November 2003Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Processing of crude oil into its constituent properties takes place in distillation columns, once the oil has been through the desalination and cleaning processes.
Working at temperatures of up to 400°C, the gaseous crude oil is transferred into distillation columns and then condensed at varying temperatures and pressures as part of the refining process. Different condensates have varying boiling points and the higher the boiling point the higher the condensate ascends. So, for optimum operation of the distillation column, accurate temperature, pressure and level measurement is of paramount importance.
In the past, displacer systems in bypass tubes have been used for level measurement in distillation columns. However, this maintenance-intensive principle is now being replaced with non-contact radar sensors. Existing bypass tubes can usually be used for mounting the sensors, so no mechanical modifications are necessary.
The high product temperatures in the lower part of the column require special sensor types. This is where German instrumentation designer and manufacturer, Vega can offer an optimum solution. The Vegapuls 66 non-contact radar sensor is particularly suited to level measurement in this application because of its operating capabilities up to 400°C at pressures as high as 16 MPa.
As an alternative to using non-contact radar in a bypass tube, the level can be measured with a guided microwave sensor (TDR). The microwaves are guided down a rod, with the bypass tube and the rod antenna forming a coaxial system. This is suitable for accurate use on products with a DK-value as low as 1,4. Vega's range of TDR instruments solve many of these problem applications.
Measuring the pressure at the top of the column is important. Depending on the type of distillation, the system can operate under extreme vacuum and overpressure. The Vegabar 61 ceramic pressure transmitter with its wide temperature range is particularly suited for this application and copes well even with temperature fluctuations during the start up process. Vega offers a product range that can handle the special conditions encountered in measurement during crude oil distillation.
For more information contact Alan Wynn, Vega Instruments SA, 011 958 1901, alan.wynn@za.vega.com
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