Profiler 'sees' through tank walls
February 2002
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
A version of the Tracerco Profiler had already proved its accuracy and reliability on-shore in refinery vessels for a combined total of 20 years when the technology was applied to separator measurement and control.
The instrument comprises sealed titanium dip-pipes installed within the separator through a single 6" or 4" flange. A narrow dip-pipe holds a vertical array of low energy radiation emitters. A typical system will have two parallel dip-pipes, each holding a detector of up to 48 Geiger Muller tubes. Combined, they can give a 96-point measuring system with a minimum vertical pitch of 28 mm.
Each emitter transmits radiation through the fluid within the separator to be picked up by the detector. Oil, water, sand, foam and emulsion have different densities, they will attenuate the signal passing through them by different amounts. The density registered by each tube is transmitted to a signal processing unit housed in the dome, above the dip-pipes.
Figure 1
The information is converted into serial data and sent via fibre-optic cable to the plant computer. On the screen the fluid density at each 28 mm channel is depicted in realtime. For the first time ever one can see a complete profile of the distribution of fluids within the separator:
* The interface between water and oil or oil and gas.
* The quality of the separation.
* The extent of foam build up.
* The total liquid position.
* The level of sand build-up.
Figure 2
The BP Forties field
In 1999, the Tracerco Profiler newly installed on a BP production platform in the Forties field detected a considerable build-up of sand within a separator. The operators were unaware of the sand and had attributed poor production rates to reservoir conditions. The thin oil phase made control difficult and good separation hard to achieve without water carry-over.
To remove the sand, the operators began to jet wash the separator. The overall effect was to reduce environmental risk, optimise assets and save on chemicals in the separator.
With the aid of readings from the Profiler, the operators monitored the effectiveness of chemicals added to control foaming and emulsion. Wastage was reduced. The separator was brought under perfect control. With residence time up to target levels, rates of production were optimised. The risk of carry-over was eliminated.
Whilst this was taking effect, a band of emulsion between the oil and water phase and foam on top of the water was observed.
Since installation two years ago, BP has carried out no maintenance on the system. The Tracerco Profiler is suitable for use on floating production facilities.
Tracerco Africa
(011) 706 2592
[email protected]
Further reading:
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.
Read more...
Alfa Laval launches next generation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alfa Laval has launched Clariot, a next generation, AI-based condition monitoring solution, precision-built for hygienic process equipment to deliver more accurate analysis and support.
Read more...
The next generation in metal sorting
Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the metal recycling industry, companies are increasingly challenged to not only improve the efficiency of their processes but also to raise the quality and purity of the sorted materials to new levels. By integrating proven spectral analysis technology into its market-leading REDWAVE XRF sorting system, REDWAVE is unlocking new opportunities for metal recycling, particularly in aluminium recovery.
Read more...
Ensuring clean and safe water
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors are designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.
Read more...
Anton Paar launches inline refractometers for precision Brix monitoring
Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar has introduced innovative inline refractometers that are designed for continuous Brix concentration monitoring in metalworking machines, fruit and vegetable processing and other industrial processes.
Read more...
Supporting fast, safe helicopter service across Sweden
ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In an environment with high risks and fierce competition, Storm Heliworks’ fleet of eight helicopters operates on assignments throughout Scandinavia. Maintenance is critical, and the company recently invested in a battery charger analyser from ATEQ Aviation.
Read more...
WearCheck introduces advanced Legionella testing to safeguard water quality
Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water has expanded its expertise in water analysis with the introduction of Legionella pneumophila detection and enumeration. This positions the company at the forefront of water and surface safety monitoring, ensuring businesses, industries, and public institutions can proactively manage legionella contamination risks.
Read more...
Silo weighing made easy - new mounting kit for load cells
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The PR 6003 mounting kit features fast commissioning in demanding applications in industrial silo weighing. It combines maximum accuracy with maximum safety in a compact system.
Read more...
Inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] The Cobrix 7501/7601 inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology to enhance quality control in carbonated soft drink production.
Read more...
Smart weighing boosts Bayer’s automation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
he new supply centre of the agricultural chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer in Hangzhou integrates weighing technology of Minebea Intec for precise mixing and homogenisation in Zone 2 hazardous areas.
Read more...