Technical college of engineering

Department of petrochemical
Year: Second (2017-2018)

Process control

Name: Kayhan Saied

Bryar Xalil
Azhin sardar
Jihad Abdulkariml

Experiment name: level measures instrument and transmitter

NO. Of experiment: 4
Group: c
Date: 2. 12. 2017

10
Introduction
Level sensors are the devices which are used to detect the level of flowing
substances such as liquids, slurries, granular materials, and powders etc. Due
to gravity, all these substances flow to form a basic level in their physical
boundaries .These flowing substances can have their boundary either in the
form of a container (vessel) or natural form like a river or a lake. Level
Measurement
Methods the two major methods of level measurement are:
Continuous level Method: In this method, continuous level sensors Are
employed which determine liquid level within a given range instead of at a
single point. These sensors usually indicate the correct amount of substance in
the specified area. These sensors are extra sophisticated and capable enough to
perform level monitoring for the complete system. Via this method an analog
output is generated which directly correlates to the level in the container.
Point level method: In this method, point level sensors are used which can
only detect whether the substance level is above or below the sensing point.
This method is typically used to deal with fluid levels which are exceptionally
high or low.
Selection of Level Sensors
While selecting an optimum type of level sensor for a particular application,
one must resolve following issues:
1. Which substance need to be measured, for example, liquid, slurry, solid,
interface, granular, or powder.
2. Specify whether the level sensor can be inserted into the tank or kept
outside.
3. Decide upon the suitability of continuous level or point sensor for the
given application.
4. Specify whether the substance being measured is electrically conductive
or not.
5. State the type of output required i.e. analog, relay or digital display.
6. Indicate the required temperature and pressure range depending upon
the application.
7. Specify the required level measurement range.
8. Identify whether turbulence, foam or vapor arises at the surface of the
liquid or not.
9. Make out whether material under consideration coats or builds up on
surfaces.

Types of Level Sensors

Level measurement is not merely the determination of the presence or absence
of a liquid at a particular level. It is a much more complex process than this.
Nowadays many advance level-measuring devices are available which
comprise of diagnostics as well as configuration. They are competent enough
to transfer process data over a network for remote monitoring and control
instrumentation. Some of the level measurement devices include PID control
as well. Most widely used liquid level sensors are given below:

Float Switches.
These are point level sensors which include a magnetic float moving with the
liquid surface. It activates a hermetically
sealed "reed switch" in the stem. This is a simple type of flow sensor which
offers many advantages like
. Less maintenance
.easy installation
. Minimized shock, vibration, and pressure
A reed switch is mainly of two types i.e. single pole, single throw (SPST) or
single pole, double throw (SPDT).
Non-Contact Ultrasonic Sensors
These types of sensors consist of following elements:
 Analog signal processor
 Microprocessor
 Binary coded decimal i.e. BCD range switches Output driver circuit

The microprocessor generates the transmit pulses and a gate signal which
passes through the analog signal processor to
the sensor, which then transmits an ultrasonic beam to the fluid surface. An
echo is returned from the surface which is detected by the sensor and
transferred back to the microprocessor. This is done to digitally represent the
distance between the sensor and the surface level. The microprocessor keeps a
constant record of received signals and hence calculates averaged values for
measurement of liquid level.

Contact Ultrasonic Sensors

These types of ultrasonic sensors consist of no moving parts and hence need no
calibration. These sensors normally find their use in vessels or pipes to
automatically run pumps and activate solenoid valves and high/low alarms.
These sensors are well-suited for almost all liquids and are not affected by
coatings, clinging droplets, foam, and vapor. However, these
sensors pose problem when they are employed with extremely aerated liquids
and liquids viscous enough to clog the sensor gap.

Capacitance Level Sensors

Just like ultrasonic sensors, these types of sensors can also offer both point and
continuous level measurement. These sensors basically consist of a probe to
examine liquid level changes in the tank. Electronically outputs are
conditioned to capacitive and resistive values, which are then transformed into
analog signals. The probe employed for measurement
Purpose can be either rigid or flexible. In general, rigid probes are applied in
turbulent situations, since they tend to offer higher stability in such cases.
However, flexible probes come into use when there is not adequate clearance
available for a rigid probe or in applications where very long lengths are
required.