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Instruction
September 1988
Contents
Figures............................................................................................................................... v
Introduction ........................................................................................................................
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................
Principle of Operation ....................................................................................................
Alternative to Bubble Tubes ...........................................................................................
Reference Instructions ....................................................................................................
Formulas for Specific Gravity Conversions .....................................................................
For Liquids LIGHTER than Water ...........................................................................
For Liquids HEAVIER than Water ............................................................................
For All Liquids ...........................................................................................................
Calibration .....................................................................................................................
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
Calculations ........................................................................................................................
Liquid Level Calculations (Figure 2) ...............................................................................
Interface Calculations (Figure 3 and Figure 4) ................................................................
With Constant Tank Level (One Bubble Tube) .........................................................
With Varying Tank Level (Two Bubble Tubes) .........................................................
Density Calculations (Figure 5 and Figure 6) .................................................................
With Constant Tank Level (One Bubble Tube) .........................................................
With Varying Tank Level (Two Bubble Tubes) .........................................................
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
7
Installation .......................................................................................................................... 8
Typical Piping Arrangements ......................................................................................... 8
Determination of Length Difference (Dimension H) With a Pair of Tubes ................. 8
Piping Parts List ............................................................................................................. 8
Installation Notes ........................................................................................................... 9
Typical Bubble Tube Installations (Figure 8 and Figure 9) ........................................... 10
Tank With One Bubble Tube .................................................................................. 10
Tank With Two Bubble Tubes ................................................................................ 11
Typical Side-Connection Installations .......................................................................... 11
Tank With One Bubble Connection At Side Of Tank ............................................. 11
Tank With Two Bubble Connections At Side Of Tank ........................................... 12
Use of a Differential Pressure Regulator ........................................................................ 12
B0107XY Differential Pressure Regulator (Figure 12) .............................................. 14
B0107XX Differential Pressure Regulator (Figure 13) .............................................. 15
Pressure Drop in Air Lines ............................................................................................ 15
Operation ......................................................................................................................... 16
Operating Notes ........................................................................................................... 16
Putting into Operation ................................................................................................. 16
Formulas to Calculate Output and Pressure Loss .............................................................. 17
Calculating Output for Any Input ................................................................................ 17
Liquid Level Formula ............................................................................................... 18
iii
Contents
iv
Figures
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
2
4
6
6
7
7
9
10
11
11
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14
15
19
21
vi
Figures
Introduction
The bubble tube principle of hydrostatic measurement is a convenient, low-cost method of
measuring liquid level, density, or interface level in an open tank. It is particularly applicable
for those installations where:
Abbreviations
The abbreviations below are used in this instruction.
ABBREVIATION
MEANING
LRV
URV
Sp.G.
Principle of Operation
Air is passed through a restrictor to a tube partly immersed in a liquid. The lower end of the
tube is at a fixed distance above the bottom of the tank (see Figure 1).
The pressure of the air supply is high enough to overcome the hydrostatic head on the tube,
and the excess pressure appears as small bubbles coming out of the bottom of the tube. Thus,
the back pressure in the tube is a measure of the pressure on the bottom of the tube due to the
level of liquid. Since the position of the tube is fixed, any change in this back pressure is due
to a change in the level of the liquid.
The back pressure is connected to the high-pressure side of the transmitter, and the low- pressure side is vented. Thus, the differential pressure measured by the transmitter is a measure of
the level of the liquid.
If the level of the liquid is constant (continuous overflow), any change in the transmitter differential pressure must be due to a change in liquid density or interface level. Thus, density
and interface level can also be measured. If the tank level varies, these measurements can still
be made by using two different-length tubes connected to opposite sides of the transmitter;
see Figure 4 and Figure 6.
Introduction
Reference Instructions
DESCRIPTION
Purge Rotameter
Purge Rotameter(Liq.Lev.)
Diff. Press. Regulator
13A,13H,15A Transmitters
823DP-I,-H, Transmitters
823DP-D Transmitter
843DP Transmitter
E13DH/DL/DM Transmitter
Density Measurements
Liquid Interface Level Measurement
Liquid Level Measurements
DOCUMENT
NUMBER
MI 005-529
MI 010-153
MI 011-170
MI 022-345
MI 020-330
MI 020-345
MI 020-437
MI 020-140
TI 1-50a
TI 001-051
TI 001-052
Introduction
140
Sp.G. = -------------------------Be + 130
API:
141.5
Sp.G. = --------------------------------API + 131.5
Twaddell:
145
Sp.G. = -------------------------145 Be
Tw
Sp.G. = ----------- + 1
200
Calibration
If measurement range was specified in the sales order, the transmitter was calibrated in the factory to these values, and these same values are stamped on the transmitter data plate.
If measurement range was not specified, transmitter was calibrated in the factory to maximum
span for the particular sensor installed in the transmitter. In this case, the measurement range
area of the data plate is left blank so that the user can mark the desired calibrated range (in
terms of head of water) himself.
The transmitter must be calibrated to the desired range before putting it into operation. (If
the transmitter was calibrated in factory, the calibration should be checked.) Use the applicable formula to determine the input pressures (in terms of head of water) corresponding to the
desired measurement limits. Mark these input pressure limits in the applicable area on the
transmitter data plate, and use these values as the calibrating input signals.
Calculations
Calculations
The sections that follow show typical calculations for liquid level measurement, interface measurement, and density measurement. Interface and density measurements are shown with
both a constant tank level and a varying tank level.
Note that the upper-range and lower-range values (URV and LRV) refer to the desired maximum and minimum measurements, respectively. The Calibrated Span = URV - LRV. The
value of the suppression is the output at LRV above 0%.
= (A)(GL)
= (B)(GL) = Suppression
= (A + B)(GL)
= LRV to URV
where:
GL
HW
Calculations
= (A)(G2 - G1)
= (A)(G1) + (B)(G2) = Suppression
= (A + B)(G2)
= LRV to URV
where:
G1
G2
HW
EXAMPLE: Liquid Sp.G. varies between 0.9 and 1.8; A = 50 inches and B = 10 inches
Span
Hw at LRV
Hw at URV
Calibrated Range
= (H)(G2 - G1)
= (H)(G1) = Suppression
= (H)(G2)
= LRV to URV
where:
G1
G2
HW
EXAMPLE: Interface liquid Sp.G. varies between 1.0 and 1.7; and H = 40 inches.
Span
HW at LRV
HW at URV
Calibrated Range
Calculations
= (A)(G2 - G1)
= (A)(G1) = Suppression
= (A)(G2)
= LRV to URV
where:
G1
G2
HW
= Minimum Sp.G.
= Maximum Sp.G.
= Equivalent Head of Water
EXAMPLE: Liquid Sp.G. varies between 1.0 and 1.8; and A = 40 inches.
Span
HW at LRV
HW at URV
Calibrated Range
Calculations
= (H)(G2 - G1)
= (H)(G1) = Suppression
= (H)(G2)
= LRV to URV
where:
G1
G2
HW
= Minimum Sp.G.
= Maximum Sp.G.
= Equivalent Head of Water
EXAMPLE: Liquid Sp.G. varies between 1.2 and 2.0; and H = 40 inches.
Span
HW at LRV
HW at URV
Calibrated Range
Installation
Installation
Typical Piping Arrangements
With bubble tube installations, refer to either Figure 8 or Figure 9, as applicable. With sideconnection installations, refer to either Figure 10 or Figure 11, as applicable.
Description
0.2 to 30 scfh (Gas), or 0.1 to 5 gph (Liquid)
5 to 60 scfh (Gas)
4 to 40 gph (Liquid)
5 to 200 mL/s (Gas) or 0.1 to 5 mL/s (Liquid)
20 to 500 mL/s (Gas)
5 to 40 mL/s (Liquid)
Suitable for gas or liquid purges up to 1.4 MPa (200 psi) 90C (200F). See list below.
D0127MF
D0127ML
D0127MK
Installation
Snubbers:
For installation in the process line to reduce or eliminate any unwanted pressure pulsations, 1/4 NPT at both ends.
For gases and thin liquids, see list below.
0045162
0045163
Installation Notes
1. Bubble tube and transmitter piping is supplied by user.
2. There should be a minimum of 75 mm (3 inches) of clear liquid (no sediment)
below the bottom of the tube. With two-tube installations, there should also be
a minimum of 75 mm (3 inches) of liquid above the upper tube).
3. Bubble tube assembly should be located in area of representative liquid, and where
liquid agitation is at a minimum.
