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Level Measurement and Instruments

The Measurement of Level involves a Comprehensive Knowledge of many Level Measurement Techniques and the Associated Level Instrumentation. This page which is just full of free Information on Level Instrumentation is a Fantastic Technical Resource. It provides information on General Level Measurement Theory, Measurement Techniques including Boiler Level Control, Bubbler Tube Level Measurement, Capacitance, Displacers, Float/Magnetic, Hydrostatic (Head Pressure),  Laser Level, Level Gauges, Non Contact, Penetrating Pulse, Profile Concepts, Radio Frequency, Nucleonic, Radar, Resistance Tape, Ultrasonic, Site Glasses, Thermal Dispersion, Vibrating Level Switches, Level Measurement Applications, Standards for Level Measurement and Lots More!

General Level Measurement Theory

Technical Handbook from Magnetrol - This comprehensive publication provides important conversions, chemical properties, equivalents and pipe data - thanks to ISA.
Level Technology Comparison - This is a very comprehensive table- thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
Taking the Safe and Easy Approach - A  Tune up of your Instrument Practices - Want to make your process instrumentation installations safer, more reliable, and easier to use? Then read on for a few insiders tips- thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol

Other Links
Level Measurement Information Notes- Inx Inc
Level Calibration Notes - Inx Inc
3.13 Capacitance Level Measurement Technology - David W. Spitzer - Capacitance level measurement sensors are probes that are partially covered by material in the vessel. Rising level tends to cover more of a probe inserted from the top of the vessel - from Spitzer and Boyes.
Level Overview - a comparison of technologies -(supplied by Able Instruments and Controls Limited UK)
The Principles of Level Measurement - Gabor Vass, Princo Instruments, Inc and sensorsmag.com
Level Measurement selection Criteria - from omega.com 
Water Level Accuracy and Correcting for Errors due to Gravitational Acceleration and Liquid Density - Ronny D. Harris, Ph.D -from In-Situ Inc
Improving Differential Pressure Diaphragm Seal System Performance and Installed Cost - Best practice diaphragm seal installation to compensate errors caused by temperature variations - from Emerson Process Management  
4.13 Choices in Automated Level Detection-Part 1 and Part 2 – This article provides a useful overview of level instrumentation techniques and technologies – from the excellent processonline.com.au 

Level Measurement Applications

Magnetrol have a Comprehensive Library of Level Applications which detail possible level measurement solutions - so if you need help in this regard just hit this link. 
3.13 How well do you Understand Safety Integrity Level (SIL)? - This brochure targets safety applications and installations like Emergency Shutdown Systems, however it is worth noting that more than 90% of all applications are not safety-related.  Some engineers are now using the SIL data as an indicator for reliability, i.e., the better the numbers, the more reliable the instrument - from our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol.  
3.13 The Impact of Instrument-Induced Errors on Feedwater Heater Heat Rate - A key way to reduce a power plant’s heat rate – and fuel costs – is to ensure accurate level control within its feedwater heaters. Although many physical anomalies can degrade feedwater heater performance, many older power plants use outdated level technologies. Older level technologies simply cannot achieve a performance level sufficient to manage controllable losses due to instrument-induced errors - from our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol.

Level Measurement by Industry

Magnetrol have a Comprehensive Interactive List of Level Solutions by Industry.

Accoustic Volume Measurement 

4.13 Acoustic Volume Mapping - An ideal solution for bulk solids and powders - acoustic volume mapping can help you make informed inventory control and usage decisions. This system measures the volume of bulk solids and powders in any size or shape of storage vessel. It accurately measures bulk solids and powders in any type of container, silo or open bin – regardless of the type of material or product characteristics – to provide continuously reliable volume and inventory information Also it measures challenging applications that were previously not possible, including buildup loads and random irregularities that can occur over time.

