Liquid Styrene Tank Gauging Systems

Ultrasonics?

We have one that works off of the weight of the product. weight is constantly monitored to give the tank level. Nothing inside to gum up.

David:

First, there are ways to minimize buildup of product on even a mechanical tank gauge. Gauging Sytems Inc. manufactures a mechanical gauge kit for Asphalt tanks that actually works very well (under simular product conditions).

- Inverted float clips (puts the guides within the product and prevents product buildup on the guides).

- Float with extended tape/cable connector (keeps product from building on the connector) (Note: coated floats are also available)

- Tape/cable combination tank minimizes product buildup on the cable portion within the tank.

- A Liquid Seal to use as a bath to clean product from the tape/cable combination and prevent condinsation from getting into the gauge head.

I'm sure that there would be consideration for the styrine product taken into account (Temperature, viscosity, cleaning agent).

The properly configured gauge kit would provide a local indication to inventory / process accuracy and could be used with a switch, a 4-20mA Analog Transmitter, or Digital transmitter.

Second, what type of accuracy is the customer looking for? Process - Inventory - Custody Transfer. The amount of data and communications topology is directly based upon the accuracy question.

The previous suggestion of Ultrasonics should be looked at carefully. If the tank (product) is heated, condensation will form on the antenna and build there. Also installation location is critical with Ultrasonics.

That's my two cents..

2 options using Ronan products;

X76 - ronan.com

X96 - Continuous level (non contact) ronanmeasure.com

You might try a system that employs a sealed pressure transducer at bottom of tank. As level in tank varies so does pressure. (Escape Pod's monitoring system could very well work this way since pressure exerted on transducer times cross section area of tank would give weight of product.)

Also, if tank is sealed, a compressed air monitoring system might work. As tank level rises, it compresses the air in the tank (The plant I used to work at used a similar system to monitor acid level in storage tanks.) Basically 1960's era technology somewhat finicky probably less reliable less precise and more prone to temperature fluctuations than more modern systems. (I would look at other systems first).

RADAR?

Check with Saab/Rosemount, and see if they can supply a system compatable with your application and budget. http://www.rosemount-tg.com/home_index.aspx?productArea=1

Try this web site www.icbergan.com they do custom gauging systems for any challenge out there.