Optimal Level Measurement Solution for Pipeline in Pump Protection System
In the petrochemical industry, pump protection systems are used to convey liquids and provide pressure and flow during the production process. These systems play a crucial role in petrochemical companies. Pumps transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover or other external sources to liquids, increasing their energy. When materials reach a high level (alarm), the pump stops working, and material transmission is suspended; when materials reach a low level (alarm), the pump restarts, and material transmission resumes. The liquid level switch is installed inside the pipeline to detect the presence or absence of liquid and outputs the corresponding signal to control the pump’s operation, ensuring the transmission system functions properly.
The reliability and accuracy of a liquid level meter are vital to the entire pump protection system. If the level switch fails to send an alarm and control signal when liquid, especially hazardous liquid, reaches a maximum high level, the liquid may overflow. This could disrupt factory operations and even lead to severe accidents, threatening the safety of employees and the business. If the level switch fails to send an alarm and control signal when liquid reaches a minimum low level, it could cause the pump to run dry, damaging the pump and halting production. High-quality pumps are often expensive, and pump damage can lead to significant financial losses for the business. Therefore, accurate and reliable level measurement for pipelines in pump protection systems is essential to operations.
1. The Challenges of Pipeline Level Measurement in Pump Protection Systems
Despite the clear importance of pump protection systems and significant investments in them, pump failures still occur frequently. This can be attributed not only to pump quality but also to the unreliability of level meters. The following challenges in pipeline liquid level measurement within pump protection systems must be considered:
- Limited installation space: The available positions for installing level meters may be restricted due to confined spaces.
- Probe length limitations: The diameter of pipelines is often small, necessitating shorter probe lengths.
- High ingress protection requirements: The level meter needs to be highly resistant to environmental factors.
- Consistency and reliability: Level meters must consistently provide accurate readings.
- Performance stability: The level meter’s performance should not be affected by the flow rate or viscosity of the measured medium.
2. Comparison of Different Liquid Level Meters for Pipeline Measurement in Pump Protection Systems
Due to the challenges associated with level measurement in pipelines and the critical role it plays in pump protection systems, high standards are required for level meters. However, choosing an appropriate level meter for pipeline measurement can be difficult. To assist customers in understanding the performance and characteristics of various level meters and in selecting the most suitable option for specific working conditions, a comparison of common liquid level meters is provided in the table below:
| Liquid Level Meter | Probe Length | Reliability | Medium Factor | Protection Level | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Externally SMD type of liquid level switch | — | High | Moderate | High | Low |
| Flowmeter | — | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low |
| Capacitive level switch | Long | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Common fork liquid level switches from other domestic manufacturers | >80mm | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Jiwei Ring-11 fork liquid level switch | 40mm | High | Low | High | High |
| Imported brand fork liquid level switch | 40mm | High | Low | High | Moderate |
From the table above, it is clear that most liquid level meters from domestic manufacturers do not meet the requirements for pipeline level measurement in pump protection systems. Imported brand products, while suitable, are often too expensive and offer a low cost-effectiveness ratio.
3. Jiwei Fork Liquid Level Switch: An Optimal Solution for Pipeline Level Measurement in Pump Protection Systems
Jiwei’s Ring-11 Fork Liquid Level Switch is a highly reliable and compact level switch, specializing in liquid level measurement. It is especially well-suited for pipeline level measurement, with a fork body length of only 40 mm. In principle, the Ring-11 switch detects changes in the vibration frequency of the fork body when it is immersed in the measured liquid. The measurable medium density can be as low as 0.5 g/cm³. It is suitable for acids such as HCL, H₂SO₄, H₂SO₃, and alkali liquids, syrups, medical liquids, industrial wastewater, and more. It can also handle complex applications where foams, air bubbles, or higher viscosity liquids are present.
Key Advantages and Features of Jiwei Ring-11 Fork Liquid Level Switch:
- Compact and lightweight design: With a fork body only 40 mm long, it is particularly suitable for pipeline level measurement.
- Low measurable liquid density: Capable of measuring liquid densities as low as 0.5 g/cm³.
- High temperature endurance: Can handle process temperatures as high as 250°C.
- High reliability: It detects changes in vibration frequency, resulting in higher reliability.
- Strong interference resistance: Performance is not affected by foams, air bubbles, liquid viscosity, or vibration interference.
From the comparison table and the features of Jiwei’s Ring-11 Fork Liquid Level Switch, it is evident that level meters from different manufacturers have their own advantages. However, Jiwei’s Ring-11 Fork Liquid Level Switch stands out as a high-quality product with stable performance, higher reliability, and a high cost-effective ratio. Its compact design is ideal for pipeline level measurement in pump protection systems and is currently widely used in various industries for pump protection systems. Its exceptional performance and reliability are highly valued by customers. Overall, there is no doubt that Jiwei’s Ring-11 Fork Liquid Level Switch is an ideal solution for pipeline level measurement in pump protection systems.