Having an accurate measurement of the level inside a boiler, high-pressure feedwater heater, or steam separator is important for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of this process equipment. If the actual level does not reflect the value being transmitted back to the control system, opportunities for unplanned shutdowns, equipment damage, and flooded steam traps increase.

In the Level track of the Emerson Exchange 365 community, Emerson’s Peta Glenister shared a new two-minute video on how guided wave radar level measurement can compensate to accurately measure the liquid/steam interface.

The video, Using Guided Wave Radar for Level in High Pressure Steam Applications, illustrates the Dynamic Vapor Compensation (DVC) function that continuously compensates for changes in the vapor space dielectric that otherwise would cause accuracy errors associated with changes in pressure and temperature.

Due to the presence of saturated steam in the vessel, the microwave pulses slow as they travel through the steam. Because the transmitter knows exactly where the reflector is located, the distance the water surface is displaced can be used to calculate how much compensation is needed. This determines the correct distance to the water surface pulse and outputs the correct level back to the control system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNbD6sdWQO0

To connect and interact with Peta and other level measurement professionals, join the Level track in Emerson Exchange 365.