IEN Europe: Which kind of contribution does Magnetrol brings to level measurement?
Craig M. Carroll: Magnetrol has been a leader in level measurement and innovation for almost 90 years with industry leading technology in radar level, buoyancy, ultrasonic and thermal dispersion devices. Recognized for industry leading quality and performance, Magnetrol employs a broad portfolio of level technologies along with deep application and process knowledge to help customers find the optimum intersection of technology and application for their unique challenges. Trusted globally, engaged locally, Magnetrol’s mission is to provide a world class customer experience by collaborating with customers to provide unique technology insights that drive organizational success.
IEN Europe: What are the main challenges faced in the chemical industry? How can your solutions help confront these issues?
The Chemical industry is facing some unique and some common challenges in a dynamic and evolving marketplace. Some of these challenges are like many other industries (cost pressures, environmental, governmental, etc..), but the Chemical industry, in particular, is confronting business conditions which are a little more unique. Circular economy pressures, expanded digitalization needs, bespoke manufacturing, feedstock & power price volatility are all driving chemical companies to explore options to optimize their operations. Magnetrol, through best of breed products and technology, can elevate the ability for plants and operators to enhance management of their processes and applications, particular the most challenging ones such as interface/emulsions.
Magnetrol instruments are exceptional in difficult environmental and process conditions, provide great accuracy and measurement in diverse medias and enable better insights through advanced diagnostics and superior user interfaces. Magnetrol’s rich history and experience in the Chemical industry can provide resourceful collaboration with customers by providing new or alternate perspectives to solving known or unrecognized challenges by applying Magnetrol technologies in new and inventive ways.
IEN Europe: What are the main characteristics to take into account when selecting a level measurement technology?
The reality is that there is not one perfect technology for all level applications. Each and every application, media and process will have individual characteristics which must be considered. Knowing what the end user is trying to understand or achieve with the measurement can help provide clarity. Certainly, the big three elements should always be considered: Temperature, Pressure and Media. These alone, in some cases, are enough to allow an informed decision on the right technology.
However, the higher the complexity of the application, the more questions which must be considered and answered in order to arrive at the right instrument. Among many other considerations are the atmosphere at the measurement (agency approvals), the vessel (internal, external, shape, etc..), material compatibility, media reactions (foam, emulsion, turbulence, steam, etc…), measurement range and accuracy. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, Magnetrol, with almost 90 years of experience in providing level instrumentation, has deep application knowledge which we can bring to bare in selecting the best level technology for any given situation.
IEN Europe: What role does level measurement plays in the safety and efficiency of chemical processes?
Level is a critical control function for many batches or automated process operations. Often used in conjunction with other measurements, like temperature, level measurement can minimize the potential for environmental impacts by providing protection of overfills/overflows. This can prevent carry over, which depending on the application, service and media prevent costly and damaging effects. Conversely, ensuring that levels do not get to low in the application is also critical and the correct level device can mitigate that happening, thereby minimizing potential damage to equipment downstream of the vessel. By providing accurate and repeatable level measurements, operators can have processes run more efficiently thereby potentially saving power and fuel, which can have significant impact on a plant’s profitability as these can be major variable expenses.
Yield is another area where accurate level control can play a part by ensuring that the process is kept at the optimum level for settling, reaction or batching. In addition, level can be used to control the amount of product that is being introduced into a reaction or application and the accurate control of the amount of media being moved can also impact a plant’s financials.
IEN Europe: How can your solutions help comply with the security demands of the end users?
Magnetrol products can be password protected to ensure that unauthorized access, control and use of the instrument is not possible. Futhermore, by providing precise and reliable level control, the chance of a spill or other unintended event can be mitigated.
Anis Zenadji
