Multiphase level measurements exist throughout process industries. They are especially significant in the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors due to the value derived from effectively separating water and hydrocarbon. 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.
Magnetrol-AMETEK announces the new Genesis™ Multiphase Detector for multiphase detection, measurement, and control. The new Genesis device encompasses several significant engineering accomplishments. It is designed to measure multiple phases in applications with thick and dynamic emulsion layers and therefore is able to differentiate the following different phases in a tank: vapor, total level (e.g., hydrocarbon liquid), top of emulsion layer, bottom of emulsion layer (e.g., water level, sediment.
Time Domain Reflectometry
For measurement the TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) technology is used. In this pulses of electromagnetic energy measure distances or levels. When a pulse reaches a dielectric discontinuity (created by the surface of a process medium), part of the energy is reflected. The larger the dielectric discontinuity, the larger the amplitude of the reflection.
The Genesis™ Multiphase Detector has a 24VDC input with four 4-20mA outputs (including HART) for convenient control of total level, top of emulsion, water level, and sediment. The signal is concurrently generated top-down and bottom-up for best measuring results. Changing media characteristics have no effect on level measurement, there are no moving parts in the process, which reduces measurement errors and potential downtimes. A 4-button keypad and graphic LCD display allow for viewing of configuration parameters and performance curves, the electronics can be remote mounted up to 100 feet (30 meters) away from the probe. Proactive diagnostics for scheduling maintenance and mitigating unplanned shutdowns can be used probe designs are available up to +200C / 70 bar (+400F / 1000psi).
