Scraper detection in refineries

BACKGROUND

Once they exit the refineries, the products are transported through pipes to specific storage tanks, to supply distribution systems, via pipelines, rail or trucks.
In general, pipelines transport several products, often from different companies. The batches of liquids are monitored by flow meters, pressure or temperature measurements and interface detectors so that the product can be directed to its ad hoc tank.
In some cases, a scraper or a sphere is used to isolate one product from another. Scraper detection is then used alongside interface detection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

A pipe transporting hydrocarbons on which a sphere detector has been installed.

EQUIPMENT USED

SPHERE AND SCRAPER DETECTOR
Explosion-proof Minisonic PSD SXN 1524 clamp-on probes
MINISONIC-ADF Sonde ATEX SXN 1524
Fixed ultrasound ATEX-certified converter. Clamp-on ATEX-certified probes to detect spheres.

Several meters of stainless steel Twinax cabling are also used.

RESULTS

Detection of spheres, even adjoining spheres, with:

  • Response time of < 1 s,
  • High measurement rate,
  • A log of the time and date of the last 20 scrapers or spheres that can be viewed using a PC,
  • Transmission of information.

ADVANTAGES

  • Continuous detection of spheres or scrapers,
  • Unaffected by noisy environments,
  • Quick installation,
  • No wear or clogging,
  • No breakage risk for the sensor, sphere or scraper.