Capacitance Level Measurement 

RF Capacitance- The basics-thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
Other Links
RF/Capacitance Level Instrumentation-from omega.com 

Displacer Level Measurement 

Electronic Displacer Transmitter Liquid Level Measurement Basics - A good introduction from Magnetrol.
Displacer switch operation - This is based upon simple buoyancy, whereby a spring is loaded with weighted displacers which are heavier than the liquid-from Magnetrol.
Dont take the Risk - Is your Bulk Liquid Storage Tank Protected?- Do you have bulk liquid storage tanks containing petroleum products, ammonia, caustic chemicals, acids, ethanol, bitumen, pharmaceuticals, beverages, tallow where overflow could occur. This article describes how an high integrity, independent level switch, preferably of different technology to that used for the tank gauging system, is required to monitor any failure of the auto tank gauging system and shut down product transfers -thanks to our sponsor Austral Powerflo Solutions

Float/Magnetic Level Measurement 

The Following technical information is compliments of our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol

Selecting the Right  Magnetic Level Indicator - Companies in the process industry need the ability to visually monitor liquid levels in vessels (boilers, storage tanks, processing units, etc.). Traditionally, armored glass sight gauges have been used. However, many companies want an alternative to sight gauges to avoid problems such as breakage, leaks, or bursting at high pressures and extreme temperatures. In addition, the visibility of the sight glass can be poor and often affected by moisture, corrosion, or oxidation.Magnetic level indicators (MLIs) do not have the shortcomings of glass sight gauges and are suitable for a wide variety of installations.
Float- Details of float measurement techniques explained
Atlas MLI vs. Gage Glasses
Evolution of Magnetic Level Indicators
Replacing DP Transmitters with Magnetic Level Indicators
MLI Branch Connection Comparison - Full-Bore / Full Penetration vs. Extruded Tee - This application note provides a comparison of Orion’s full-bore/full penetration (conventional) branch connections and extruded tee branch connections as used on Magnetic Level Indicators
External Caged Floats- the basics
Float Level Switches - the basics
Magnetic Level Indicators- the basics

Other Links
Typical Specific Gravities- from KTek
Resistive Magnetic Level for LPG tanks  - Thanks to Bintech

Non Contact Level Measurement 

Demystifying Noncontact Gauge Performance Statements -David W. Spitzer - Currently, there are at least 30 different methods for stating the performance of noncontact gauges, making it nearly impossible for users to compare and contrast level measurement devices against each other. Level measurement systems perform a relatively basic function — they determine the inventory of a contained material. But selecting a level measurement instrument is far from simple, especially when one considers the wide variety of performance statement methodologies users must decipher when evaluating noncontact level gauges. While there are many level measurement systems that can gauge the inventory of liquid in a vessel, the number of viable solutions decreases significantly when the vessel is agitated and/or operates at high temperatures. Further, foaming and the effects of filling and emptying the vessel can result in added complication. Therefore, level measurement applications require careful engineering, which demands that users have a clear understanding of the actual meaning of different supplier performance specifications - from Flow Control.

