What should be used as a level gauge for vacuum distillation towers?
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This post was last edited by Lantian on 2018-9-4 at 16:02. I have a question for everyone: The workshop where I work is equipped with a 3-column continuous distillation unit used for producing fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel). We are currently using radar level gauges, but their measurement range is too narrow; they can only measure the liquid level in the middle portion of the range. At high or low liquid levels, they display false readings and are unable to provide an accurate measurement. It’s extremely troublesome; controlling the tower is very difficult! The tower operating conditions are as follows: Medium: Methyl fatty acid ester (biodiesel); viscosity: (at 240 degrees, it is similar to that of water); pressure: negative pressure (absolute pressure at the bottom of the tower: 1–3 kPa); temperature: around 240 degrees. I would be extremely grateful if my colleagues could offer some advice. Thank you!
It’s fine to switch to a differential pressure type (double flange, with gas intervention) or a float level gauge; just find a professional instrumentation company to handle it.