Liquifaction of Gas Residues
Gaseous residues of the oil and gas extraction that are not processable must be collected and disposed of. Because the same weight of liquids requires less volume than gases, the gas residues are liquefied as far as possible to allow cost-effective disposal. This process, also called gas drying, is carried out in the precipitation vessel, the knockout drum.
High Measurement Requirements due to Extreme Process Conditions
With the help of pressures up to 1450 psig (100 bar), the heavy gas components are liquefied in the knockout drum, causing water and heavy hydrocarbons to precipitate out. The extracted liquid, the condensate, is collected at the vessel bottom and prepared for disposal. The remaining gases are then decompressed, during which temperatures can fall to -130°F (-90°C). The residual gases are subsequently burned in the torching facility, the flare.
Condensate Level Measurement with the VEGAPULS 66
The VEGAPULS 66 radar sensor is used for measuring the condensate level in the knockout drum. The non-contact measurement is not influenced by pressure and temperature and is therefore particularly suitable for this application. The ceramic antenna system as well as the synthetic material-free seal with graphite ensure a reliable level measurement even in extreme process conditions with pressures up to 2320 psig (160 bar) and very low temperatures.
