Corrosion-resistant probe offers level measurement

Operators storing production chemicals or hydrocarbons in remote field locations must have an accurate and reliable knowledge of their inventory at any given instant. A new corrosion-resistant, submersible level probe (SLP) promises to deliver this for a range of fluids and operating scenarios.

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies developed the SLP with a molded-polymer (polyphenylene sulfide) exterior that houses a 316L stainless-steel diaphragm. The mechanically robust construction ensures a complete hermetic seal over an operating range of -40 to 80ºC. As a result, the sensor can be immersed in a range of corrosive fluids, from hydrocarbons to production chemicals and biocides.

The SLP employs the well-established hydrostatic-pressure technique to measure tank levels. In the technique, pressure transmitters are positioned at the bottom of liquid-containment vessels and the hydrostatic head, or pressure exerted by the fluid above the sensor, is measured.

The pressure data are either stored on site to data loggers or transmitted to a central data-collection point through wireless systems. This flexibility allows the SLP to provide level measurement in various tank-storage scenarios, from single tanks to multiple-point installations.

The measurement technique offers several advantages over ultrasonic level measurements. For example, there is no need to establish a line of sight between the transmitter and the fluid level, and there is no possibility that installation hardware or surface disruptions like foaming or the presence of floating objects can disrupt readings.

The SLP sensor, which finds extensive use in inventory control, is available in both gauge- and absolute-pressure versions, and can measure levels up to 70 m (230 ft) H₂O to an accuracy of 0.5%.

To learn more about GE's new SLP, contact PR & communications manager Lindsay Theile by email or visit www.ge.com/sensing.

Ted Moon is the Technology Editor of JPT Online. He brings information on emerging technologies, R&D successes, new field applications, updates from SPE papers about recent innovations, and more. If you have a question or suggestion for future article topics, email Ted at teched@spe.org.