The Superior Performance of Jiwei Liquid Level Switches in Crude Oil Storage Tanks
Jiwei’s Liquid Level Switch is widely acclaimed for level measurement in crude oil storage tanks, thanks to its stable and reliable performance. Let’s explore the reasons behind its recognition and trust by analyzing the technical requirements for level meters in crude oil storage tanks, comparing it with similar products in the market, and highlighting the technical advantages of Jiwei Liquid Level Switches.
1. Technical Requirements for Level Meters in Crude Oil Storage Tanks
Crude oil storage tanks are essential in the petrochemical industry. According to the “National Safety Supervision Bureau: Notice on Further Strengthening Safety Management in the Area of Chemical Storage Tanks” (No. 86, 2014), crude oil storage tanks must be equipped with continuous level meters (such as radar level meters and differential pressure transmitters) and liquid level switches for overfill and dry run alarms.
For example, in crude oil pipeline transportation stations, two level switches are installed on the external wall of each tank for overfill and dry run alarms. These switches, along with electric valves on the input and output pipelines, form an interlock protection system. When the oil level reaches a designated high or low level, the level switches send alarm signals, prompting the interlock system to close the electric valves, preventing overfill or dry run conditions.
Given the flammable, explosive, and adhesive nature of crude oil, the chosen liquid level switches must be explosion-proof and resistant to material buildup. Missing alarms or false alarms can significantly increase the risk of crude oil leakage and pump damage, making high reliability a fundamental requirement.
2. Comparison Between Various Liquid Level Switches
There are several types of liquid level switches commonly used:
| Level Switch | Measuring Principle | Features | Ex. Protection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Float Liquid Level Switch | A magnetic float moves with the liquid level, triggering a reed switch. | Simple, easy to use, prone to sticking. | Flameproof enclosure | Low |
| Capacitive Liquid Level Switch | Detects capacitance changes between the probe and tank wall. | Tolerates slight buildup, corrosion-resistant, difficult to calibrate, poor accuracy. | Intrinsic safety and flameproof enclosure | Moderate |
| External Liquid Level Switch | Uses ultrasonic technology for non-contact measurement. | No need to stop operations for cleaning, installation demanding, prone to false alarms. | Intrinsic safety and flameproof enclosure | High |
| Liquid Level Switch | Uses piezoelectric devices for vibration detection. | Not affected by media properties, simple installation, no calibration or maintenance, tolerates slight buildup. | Intrinsic safety and flameproof enclosure | Moderate |
From the table, we can see the drawbacks of other switches. Float switches often stick due to crude oil’s viscosity, and capacitive switches struggle with buildup and calibration. External switches are expensive and prone to signal disturbance. In contrast, Jiwei’s Liquid Level Switch, with its integrated structure and no moving parts, is unaffected by liquid surface fluctuations and requires no calibration after installation.
3. Characteristics and Advantages of Jiwei Liquid Level Switches
Jiwei’s Liquid Level Switches are favored in crude oil storage tanks due to the following advantages:
- Tolerance to Material Buildup: Compared to float and capacitive switches, Jiwei’s Liquid Level Switches handle material buildup more effectively.
- Reduced False Alarms: Jiwei switches have higher redundancy against material buildup, reducing false alarms. A notable example is a customer in Xinjiang who experienced false alarms with another manufacturer’s switch but found Jiwei’s Ring-11 Liquid Level Switch to be more reliable.
- Explosion Protection: Jiwei Ring-11 Liquid Level Switch meets Intrinsic Safety (Ex ia IIC T6) and Flameproof Enclosure (Ex d IIC T6) standards, making it safe for petrochemical applications.
Customer feedback from petrochemical companies in Xinjiang has confirmed that Jiwei Ring-11 Liquid Level Switches perform exceptionally well in crude oil storage tanks, providing reliable and accurate level measurement without false alarms.