By Evan Hyde, Coking.com
This video is part of a series that Evan Hyde of Coking.com is doing with RefComm vendors to allow them a platform to demonstrate in-depth their knowledge and technology with our audience.
Knowing the location of coke, liquid, or foam in a coke drum is crucial for the safety and reliability of the delayed coking process. This information helps operators manage the coking process effectively, ensuring smooth operations and preventing potential hazards. While a separate video explores gamma continuous level instruments and their operation, this video reviews gamma target or point switch level instruments, a technology that has been around longer than continuous gamma levels but has only recently gained popularity in delayed coking unit (DCU) applications.
Neutron backscatter (NBS) point source level instruments have been used in DCUs for over 40 years to measure levels within the coke drum. However, these instruments are no longer manufactured by their single vendor with area ratings (ATEX/IECEX) for this service. This development has prompted many sites using older NBS technology to consider upgrading to either gamma continuous or gamma target/point level instruments—or ideally both—to maintain safety and reliability in their operations.
In this video, viewers learn how gamma target or point switch level instruments work and the unique benefits they offer. These instruments use gamma radiation to detect the presence or absence of coke, liquid, or foam at specific points within the coke drum. Unlike gamma continuous level instruments, which provide a continuous reading of levels throughout the drum, gamma target or point switch instruments give operators a discrete indication of levels at certain points. Some advantages of gamma target/point switch level instruments over gamma continuous levels or NBS technology include:
- Targeted Level Detection: Gamma point switch instruments are ideal for identifying specific levels within the drum, such as when it is time to stop feeding liquid to prevent overfilling or when the quench water has completely submerged the coke bed. This precise indication can improve operational efficiency and reduce the risk of overfilling or unexpected shutdowns.
- Simpler Installation and Maintenance: These instruments are often easier to install and maintain compared to continuous level instruments. They require fewer calibration adjustments and have lower operational complexity, which can lead to reduced downtime during maintenance.
- Gamma point target switches can be easily integrated into an existing gamma continuous level system. This integration allows operators to add targeted level detection to their existing continuous level monitoring setup without extensive modifications. By adding gamma point target switches to a gamma continuous level system, operators can achieve more precise control and enhanced safety. This addition allows them to set specific points for level detection, providing additional checks and balance to the continuous monitoring system. It also makes it easier to monitor critical transitions or thresholds, helping prevent overfilling, foam buildup, or other issues that could affect the process.
Overall, this video demonstrates how gamma target or point switch level instruments can play a valuable role in delayed coking processes. They offer a reliable and straightforward way to ensure safety and operational efficiency, especially as sites transition from older neutron backscatter technology to modern gamma-based instruments. By understanding how these instruments work and the specific benefits they bring, operators can make informed decisions about upgrading their level measurement systems.
To learn more about this technology, visit VEGA’s website.
To have your equipment/technology featured, please reach out to Evan directly or visit his website.
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