As an important chemical raw material and energy product, the safety and economy of propane’s storage and transportation have received great attention.
Propane spherical tanks are the main equipment for storing propane, and the accurate measurement of their liquid levels is of great significance for ensuring production safety, optimizing inventory management, and reducing economic losses.
This article will discuss the characteristics of the liquid level of propane spherical tanks, and combine it with an actual measurement case to analyze the application effect of radar level gauges in propane spherical tank liquid level measurement.
Propane is a colorless, flammable gas that exists in a gaseous state at normal temperatures and pressures, but can liquefy at higher pressures or lower temperatures. Therefore, the liquid level in the propane spherical tank is greatly affected by temperature and pressure. The following are several key characteristics of the liquid level of propane spherical tanks:
1. Volatility: Due to the low boiling point of propane, it is easy to change from liquid to gaseous state even at low ambient temperatures, which requires the liquid level meter to be able to quickly Responds to fluid level changes to avoid reading lags.
2. Pressure fluctuation: The propane spherical tank will be accompanied by pressure changes during the filling and discharge process. This pressure fluctuation may cause liquid level fluctuations, which requires the liquid level meter to have good pressure resistance.
3. Temperature sensitivity: Changes in temperature will affect the density of propane, which in turn affects the liquid level reading. Therefore, the level gauge needs to be able to work stably at different temperatures.
4. High safety requirements: Due to the flammability of propane, any leakage may cause serious safety accidents. Level gauges must ensure a high degree of safety and reliability.
Radar level gauges are based on the principle of microwave pulses and measure liquid level by emitting microwave signals and receiving reflected signals. It has the following advantages:
1. Non-contact measurement: no direct contact with the medium is required, reducing maintenance needs and potential safety risks. 2. High precision: It can provide millimeter-level measurement accuracy to meet the needs of precise control.
3. Strong adaptability: not affected by changes in media such as temperature, pressure, viscosity and density.
4. Easy to install and maintain: Easy to install and low maintenance cost.
In the liquid level measurement of propane spherical tanks in a chemical plant, an advanced radar level meter was used for real-time monitoring.
The spherical tank has a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 20 meters and is designed to store liquefied propane. In actual operation, the radar level gauge is installed on the top of the spherical tank and directly aimed at the liquid surface through the waveguide.
After analyzing the use effect of the radar level gauge, we found the following points:
1. High measurement accuracy: In actual operation, the radar level gauge can accurately reflect the changes in propane level, and the error is controlled within ±2mm.
2. Good stability: Whether in an environment with temperature fluctuations or pressure changes, the radar level gauge can work stably without false alarms or omissions.
3. Safe and reliable: Due to the use of non-contact measurement, the risk of leakage is greatly reduced and the safety of the entire storage process is ensured.
Radar level gauges have the advantages of high accuracy, good stability, safety and reliability in propane spherical tank level measurement.
It can not only adapt to the special physical properties of propane, but also provide reliable measurement data in complex industrial environments, providing strong technical support for the safe storage and management of propane.
With the continuous advancement of technology, radar level gauges will play a more important role in the petrochemical industry.