Radar Level Measurement 

The Following technical information is compliments of our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
Choosing the Right Guided Wave Radar Product -Kevin Martyn,
Guided Wave Radar vs. Differential Pressure Transmitters for Liquid Level Measurement - Over the years, however, newer level measurement devices have emerged and are consistently capturing market share from older technologies which utilize mechanical and pressure-based measurement-including DP transmitters. Technologies such as Non-Contact Radar, RF Capacitance, Ultrasonic, Magnetostrictive, and GuidedWave Radar employ the latest microprocessor-based digital electronics. By incorporating internal diagnostics, these devices have improved the control, analysis, communication, and overall reliability of fluid level management systems - from www.controlglobal.com 
Eclipse® GWR vs. RF Capacitance - Boyce Carsella -Is it time to replace your troublesome RF Capacitance/Admittance Liquid Level Transmitters?  
Non-Contact Radar Measurement - An examination of the various types - Kevin Martyn
Radar/Magnetic- This unit incorporates Magnetrol’s advanced Eclipse guided wave radar technology with the time proven and time tested magnetic level indicator.
Comparison of Guided Wave Radar against other level Measurement Technologies- This is a neat comparison tool 
Guided Wave Radar -the basics
Pulse Burst Radar - The basics
Replacing Old Technology - Revitalising level measurement accuracy at a Soviet-era plant   
Sanitary Liquid Level Measurement - Drug-makers are now choosing solid-state, non-mechanical devices that deliver higher accuracy, require less frequent calibration, offer enhanced validation schemes, and are installed in such a way that an instrument failure won’t compromise process uptime or derail a batch in process.
Gauge Your Level Instrumentation - Keith Larson - Technology advances and downtime avoidance steer drug makers toward top-mount, non-intrusive methods for continuous liquid level measurement.
Level Indicators Reach New Heights -  Exactly how much is in there? It’s an easy question if you can see into a tank, but what if you’re basically blind, or your tanks must be sealed? Sure, traditional solutions may work for awhile, but they’re historically hard to maintain and sometimes lack accuracy.
Radar Level Gauges - Frequently Asked Questions - Bob Botwinski
Pulsar Radar Level Up to the Challenge at Chemical Plant -  This facility offered  numerous challenging level measurement applications, including overfill and spill protection requirements. This is a large 7.0 MB download.
Upgrading Level Instrumentation - Field Upgrades aren't always as easy as 1, 2, 3 - Walt Boyes - Control Magazine
Eclipse®705 receives SIL3 Certificate from Exida - Magnetrol International, Incorporated has announced that exida, an accredited global functional safety certification company, has certified the product reliability and the engineering change processes for the Eclipse® Model 705 Guided Wave Radar Transmitter as Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 capable per IEC 61508. SIL certification is obtained through analysis based on quantitative data and tests indicating the length of time between failures and expected performance in the field. A Failure Mode Effect and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) confirmed that the Magnetrol® Eclipse Model 705 has demonstrated a solid field use history, includes sound engineering processes, and is designed with capable self-diagnostics. Download the IEC61508 Functional Safety Assessment here.

Other Links
Radar Level Measurement Best Practice - Sarah Parker, Applications Manager, Emerson Process Management, Rosemount division - The emergence of radar has been an important advance in the level measurement field. Radar represents a cost effective, accurate solution that is immune to density and other process fluid changes as well as most vapour space conditions - from Emerson Process Management and the Read-Out Instrumentation Signpost.
Non-Contact Radar Level Measurement - David W. Spitzer - Some basic technical information.
Innovation in Level Measurement - End-of-Probe Algorithm - From automation.com 
Guided Wave Radar Transmitters:Meeting the Challenge for Level-Detection Under Harsh Conditions- From automation.com 
Proper Employment of Guided Wave Radar in Steam Loops - Keith Riley and Ravi Jethra - This white paper discusses how guided wave radar can be used to measure level in steam applications such as feedwater tanks, high pressure preheaters, hotwells and drums from www.automation.com and and Endress+Hauser.

Resistance Tape Technology Level Measurement

Principle of Operation -  Resistance Tape Level Measurement  is remarkably different from other level sensors; in principle, appearance, and performance. The sensor consists of a gold plated, stainless steel base strip, partially insulated from a gold plated wire that is wound around the base strip to form a helix. This helix is sheathed in either Mylar or Hastelloy^TM to insulate the sensor's inner elements from the liquid to be measured. Sliding the sheathed helix into a protective channel that leaves the front of the sensor exposed then completes the sensor. The sensor is generally contained within a still pipe suspended from the top of the tank. However, other mounting options are available.

Ultrasonic Level Measurement 

The Following technical information is compliments of our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
Principal of Operation
Ultrasonic Contact - The basics
Ultrasonic Non-Contact - The basics
Flexibility, Powerful Performance from Magnetrol Ultrasonic - Magnetrol’s new Echotel Model 355 Transmitter Can Handle Applications That Were Unthinkable Just a Few Years Ago - As advances in digital signal processing and low-power operation circuits make their way into the design of field instruments, ultrasonic level transmitters have gotten smarter and more effective. Thanks to www.controlglobal.com 

Other Links
Sound Advice - The measurement of level and flow is crucial to effective and efficient waste water treatment. Ultrasonic technology promises that and some more. From AIA.
No Contact Means Ultra Level Measurement - In level-measuring applications where it’s undesirable to have contact of the measuring instrument with the liquid in the process, a sonic or ultrasonic device may be an option. These types of level-measurement instruments really measure the distance from one point in the vessel (usually a reference point) to the level interface with another fluid. The general operating principle of both sonic and ultrasonic devices is similar - from ISA and InTech.

