Case Study: Oil-Water Interface Detector
Maintenance-free oil-water interface detection monitoring for separation efficiency
A well site required a reliable, low-maintenance oil-water interface detector to monitor the interface level in a crude tank. Crude oil is temporarily stored in tanks onsite before being transported to the refinery for processing. Crude oil extracted from the oil wells contains water and other impurities.
Efficient onsite separation is essential for maximizing the yield of valuable product sent to the refinery. Interface monitoring helps the site ensure that the separation process within the tanks is effective, allowing the water to settle at the bottom and the clean, water free oil to rise to the top.
For this project, ABM’s non-contact interface detection radar sensor was selected to monitor the separation process accurately.
Problem
The site’s previous interface detection sensors were labour-intensive. The interface was measured using a contact method based on a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR). TDR sensors measure the time it takes for an electromagnetic pulse to travel down along a metal rod or rope and reflect back from the interface. To maintain accurate measurements, the sensors have to be regularly cleaned to prevent build-up, such as oil residue or sediments, on the sensor rod or rope.
Solution
ABM’s interface detection radar level sensor was installed for the application. The non-contact radar sensor uses electromagnetic pulses and the time of flight principle for measuring interface levels similar to TDR sensors. However, the radar sensor operates without physical contact with the liquid surface and is entirely maintenance-free (Fig 1.). Since no rod is required for measurement, the sensor can monitor longer ranges without added expense or maintenance.
Figure 1: Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) sensor and non-contact radar sensor comparison for interface detection.
ABM’s radar sensor detects the top of the oil and the oil-water interface. When the sensor detects the oil-water interface, this is an indication that the oil is free of water. Monitoring the interface level in real-time with ABM’s radar sensor enables operators to control and optimize the separation process.
The explosion-proof radar sensor is reliable in a wide range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and harsh industrial settings, making the sensor a preferred choice for petrochemical applications.
Conclusion
ABM’s interface detection radar level sensor was the ideal solution for monitoring the oil-water separation process in the crude tank. Eliminating routine maintenance has reduced downtime and enabled cost savings. The well site can now reliably monitor and control the separation process, improving efficiency and product quality.
Learn more about ABM’s solutions for oil-water interface detection below:
