Engineers at Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) have developed a prototype of a unique device for measuring tank filling levels and determining the oil-water interface.
According to Arseniy Morozov, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Head of the Research Laboratory of Experimental Technology at NSTU-NETI, measuring the level of petroleum products in reservoirs is not an easy task. The process is complicated by bottom sediments and the presence of raw water, the level of which also needs to be monitored.
Until recently, the most common method of control was measuring using a special measuring tape with a load (lot). Before immersion in a liquid medium, the tape is wiped dry and a special benzo- or water-sensitive paste is applied, which makes it possible to identify the raw water in the tank. For greater accuracy of the measurement result, the tape is placed in a tank and lifted several times until the values match. However, using this equipment in winter or in the conditions of the Far North is difficult, the expert emphasizes.
Instead of a slot, modern equipment contains a sensitive sensor for various media, which makes it possible to detect interface boundaries with high accuracy. The sensor transmits data via a three-wire line combined with a measuring tape measure. Electrical conductivity, ultrasonic and capacitive sensors can be used by different manufacturers as indicators of different media. Until recently, such equipment was not manufactured in Russia.
As part of import substitution, a prototype of a compact portable device for monitoring the filling of tanks with petroleum and chemical liquids has been developed in the scientific research laboratory of experimental technology at NSTU-NETI. It consists of an immersion sensor and an indicator unit connected by a special tape with millimeter markings and a three-wire communication line.
"The submersible sensor contains a high-frequency ultrasonic wave generator, an electrical conductivity sensor and a thermal sensor. The signals from these sensors are used to detect the medium and measure its temperature. The signal from the sensor is transmitted via a three-wire line to the indicator unit, which contains an LCD display, sound and light alarms, as well as mode control buttons. Each environment has its own unique sound and light signals. The operator lowers an immersion sensor into a tank with petroleum products and, based on a change in the alarm, visually determines the interface between the media and records the corresponding readings from the tape," said Arseniy Morozov.
Together with an industrial partner, a limited batch of tape measures was produced at the experimental production of the university's research laboratory. The tape measures were tested in the conditions of the Far North at the fields of Russia's leading oil companies. The products have been certified, their type has been approved, and design documentation has been prepared for mass production.
According to the scientist, the main advantages of the developed prototype measuring device are its compactness and cost compared to imported analogues. At the same time, the metrological characteristics correspond to the most popular roulette wheels of one of the international manufacturing companies.
The development of the measuring device and the production of an experimental batch were carried out with the involvement of students from the educational and production center at the research laboratory of experimental technology. This allowed them to acquire practical skills in the field of design, production, configuration and operation of measuring equipment. Students' participation in real-world developments contributes to the training of qualified personnel for the domestic electronics industry.
This and other developments of the scientific research laboratory of experimental technology of NSTU-NETI can be found on the website.