Tapping Point Blockage Tools

Tapping Point Blockage- Automatic Cleaning tool, see the advantages of this advanced technology on the  level applications page. This tool has the potential to save big $$ in production downtime, utilities (purge) use and above all has the potential to improve safety.

Thermal Dispersion Level Measurement

Thermal Dispersion -The basics, thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol

Liquid Level/Interface Monitoring in Flocculant/Sludge Control - Steven Craig - Precisely measuring and controlling the mixture of wastewater effluent, flocculants and sludge is essential to efficient water treatment. The level/interface instruments that support the process liquid measurements must be capable of distinguishing between liquids with varying properties in order to detect the levels where the different liquids interface in the pond or tank - from Fluid Components International (FCI).

Vibrating Level Switches

Vibrating Switches - The basics - thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol

Boiler Level Control

Boiler Drum Level Transmitter Calibration - Steam Drum Level is both a critical and difficult measurement to make. Control of the water level in the drum must be precise. Thanks to Emerson Process Management.
The Boiler Drum Level Measurement Guide - Engineers must be ever vigilant to insure the integrity of the equipment and designs they employ when dealing with critical process applications.  Some processes have been studied quite thoroughly and necessary control requirements are already well defined. Hundreds of thousands of boilers have been placed in service and the elements needed for proper drum level measurement are well understood. Years of experience have gone into determining satisfactory designs. Unfortunately, a failure to compile and distribute this information has resulted in many engineers going “back to the drawing board” for every new project. Isn’t this wealth of experience available somewhere. New products and methods are being constantly introduced. But how do these new products combine with existing equipment? Are there regulations which these new methods must meet? Is this really a new product, or a research experiment? This excellent 28 page guide is intended to help in the engineering effort. A sampling of “Tried and True” designs enhanced with the latest developments in equipment and methodology are presented. Hopefully it will provide safer operation of the boiler, save time for the design engineer, and simplify the selection of components that are required to efficiently and safely monitor and control the boiler drum level  - Thanks to The Clark-Reliance Corporation.
Boiler Drum Level Measurement - The primary function of a utility boiler is to convert water into steam which is used to turn a steam turbine thus, generating electricity. A steam/water interface exists within the boiler drum. An objective for safe and efficient boiler operation is to maintain a constant level in the boiler drum. This can be accomplished by maintaining a balance between the amounts of steam leaving and water entering the boiler drum. Unfortunately, boiler drum level control is complicated by changes in electrical load requirements or variations in the fuel and air supply - from Yokogawa.
Boiler Drum Level Control - Drum level control is critical to good boiler operation, as well as safe boiler operation - Jerry Gilman -The drum level must be controlled to the limits specified by the boiler manufacturer. If the drum level does not stay within these limits, there may be water carryover. If the level exceeds the limits, boiler water carryover into the superheater or the turbine may cause damage resulting in extensive maintenance costs or outages of either the turbine or the boiler. If the level is low, overheating of the water wall tubes may cause tube ruptures and serious accidents, resulting in expensive repairs, downtime, and injury or death to personnel. A rupture or crack most commonly occurs where the tubes connect to the drum. Damage may be a result of numerous or repeated low drum level conditions where the water level is below the tube entry into the drum - from ISA and InTech.
Boiler Drum Level Measurement and Control - David C. Farthing -  Improved efficiency can have many connotations everything from fuel savings, improved equipment operation and useful life span, to labour and manpower savings. This paper will focus on the effects of boiler drum level and feedwater control as a means of energy savings by thermal/mass balancing the boiler. This paper will also discuss the effects of steam drum pressure and feedwater temperature on the overall efficiency of the boiler - from Federal Corporation.
Cascade, Feed Forward and Boiler Level Control - Allen D. Houtz  - One common application of cascade control combined with feed forward control is in level control systems for boiler steam drums. The control strategies now used in modern industrial boiler systems had their beginnings on shipboard steam propulsion boilers. When boilers operated at low pressure, it was reasonably inexpensive to make the steam drum large. In a large drum, liquid level moves relatively slowly in response to disturbances (it has a long time constant). Therefore, manual or automatic adjustment of the feedwater valve in response to liquid level variations was an effective control strategy. However as boiler operating pressures have increased over the years, the cost of building and installing large steam drums forced the reduction of the drum size for a given steam production capacity. The consequence of smaller drum size is an attendant reduction in process time constants, or the speed with which important process variables can change. Smaller time constants mean upsets must be addressed more quickly, and this has led to the development of increasingly sophisticated control strategies - from the controlguru
All in One Glass - Alternate approach to gage-glass maintenance leads to more accurate drum level measurement - Dale P. Evely - Southern Company, a producer of electricity, fiber optics, and wireless communications, developed an alternate approach to address gage glass maintenance issues as well as measurement uncertainties associated with water-column-type measurements - from ISA and InTech
Boiling Water is easy as One, Two, Three, Four according to David W. Spitzer There’s more to boiler level control than measuring level and adjusting a feedwater valve. Improved measurements and inverse response are just a few of the influences on operating boilers in a reliable manner. Thanks to ControlGlobal.com

