SCIENCEGATE

When a US chemical distributor needed reliable level measurement of their nitric acid storage tanks, they turned to Flowline. Nitric is a highly corrosive oxidizer that’s widely used in the production of fertilizers, electronics, explosives and specialty compounds. The company had previously applied ultrasonic level sensors for corrosion resistance, but they experienced intermittency due to the thick nitric acid vapor that would absorb the acoustic signal. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of pulse radar sensors whose RF signal is unaffected by vapor. The result is reliable nitric acid level measurement. Here, an EchoPulse radar level transmitter is flange mounted on top of a 15?, Teflon® lined FRP bulk storage tank. The rugged PTFE antenna protects the sensor for lasting, reliable service with corrosive media including harsh nitric and hydrochloric acids. The 4-20 mA signal is connected to the PLC for tank inventory monitoring and alarms.

When a municipal wastewater treatment plant needed reliable level measurement of their clarifiers, they turned to Flowline. For many US operators, ferric chloride is the coagulant of choice due to its efficiency in water treatment clarification and dewatering applications. When agitated, ferric chloride bonds to and absorbs phosphorous waste material, before floating to the liquid surface as a blanket of reddish brown flocculent. From a level perspective, ferric chloride has the additional challenge of being coating and corrosive. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact pulse radar sensors that are unaffected by surface foam. The result is reliable ferric chloride level measurement. Here, an EchoPulse radar level transmitter is bracket mounted to an arm and suspended over the clarifier. The IP68 sensor was easily configured using its remote push button display module, and the 4-20 mA signal is connected to the SCADA for level alarms and pump control.

When a Virginia equipment manufacturer needed reliable level measurement of their polymer mixing and feed systems, they turned to Flowline. Organic flocculants are widely used in water treatment for clarification, thickening and dewatering. Their polymer chains attract suspended solids and form flocs or groups that precipitate during settling, and thus leave clear liquid behind. Polymer solution is sticky and the company had problems with their previous conductance level sensors that required ongoing maintenance due to coating build-up. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact, ultrasonic level sensors that are unaffected by sticky or viscous liquids.

The ultrasonic sensor provides reliable level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors the mix tank level, and manages the polymer batch make-up and blending process. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When a US chemical distributor needed reliable level measurement of their oil field chemical feed tanks, they turned to Flowline. Surface water and downhole fluids often combine into salty, brackish solutions that negatively affect well production and equipment. To address this, antiscalant chemicals are injected into the well to reduce salts and other contaminants. But they’re also corrosive, and over time the operators had experienced high failure rates with their pressure level sensors due to corrosion. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact, reflective ultrasonic level sensors that are packaged in PVDF, and feature our proprietary Reflective Technology™ that delivers reliable level measurement in condensing tank environments.

Each ultrasonic sensor provides reliable level data to the SCADA, which in turn, monitors the levels and transmits inventory data to a logistics center for truck routing and resupply. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When the Sutton Brook superfund remediation site in Tewksbury, Massachusetts needed reliable level measurement of their chemical feed systems, they turned to Flowline. For decades, the landfill served as a hazardous waste dump, and was filled with chemical and metal contaminants that had leached into the groundwater. During the clean-up project, chemical feed systems were installed in and around the site for water remediation and odor control. The operators had experienced corrosion and coating problems with their previous float level switches.

For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact, ultrasonic level sensors that are packaged in corrosion resistant PVDF. Each compact ultrasonic sensor provides reliable level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors the levels and automatically refills each chemical feed tank from bulk storage. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When Mercy Medical Center in Iowa needed reliable level measurement of their cooling towers, they turned to Flowline. As water cascades down the tower, heat is released through evaporation and the residual water collects in sumps, prior to recirculation. Level is measured to control the recirculation and addition of makeup water to the system. The operator had experienced ongoing problems with their previous float level switches due to scaling material build-up. 

For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact, ultrasonic liquid level sensors that are unaffected by common variables such as scaling or corrosion. Mounted in a still well, the IP68 ultrasonic sensor provides reliable level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors the sump level and controls the recirculation pump and fill valve. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When Zimmer of Indiana needed reliable level measurement of their nickel electroplating lines, they turned to Flowline. As a manufacturer of hip and knee replacement joints, the finish quality and tolerances of their plated parts are critical. Their previous float level switches would periodically fail due to corrosion attack, resulting in significant scrap loss. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact, ultrasonic level sensors that are packaged in corrosion resistant PVDF. Each ultrasonic sensor provides continuous level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors the bath levels and actuates a valve to systematically refill each bath. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When the largest radiological laundry company in North America needed reliable level measurement of their wastewater treatment tanks, they turned to Flowline. They collect, decontaminate and launder protective clothing from the Department of Energy nuclear power plants and military facilities. Given the extreme nature of wastewater in their tanks, they had four level measurement requirements. The sensors must be reliable, maintenance-free, non-contact and intrinsically safe for certain site locations. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our intrinsically safe, non-contact ultrasonic level sensors that are ideal for wastewater. The ultrasonic sensor provides continuous level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors each tank and controls the wastewater treatment process. Flowline is reliable level measurement.

When ChemFrac of North Dakota needed reliable level measurement of their brine backflow recovery tanks, they turned to Flowline. These tanks collect the residual wastewater that returns back to the surface over time, representing 15%-40% of the total fluids injected into the well. Backflow tanks are normally located within a hazardous area, and the water is a muddy blend of salts, dirt, clay and chemical. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our explosion proof, non-contact ultrasonic level sensors that are unaffected by such media. 

The ultrasonic sensor provides continuous level data to the PLC, which in turn, monitors each tank and actuates a high and low level alarm to alert the operator. Flowline is reliable level measurement. 

When PatchMix of California needed reliable level measurement of their cold patch asphalt mix tanks, they turned to Flowline. Quickly emulsified in water and blended with aggregate, cold mix asphalt is a highly effective patching material. But when dry, it permanently coats equipment including the tanks, mixers and level sensors. For this reason, Flowline suggested the use of our non-contact ultrasonic level sensors that are unaffected by sticky media. The ultrasonic sensor provides continuous level data to the controller, which in turn, monitors the mix tank and actuates a high and low level alarm to alert the operator. Flowline is reliable level measurement.