EDLI) designed specifically for this application. This advanced electronic level monitoring system is based on the conductivity principle, a proven and accepted technique.
The EDLI eliminates the need for periodic maintenance or calibration, unlike some other level monitoring solutions. Other features include:
• The standard system is available for pressure ratings up to 207 bar @ saturated temperature.
• A choice 8-48 channels for various levels of visibility.
• Self diagnostic features to detect open-circuit/short-circuit/probe contamination/internal component and ground failure.
• Fully validated trip logic eliminates spurious trip.
• Configurable multiple SPCO/DPCO relay outputs with energised/de-energised and time delay output options.
• Multiple remote display facility.
• Opto-isolated dual 4-20 mA analog output.
• Digital water level indicator in mm (optional).
• Also available for hazardous zone (explosion proof) and super-critical applications.
Principle of operation
The EDLI uses the well-established principle of resistivity discrimination between steam and water to provide a clear indication of water level in a boiler drum. The discrimination between steam and water is based on the significant difference in resistivity between the two states over the saturation range.
The sensing element is a probe with an insulated tip inserted in a side-arm water column. Each probe is connected to its own sensing and indication circuit. When the probe is immersed in water, conduction occurs between the tip and the inside wall of the column. An open circuit occurs when it is in steam state. A vertical display of multiple green/red high intensity LEDs gives the level indication. The detection level is dependent on water purity and boiler operating conditions.
For more information contact Levelstate Systems, +44 1420 565402, [email protected], www.levelstate.com
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