MechChem Africa July-August 2024

Measurement for enhanced efficiency and safety of distillation units In the challenging petrochemical environment, precision and reliability are of utmost importance when it comes to measuring the level and pressure in distillation units. Two new cutting-edge solutions have emerged to tackle these challenges: The FIBERTRAC 31 and the VEGABAR 81. D istillation columns at petro chemical plants presents unique challenges due to the presence of highly viscous and heavy materi

als, as well as extreme temperatures during the distillation process. Accurate monitoring is critical for maintaining operational ef ficiency and ensuring the safety of the plant. The lower sections of distillation units con tain heavy and highly viscous materials that are often exposed to temperatures as high as +400 °C. To ensure accuracy and operational continuity in such conditions, non-contact measurement techniques must be used for reliable level control. It is equally important to monitor the headspace pressure in the upper areas of refinery columns. This accurate monitoring of both level and pressure is a key aspect of ensuring that the distillation process operates optimally, avoid ing potential inefficiencies or hazards. The FIBERTRAC 31 Radiometric Level Sensor The FIBERTRAC 31 is a flexible level detector that can be used in round vessels and those

Accurate monitoring, both level and pressure, of distillation columns in the petrochemical industry is key to process optimisation and overcoming potential inefficiencies and safety hazards.

withstand highly corrosive and hot media. Its chemical seal systems ensure dependable performance even in the most challenging conditions. The VEGABAR 81 can be integrated with other sensors from the VEGABAR series, enabling electronic differential pressure measurement. This capability opens new avenues for precise monitoring and enhances operational efficiency within distillation units. With petrochemical distillation units, precision is vital, and the conditions are incredibly harsh. Cutting-edge technologies such as the FIBERTRAC 31 and VEGABAR 81 are game-changers for the chemical and petrochemical industries. Innovative solu tions by VEGA provide accurate pressure and level measurement, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring a safer working en vironment for all stakeholders. By safeguarding against potential hazards, these technologies add value to the industry, making it more productive and reliable. Through dedication to precision and reliability, VEGA is redefining the measurement landscape. The company’s customised solutions are empowering plants to optimise their processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure the highest quality standards. Driven by a commitment to excellence, sensors and instruments continue to set new benchmarks for accuracy, durability, and performance. www.vega.com/en-za

with conical outlets. It can measure the levels of liquids, solids, slurries and suspensions, making it suitable for a wide range of ap plications. Its thin, flexible scintillator cross section ensures accurate measurement, even in harsh conditions. With its radiation-based sensor and plastic sensing element, it excels in continuous level measurement, even in extreme temperatures and with aggressive products. Its benefits include easy adaptation to round vessels, high plant availability through non-contact measurement, and cost savings – with a single sensor covering a 7.0 m measuring range.

The VEGABAR 81 Pressure Transmitter

The VEGABAR 81 is a reli able pressure measure ment solution that can

Left: The Vega FIBERTRAC 31 has a thin, flexible scintillator cross-section that ensures accurate measurement, even in harsh conditions. Right: The VEGABAR 81 can be integrated with other sensors from the VEGABAR series, enabling electronic differential pressure measurement.

20 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2024