A new level detector for multiphase applications
Multiphase level measurements exist throughout chemical process industries (CPI). They are especially significant in the oil-and-gas and petrochemical sectors due to the value derived from effectively separating water and hydrocarbons. While level instrumentation has come a long way in measuring liquids of all varieties, multiphase level measurement remains a towering challenge and a considerable opportunity. The new Genesis multiphase detector (photo) encompasses several significant engineering accomplishments. It is designed to measure multiple phases in applications with thick and dynamic emulsion layers: vapor phase; total level (for example, hydrocarbon liquid); top of emulsion layer; bottom of emulsion layer (for example, water level); and sediment. The device features 24-V d.c. input with four 4–20-mA outputs (including HART) for convenient control of total level, top of emulsion, water level and sediment. It uses proprietary software algorithms for interpreting signals. Changing media characteristics have no effect on level measurement. Probes are available for temperatures of 400°F and pressures of 1,000 psi (200°C and 70 bars). The electronics can be remote-mounted up to 100 ft (30 m) away from the probe. — Magnetrol, part of the Ametek Sensors, Test and Calibration, Aurora, Ill.