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The level gauge installed in my quench tower is a double-flange type gauge. When there was a problem with the level reading, I removed the lower flange at the flange connection; there was dirt inside the flange pipe. Could it be that this dirt in the pipe affected the level reading? Please ask an expert to explain, thank you, bonus points
If it works normally after cleaning and putting it back, that’s likely the case; the more times this happens, the more certain we can be.
Double-flange failures are caused by many factors; just the symptom you mentioned is not sufficient to determine the cause of the failure. However, a dirty lower flange can indicate several issues: 1, impurities in the medium cause changes in its density; 2, deposits at the lower flange definitely affect the readings – in mild cases this slows down the instrument’s response, while in severe cases it prevents the instrument from functioning properly
As long as it doesn’t stick to it and doesn’t interfere with pressure measurement, there’s no major issue; you can try cleaning it first and then observe
Since it’s already been taken apart, add a separation tank as well, fill it with separation fluid, and top up the fluid regularly – that way there will be no worries in the future
A transmitter with a convex diaphragm can be selected again based on the flange length, which should help alleviate the problem of dirt mentioned
Solid particles on the lower flange can compress the diaphragm, causing the displayed liquid level to be too high or to exceed the range. I have a double-flange design installed in a sodium methoxide tank, and this problem also occurs due to crystallization in winter. It is recommended to use an insert-type diaphragm box, or clean the bottom of the tank thoroughly.
First, it is necessary to clarify what the fault symptoms of the level gauge are: irregular and large fluctuations, inaccurate readings, or failure to move at all. One must find the cause based on the phenomenon.
Install a flushing device; one shift of patrol inspection is sufficient to supply two rounds of flushing fluid
I’m using a double-flange differential pressure level gauge, and sometimes dirt gets clogged in the diaphragm, which results in false level readings. I regularly clean the dirt from the diaphragm area during each shift to ensure accurate level readings.
There will definitely be an impact. The principle behind using double flanges to measure liquid level is to utilize the pressure difference between the upper and lower parts of the liquid, and then divide that by the density to determine the liquid level height (this method can be used when the liquid is under pressure). But now there are substances inside the pipe; on one side, the pressure measured by the flange is normal, while on the lower flange there are debris, resulting in a different density. This will definitely have an impact, and if the pipe is completely blocked, the measurements will certainly be inaccurate; If only a part is blocked, the instrument may show some readings, but the response will be slow; the readings may be accurate at times and inaccurate at other times. It is recommended to check the material conditions currently, or install a drain valve of some kind to remove debris on a regular basis