che_december-2024 - 12

Newsfront
Level Up
C
Advanced level measurement devices enhanced with intelligence solve CPI challenges
" When attempting to measure and
hemical processes often
require handling media that
is corrosive, flammable, explosive
or toxic with wide
ranges in temperature and pressure
and characteristics that include
steam, dust, foam, turbulence and
condensation. All these factors, often
in combination, can make it challenging
for level instrumentation to provide
accurate and reliable measurements.
However, today's non-contact
and radar-based level measurement
technologies enhanced with intelligence
solve the industry's biggest
level measurement challenges.
" The primary obstacles for chemical
processors in level measurement
and control stem from the nature of
the materials being processed, " explains
Brittany Cost, level product
manager with SOR Controls Group
(Lenexa, Kan.; sorinc.com). Some
of the greatest challenges include
the following:
* Corrosive media: Many chemical
processes involve handling highly
corrosive substances like acids,
bases or solvents, which can damage
traditional sensors.
* Harsh environments: High pressures,
extreme temperatures and
abrasive materials can damage measurement
devices, leading to inaccurate
readings and equipment failure.
* Tank configurations: The geometry
of tanks, presence of agitators and
interference from internal structures
can cause measurement errors.
* Foaming or turbulence: In some
processes, foaming or turbulence
can create false readings for certain
types of level sensors.
* Viscous or sticky materials: Thick,
sticky or viscous materials can interfere
with sensor surfaces, leading to
inaccurate readings.
* Safety
and
compliance: Ensuring
level measurement meets strict
safety standards and regulatory requirements
is essential to avoid risks
in chemical processing.
12
Digitalization is key
" How can today's smart instruments
help chemical processors
produce more prodcontrol
level in diverse and challenging
applications, the greatest needs
for level measurement and control
equipment in chemical plants revolve
around ensuring precision, reliability
and safety, " says Jenny Leion,
industry manager for chemicals,
with Emerson (Shakopee, Minn.;
emerson.com).
" Beyond accuracy, ease of installation
and maintenance are key
considerations, " Leion continues.
" Modern chemical plants require instruments
that integrate seamlessly
with digital control systems, while
providing
self-diagnostics
to
minimize
downtime. Instruments should
be capable of handling harsh environments
while still providing consistent
performance.
" Furthermore, advanced
level
measurement
devices
should support enhanced
connectivity and data analytics, "
says Leion. " The ability
to gather, transmit and
analyze reliable process data
is crucial for optimizing production,
reducing operational
costs and enabling predictive
maintenance strategies. This
data-driven approach helps
improve overall process efficiency,
enhances safety and
supports sustainable operations
in this increasingly complex
and regulated industry. "
To that end, providers of instrumentation
are leveling up
their game when it comes to
level
measurement
devices
with the introduction of advanced
instrumentation that is
enhanced with intelligence to
provide solutions to many level
measurement issues.
FIGURE 1. The Rosemount 3408 non-contacting radar level
transmitter is a frequency modulated continuous-wave
radar instrument suitable for level measurement and overfill
prevention. Its smart features maximize efficiency for
trouble-free operations, simplifying commissioning, operation
and testing
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
DECEMBER 2024
Emerson
ucts with fewer resources? This is
one of the major challenges most
facilities are facing, " says Keith
Riley, national product manager for
Endress+Hauser USA (Greenwood,
Ind.; us.endress.com). " The need
for added value beyond the primary
measurement can be categorized
into one of three areas: simplicity,
safety and increased productivity. "
He says these are achieved using
a variety of improvements, including:
* Human-machine interfaces (HMI)
that are more intuitive and informative
* Instrument-led commissioning to
reduce human error and time
* Tools that allow plant personnel to
diagnose instruments in situ, reducing
the need for technicians to enter
hazardous environments
* Preventive diagnostics to reduce
http://us.endress.com http://www.emerson.com http://www.sorinc.com http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
che_december-2024

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