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4 tips for continuous level measurement selection perfection
4 tips for continuous level measurement selection perfection
Even in the age of digital, plant operators still need to choose accurate, reliable, and rugged process instrumentation best suited for their operations. Because if field instruments aren’t appropriate for the job, even the most sophisticated digitalization plans will fail. In this article, we go back to basics with four considerations for selecting your next level measurement device: technology, process conditions, maintenance requirements, and price.
Just like you can’t run before you know how to walk, process technicians aren’t able to take advantage of all the exciting digital opportunities available with Industry 4.0 before they master the basics.
Level measurement is one of the most important variables in process automation. Measuring level can be used for: ensuring safety, maximizing use of raw materials; controlling inventories and product manufacturing, ensuring quality and repeatable production; legal trade operations; tracking production totals; and much more. And out of the millions of level measurement devices in applications from heavy industries like mining and cement to sensitive pharmaceutical environments, there are three major categories of device types: • Non-contacting – where the sensor is mounted to the vessel and measures the material inside without directly contacting the material • Contacting – where the sensor is mounted to the vessel and measures the material inside by contacting the material directly • Non-invasive – where the sensor is mounted to the outside of the vessel and measures materials inside without penetrating the vessel or contacting the interior in any way
But even with these three broad categories, how can operators select the perfect level measurement device for their application? Let’s take a look at
1) Technology 2) Process conditions 3) Maintenance conditions 4) Price.