The constantly increasing degree of automation requires measurement technology solutions for the reliable detection of these phases or phase transitions in the ongoing process. The following considerations are decisive:
- Replacement of manual detection methods (e.g., visual), thereby eliminating subjective influencing factors
- Replacement of error-prone, indirect detection methods (e.g., time control), thereby increasing plant safety
- Improvement of product yield through loss reduction
- Safety aspects
Batch process
In a batch process, the temporal change of the sound velocity signal is used to control a multi-way valve. A precise separation between product, intermediate, and carrier phase is achieved. The phase differences can be detected within 250 milliseconds. The sensor is preferably installed in the pipeline. Alternatively, the sensor is integrated into the bottom outlet valve of the company SchuF. By installing the valve, dead-space-free measurement can be performed directly in the container without an extra process connection.
Continuous process
In a quasi-continuous process, the separation of a process stream into a product and a carrier phase is controlled via sensors installed in a settling tank. In this case, only the characteristic value of the sound velocity for the respective phase is monitored and kept constant.
In this way, for example, the separation of a wastewater stream into wastewater requiring treatment and non-treatment can be controlled. Depending on the process condition, the sensor installation can be carried out in various variants.
In a variety of process engineering processes, different phases arise in the involved liquids due to technology. This applies to both continuous and batch processes.
