Alkylation is a combining process that creates alkylate, a premium, high-octane blending stock. Many refineries have alkylation units in order to increase their capacity for producing valuable end products. The reactor effluent flows to a large tank within the unit, which allows for separation of the acid/hydrocarbon emulsion created in the reactor. These devices are known as acid settling tanks. acid settling tanks
Magnetrol® has produced an applications brochure for the petroleum refining industry detailing level measurement challenges and solutions for each step of the refining process. This blog post is part of an occasional series exploring each application in detail.
Level Measurement Challenges and Considerations
Interface level control of an acid settling tank is required. Product/acid cross-contamination causes overall efficiency problems and can result in hazardous conditions. Inaccurate settler level indication is a frequent cause of physical acid carryover in the reactor effluent. Release of acid can cause extreme hazards to both process and personnel.
Sight glasses have traditionally measured level in acid settling tanks, but these are susceptible to plugging and require diligent flushing at regular intervals. More reliable instrumentation is needed to ensure safety and keep the unit running efficiently.
Level Measurement Solutions
MAGNETROL has produced level measurement solutions for acid settling tanks:
- For point level
Model A15 displacer-actuated level switch
- For continuous level
Eclipse® Model 706 guided wave radar transmitter or E3 Modulevel® displacer-actuated transmitter
- For visual indication
Atlas or Aurora® magnetic level indicators can be supplied with switches or transmitters
More Information
For more information on level measurement solutions for acid settling tanks or other petroleum refining applications, download the petroleum refining brochure.
And for more information on interface level measurement, download the interface brochure.