Bubble Tube Level Measurement

Bubble Tube Installations for Liquid Level, Density, and Interface Level Measurements - The bubble tube principle of hydrostatic measurement is a convenient, low-cost method of  measuring liquid level, density, or interface level in an open tank. It is particularly applicable  for those installations where:
♦ Process liquid could crystallize in transmitter lines.
♦ Process temperature exceeds temperature limit of flange-mounted transmitter.
♦ Process tank does not have side connections for flange-mounted transmitter.
♦ Process liquid is corrosive and cannot have direct contact with transmitter.
from Invensys
The Simple Bubble Tube - With all the new-fangled multifunction instrumentation available nowadays, it is easy to forget about the old tried and true measurement techniques. I believe the old adage, “the simplest solution is usually the best solution.” For example, I like the simplicity and elegance of a bubble tube. A bubble tube is a tube (typically ¼ inch to ¾ inch tubing or pipe) that is inserted into a tank a fixed distance from the bottom. The liquid is pushed out of the bubble tube with air or nitrogen, which is metered through a purge meter. The resulting backpressure is proportional to liquid level or density and is usually measured with a differential pressure transmitter. Bubble tubes can be used to measure liquid level, interface level, and density in open tanks- from Dex Automation.
Canal Flow Measurement Using a Bubbler Water Level Sensor - From the US Government Hydraulics Lab
Bubble-Tube Level System - In a Bubble-Tube Liquid Level System, the level is measured in a vented vessel by measuring the pressure required to force a gas into the liquid at a point beneath the surface. This method allows for level measurement without liquid entering the piping or the instrument. A pressure regulator and constant-flow regulator combine to establish a consistent flow of clean air or gas to a bubble pipe immersed a fixed distance in the tank. The flow is regulated to a very low level, building up pressure in the end of the bubble pipe. Thereafter, pressure is kept at this value by the escape of air bubbles through the liquid. Changes in the measured level cause the gas pressure to build or drop - from ControlAir Inc

More details on Bubbler Tubes can be found in the General Level Theory Section above.

Level Gauge Glass

All in One Glass - Alternate approach to gage-glass maintenances leads to more accurate drum level measurements - Dale P. Evely - Southern Company, a producer of electricity, fiber optics, and wireless communications, developed an alternate approach to address gage glass maintenance issues as well as measurement uncertainties associated with water-column-type measurements - from ISA and InTech
Glass Liquid Level Gauges - There are numerous types of level detection devices that incorporate transducers, transmitters, sensors, or indicator instrumentation to monitor and regulate industrial systems. Most level gages rely on the principles of pressure differentials, conductivity, or capacitance and their operations can involve a range of different techniques, such as optical, electromagnetic, microwave, and ultrasonic detection methods. Liquid level gauges are designed for relatively straightforward level regulation and usually provide direct indications through visual, magnetic, or transduction properties. They typically consist of a measuring chamber connected to the vessel being monitored, with gage levels matching the changing levels in the vessel. There are a variety of different liquid level gage designs and each one features distinct operational characteristics and performance requirements. For example, a glass gage has a transparent design that allows for visual readings of the process level, while a magnetic level gage consists of an opaque metal measuring chamber. A floating device equipped with a permanent magnet is suspended upon the fluid in the chamber and it moves an indicator or a transducer through magnetic coupling to produce a level reading. The design differences between these types of liquid level gages determines their effectiveness in various applications, as well as the operating parameters for individual gage units - from www.thomasnet.com .

