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Sesion 6 Level Measurement
Sesion 6 Level Measurement
Level Measurement
Level Measurement
Level is another common process variable that is measured in
many industries. The method used will vary widely depending
on the nature of the industry, the process, and the application.
Inventory:
• a constant supply or storage of material
Control:
• continuous, batch, blending, and mixing control
• stabilize flow to the next process
Alarming:
• hi/lo limits, safety shut down
Data Logging:
• material quantities for inventory and billing purposes
and where regulatory requirements are necessary
What is measured?
The measured medium can be liquid, gas or
solid and stored in vessels (open/closed
tanks), silos, bins and hoppers.
• Hydrostatic Head
• Float
• Load Cells
• Magnetic Level
Gauge
• Capacitance
Transmitters
• Magnetostrictive
• Ultrasonic
• Microwave
• Laser
• Radar
• Guided Wave Radar
• Dip Stick
• Vibration
Direct Methods
Direct methods sense the surface or interface of
the liquid and is not affected by changes in
material density (Specific Gravity)
Examples:
• Dip Stick
• Resistance Tapes
• Sight Glass
• Floats
• Ultrasonic
Indirect Methods (Inferential)
Indirect methods “infer” liquid level by measuring some
other physical parameter such as pressure, weight, or
temperature.
Changing materials means a corrective factor must be used
or recalibrating the instrument.
Examples:
• Hydrostatic head methods
• Load Cells
• Capacitance
• Conductivity
Selection Criteria
When determining the type of level sensor that should be
used for a given application, there are a series of
questions that must be answered:
Oil
Water
Density (D)
Density (D) Height
Height
(H)
(H)
Tank 2
Tank 1 PSI
PSI
P = ? psi P = ? psi
Example
A dip stick measurement of the level of these 2 tanks indicates 30 feet of
liquid in both tanks. Calculate the pressure that each gauge will read if
tank 1 contains water (S.G. = 1) and tank 2 contains oil (S.G. = 0.85)
Oil
Water
Density (D)
Density (D) Height
Height
(H)
(H)
Tank 2
Tank 1 PSI
PSI
P = H x Density P = ? psi
= 30 ft x 0.0361 lbs/in3
= (30 x 12) x 0.0361
= 13 psi
Example
A dip stick measurement of the level of these 2 tanks indicates 30 feet of
liquid in both tanks. Calculate the pressure that each gauge will read if
tank 1 contains water (S.G. = 1) and tank 2 contains oil (S.G. = 0.85)
Oil
Water
Density (D)
Density (D) Height
Height
(H)
(H)
Tank 2
Tank 1 PSI
PSI
P = H x Density x SG P = H x Density x SG
= 30 ft x 0.0361 lbs/in3 x 1 = 30 ft x 0.0361 lbs/in3 x 0.85
= (30 x 12) x 0.0361 = (30 x 12) x 0.0361 x 0.85
= 13 psi = 11 psi
Practical Considerations when using
head type instruments
The reference point of the tank vs instrument
input must be considered.
Pressure PSI
This may not be practical in some applications where the tank elevation
is below grade or where a remote visual reading is required.
Tank Elevations
Vertical rises and drops contribute to the overall
height and therefore head pressure. Horizontal
runs have no effect.
Water
Density (D)
Height
(H)
P
Bubblers Instrument
input does
P
not matter
Regulated
Bubblers allow the purge system
indicator to be (air or nitrogen)
located anywhere.
The air pressure in
the tube varies with
the head pressure
Bottom of tube
of the height of the determines
liquid. reference point
Can’t be used in closed tanks or where purging a liquid is not allowed (soap).
Very popular in the paper industry because the air purge keeps the tube from
plugging.
Closed Tank Applications
P (atmospheric)
P Head = h x D
P Head = (h x D) + P vapour
Using a d/P Cell Transmitter
The differential pressure cell is one of the most common
methods of measuring level.
4 – 20 mA
24 VDC mA To PLC or
Controller
Lo side open to
atmosphere
4 – 20 mA
24 VDC mA To PLC or
Controller
H L
A generated pulse of
electromagnetic
energy travels
down the probe.
Upon reaching the
liquid surface the
pulse is reflected.
Load Cells
Tank level is determined by
the weight of the quantity
of material
Load Cells (strain gauge
transducers) placed at the
bottom of the tank
measure the weight and
then convert it to an
electrical signal.
Summary
• Hydrostatic Head
• Float
• Load Cells
• Magnetic Level
Gauge
• Capacitance
• Conductivity
• Ultrasonic
• Radar
• Guided Wave
Radar
• Dip Stick
Summary
• Level is measured by locating the
boundary between two media, called the
interface
• Level can be measured directly or
indirectly
• Noninvasive devices are preferred when
the material is corrosive, hazardous,
sterile, or at a high temperature or
pressure