Distillation columns

Following desalination, crude oil enters the distillation column where fractional distillation separates hydrocarbons into separate streams, cuts or fractions. For optimum operation of the distillation column, level controls must contend with occurances of foaming, bubbling and moderate-to-high temperatures.

Challenge

Sight glasses and displacer systems mounted in external chambers have traditionally provided distillation level measurement. Today, radar retrofitted in these existing chambers is gaining popularity due to radar’s less demanding maintenance schedule and ease of retrofit. High product temperatures necessitate temperature-tolerant level sensors.