Hydrostatic (Head Pressure) Level Measurement

Level Measurement - Transmitters with Seals -Transmitters with remote seals allow the transmitter to be removed from direct contact with the process fluid - from Emerson Process Management  
Multivariable Approach to Liquid Level -Density Compensated Leveling Eliminates nearly all Error - from InTech

Interface Level Measurement

Measuring Level Interfaces - Measuring the Interface between Two Liquids in a Tank presents Unique Challenges - Gene Henry - A common measurement in the oil & gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries is detecting the interface level between two liquids in the same tank or vessel, such as oil and water. The dissimilar density or specific gravity of the two liquids means the lower density liquid will float on top of the higher density liquid. In some cases, the two liquids will entirely separate, resulting in a “clear” interface that will be easier to detect. In other cases, an emulsion or “rag” layer will exist between the two liquids. Other interface situations include multiple interfaces between more than two products, or the interface between a liquid and a solid. In some cases, it may be necessary to measure the thickness of the upper layer - from the ISA,  InTech and Endress+Hauser.

Laser Level Measurement

Comprehensive Page on Laser Level - Thanks to our sponsor ZEDFLO.

Nucleonic Level Measurement

Radiation Based Level Measurement - from www.omega.com

Penetrating Pulse Technology Level Measurement

Principals of Penetrating Pulse Technology- From HiTech-A safe, economical, non-contact, non-invasive, “through the wall” digital technology for accurate level measurement -Leif Lindvall, 

Level Measurement using Profile Concepts

Profile Concepts  -These are relatively new very accurate
techniques with particular relevence to the oil and gas industry 
Technology associated with profiler level systems 

Radio Frequency Level Measurement

RF Level Controls - The basics-thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
RF Level Measurement in Lined Vessels with Grounded Shell - from www.omega.com
Dielectric Constants.htm from Ktek

Level Sight Glasses

Are You Gambling with Your Sightglass? - Selection Strategies for When Failure Is Not an Option - Andrew Obertanec -Sightglasses are sometimes called “the weakest link” in a processing system because of the fragility of the glass. Actually, that’s not necessarily true. A sightglass need not be a weak link in a processing system because glass, when uniquely designed, is not necessarily fragile. Thanks to flowcontrolnetwork.com.
Technical Information and Guidelines for the Specification, Installation and Maintenance of Sight Glasses in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processing Plants - This illustrated "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sight Glass Application Handbook" spans the full scope of the subject from descriptions of common glass formulations to design factors, to a step-by-step checklist for installation and maintenance. From L.J. Star Inc - You will have to register to get a copy.
Critical Standards for Specifying Sight Glasses - Sight glasses are highly engineered products. Although brands look alike, differences in their specs have tremendous importance for worker safety, sanitary processes, and maintenance costs. From L.J. Star Inc.
Mechanically Prestessed Gas/Steel Sight Windows Resist Pressure and Impact Failure - An article from Chemical equipment and L.J. Star Inc.
On-line engineering tutorial on sight glass technology as it applies to chemical processing and pharmaceutical processing. You will have to register to download this webinar. This free webinar begins with an overview of the essential aspects of glass, noting the various formulations used in chemical, food and pharmaceutical process observation equipment. Concentrating on sight glass selection, installation, and proper maintenance, the webinar explains how to safely and effectively use sight glasses in process applications ranging from standard lines to exceptionally demanding applications with high temperature, high pressure, and sanitary requirements.

