HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
(OP)
I want to measure the interface levels in a Hydrofluoric acid settler. Due to the nature of HFA a non-contact measurement device is strongly preffered. So far the only non-contact solution that appears to be capable of measuring the various interface levels is a Vega nucleonic density measurement device. It produces a density profile of the vessel from which the interface between the HFA - Emulsion Layer - Hydrocarbons can clearly be seen. The trouble with this method is the obvious risk surrounding radioactive material and the high cost (£60k).
Can anyone suggest a alternative method or a nucleonic device that might be less expensive?
Can anyone suggest a alternative method or a nucleonic device that might be less expensive?





RE: HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
RE: HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
RE: HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
Detector: LJTH-36-V1-H0-M0-S00-P0
We are using this to detect the level in the HF regenerator column, so this is not an interface. We have tried using the internal radioactive type densometers in our settlers, but they were very problematic. These were older models that had cables to bring the source up and down inside the vessel.
Currently in our (2) acid settlers we are using the Fisher DLC3000 level indicator with a float column to give the interface between HF and HC. Looking at the maintenance record, the only thing we do to them are recalibration (every few months.) This could be another option for you.
RE: HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
Our current device is a Berthold radioactive density measurement device that like yours send the source and detector up and down dry wells via an Enraf servo motor. It has worked well for 15 years but now its reliability has come it to question as it has become problematic.
Cheers for your assistance.
RE: HFA Settler Interface Level Measurement
The Fisher DLC3000 has a seal on it that segregates the electronics from the process. All wetted parts are monel. We have had this instrument in service for over 5 years now. Originally, it was a 249B caged displacer with a pneumatic transmitter on it. We have since converted over to Honeywell TDC3000 DCS control, and that's when we put the DLC3000 on the existing gauge chamber (about 1.5 yrs ago). Good luck.
http://www.emersonprocess.com/fisher//products/tour/fmi.html