Many oil refinery plants are modernising the level measurement technologies of their systems. When systems are expanded, future-oriented measurement methods are usually favoured right from the start. In the distillation columns for thermal separation of the crude oil into different fractions, the levels are measured in the various separation stages. The measured values are used to control filling and emptying in a continuous process.
A leading crude oil processor has chosen the Vegaflex guided radar as the standard for bypass measurements. Compared with conventional level measurement methods such as displacement or differential-pressure measurement, the guided radar system provides technical superiority and offers clear cost advantages throughout its service life, starting from project planning to acquisition and commissioning all the way through to servicing and maintenance.
The guided radar level sensor Vegaflex 66 measures the level of the crude oil that has been heated to 400 C and is then separated into different fractions in a rectification process taking place in the column. For continuous level measurement, the stages that are arranged on top of each other are usually provided with a reference vessel (bypass) where the levels are measured.
Since the microwave pulse is coupled into a rod shaped conductor, the bypass has no influence on the spreading speed. Other factors such as build-up, weld seams, or corrosion in the tube are also irrelevant to the accurate functioning of the Vegaflex 66. Build-up on the rod probe also does not affect the measuring accuracy. Another advantage enjoyed by the crude oil processor is the increased safety and protection of its people, assets and the environment thanks to the integrated overfill protection.
The Vegaflex 80 series has taken the development of Vega’s TDR sensors further with new hardware and software combined. The application spectrum for these advanced TDR sensors is now wider and more versatile than ever before.
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