Maintenance of Level Systems

3.13 Testing, Inspection and Maintenance of Your Overfill Prevention System - A key point of the updated API 2350 recommended practices includes a provision for proof testing the equipment involved in an overfill prevention system (OPS). The new guidelines prescribe that all OPS equipment required to terminate receipt must be tested annually, while the High-High sensor alarm must be tested semi-annually. Additionally, continuous level sensors should be tested quarterly and point level sensors, semi-annually - - thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol.

Standards for Tank Level Gauging

The following are from  our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
3.13Automated Tank Gauging Redundancy through Disparate Level Instrumentation Technologies - Anyone who specifies, operates or maintains instrumentation for critical applications knows that tank gauging redundancy is one of the most effective methods of reliable level detection. In fact, the updated API RP 2350 standards recommend redundant sensors for Category III – or unattended – tanks. Ideally, redundant sensors will be of disparate technologies to avoid multiple or simultaneous failures due to an intrinsic behavior or “weakness” of a given technology - thanks to our sponsors Austral Powerflo Solutions and Magnetrol
3.13 Storage Tank Categories: API RP 2350 Definitions - With the American Petroleum Institute’s API RP 2350 fourth edition guidelines having been updated earlier this year, tank storage facility operators are using the recommendations to safeguard against potential life- and environment-endangering overfill accidents. One aspect operators need to understand is tank categories, upon which overfill prevention methodologies are based. API 2350 categorizes storage tanks by the level of staffing present during receiving operations  - thanks to
3.13 Calculating Levels of Concern Ensures a Successful Tank Overfill Protection System - Many tank inventory operators have begun adopting the recommended practices set out in the American Petroleum Institute’s API RP 2350 fourth edition – which features safety measures to prevent tank overfill hazards. A key recommendation of API RP 2350 is the development of Levels of Concern, or LOCs, for each tank in an inventory. Simply put, LOCs are calculated product levels in the tank, upon which all alarm and alert positions and response times are based. Careful calculation of tank LOCs ensures the success of an overfill prevention system that complies with the API recommended practices. The API 2350 guidelines define five LOCs, starting from the top of the tank.
3.13 Factors to Consider When Assessing Tank Overfill Risk - With increased focus on improved safety measures in the petroleum refining industry, the American Petroleum Institute has addressed tank overfill prevention with its recently published API 2350 4th edition update. It is a requirement of the recommended practices and the responsibility of the terminal owner/operator to develop a written risk assessment procedure. The procedure should incorporate a process for determining the probability of overfill release, evaluating the consequences of an overfill occurrence and identifying the means of reducing risk. The API RP 2350 guidelines do not specify how risk assessments should be conducted, due to the specific nature of site risk and stakeholder values. It recommends that, where possible, owner/operators and transporters conduct risk assessments jointly.
3.13 The Impact of Roof Configuration on Tank Overfill Protection: Level Instrumentation Considerations - The API RP 2350 4th Edition Update provides details about the type of storage tank, class of liquid, level of concern and attendance category that are affected by the new recommended practices. Additionally, it requires sensors on tanks with floating roof configurations to detect both the roof and the liquid level, should the liquid cover the roof. Beyond this recommendation, however, the API 2350 does not detail level instrumentation standards for external versus internal floating roofs – with or without an instrument well – or for fixed roofs. Yet, certain level instrumentation technologies work better than others, depending on the roof configuration.
3.13 New API 2350 Overfill Prevention Standards: What You Need to Know About the Fourth Edition Update - In the wake of the Buncefield Oil Depot and other significant tank overfill incidents in recent years, the American Petroleum Institute has revised its API 2350 recommended practices to address malfunctioning or insufficient tank level gauging. While not mandatory, the API 2350 standards are being used by many facilities to improve tank storage safety. This is a quick summary of what you need to know about the new guidelines:

Standards for Tank Gauging - Some of the reference standards used for liquid level or mass tank gauging worldwide - thanks to Gauging Systems Inc.
The Art of Tank Gauging - This excellent 26 page technical reference from Enraf gives an excellent overview.