4. Bubble tube assembly must be rigidly fixed in position.
5. Bottom of bubble tubes to be notched so that air comes out in a steady stream of
small bubbles (rather than an intermittent stream of large bubbles, which could
introduce errors). See Figure 7 for details of this notching. (Not applicable for
side-connection installations.)
Installation
10
Installation
11
Installation
12
Installation
The two regulators in the table below are available from Foxboro.
Type And Part Number
Parameter
Differential Pressure (fixed)
Maximum Input Pressure
Exhaust Flow Rate
(at standard conditions)
Maximum Temperature
Liquid Purge
Type 62V
Type 63BD
BO107XY
10.3 kPa
1.5 psi
690 kPa
100 psi
0.03 m3/h
0.9 ft3/h
65C
150F
No
BO107XX
20.7 kPa
3.0 psi
1720 kPa
250 psi
None
None
80C
180F
Yes
13
Installation
Figure 12. B0107XY Differential Pressure Regulator and Bubble Tube Piping
14
Installation
Figure 13. B0107XX Differential Pressure Regulator and Bubble Tube Piping
15
Operation
One method to determine if a pressure loss exists is to install test gauges at each end of the line
going to the transmitter, and compare readings. To calculate the loss in pressure, see To Calculate Pressure Loss in Air Line section that follows.
(With one-tube installations, a quick check for pressure loss is to momentarily turn off the air
supply and note if there is any change in transmitter output.)
If a significant pressure loss exists, reduce the air flow, and/or use a larger size line, and/or
move the transmitter nearer the bubble tube.
Operation
Operating Notes
1. Function of restrictor is to control flow of air. This is accomplished with needle
valve on bottom of rotameter (except if Type 62V differential pressure regulator
[B0107XY] is used). Use this needle valve to adjust air flow for optimum small
bubble size.
If Type 62V regulator (B0107XY) is used, needle valve on regulator is used to
adjust flow of air.
2. To prevent measurement errors, open ends of the tubes should always be covered
with tank liquid.
3. With interface measurement, maximum level must be below open end of upper
tube; minimum level must be above open end of lower tube.
4. If range is to be changed, transmitter must be recalibrated to new range. Dimension H may require changing for new range.
5. Needle valve on rotameter should not be used as a system air shutoff; instead use
upstream valve at air supply to system.
6. Do not allow level of liquid to fall below bottom of bubble tube (or tank connection).
7. Check all connections for leaks.
16
1.
2.
Turn on air supply and adjust flow of air as follows. (If system does not have a
differential pressure regulator, tank liquid must be at URV.)
If, in Step 2, the bubbles are not visible (because of tank location, type of liquid, etc.), using the applicable air adjustments specified in Step 2, gradually
increase flow of air while noting output of transmitter. Keep increasing air flow
as long as output increases. At point where output stops increasing, increase air
flow slightly.
4.
With a one-tube installation, make the pressure drop test described in previous section. If significant error exists, make necessary corrections.
If transmitter has been calibrated correctly, this completes the procedure; otherwise proceed to Steps 5, 6, and 7 (reference adjustment). Note that the accuracy of the measuring device in Step 5, will probably be less than that of the
transmitter; this may degrade the accuracy of the transmitter.
5.
6.
Using applicable formula listed in the section that follows, calculate transmitter output corresponding to tank measurement.
7.
Adjust transmitter zero to get correct output. If necessary, also adjust zero reading of receiver.
VALUE OF X
VALUE OF Y
4 to 20 mA
10 to 50 mA
3 to15 psi
20 to 100 kPa
16 mA
40 mA
12 psi
80 kPa
4 mA
10 mA
3 psi
20 kPa
17
In using these formulas, the transmitter must already be calibrated to the desired range. If the
transmitter has not been calibrated (or if the calibration is to be changed), complete the calibration first. Use the applicable formula to determine the input pressures (in terms of head of
water) corresponding to the desired measurement limits. Mark these input pressure limits in
the applicable areas on the transmitter data plate.
Therefore,
30 10
Output = (16) ------------------ + 4 = 8.0 mA
90 10
Density Formula
Actual Sp.G. Min. Sp.G.
Output = (X) ----------------------------------------------------------------- + Y
Max. Sp.G. Min. Sp.G
EXAMPLE: Transmitter with 10 to 50 mA Output and:
Actual Sp.G.
Min. Sp.G.
Max. Sp.G.
Therefore,
18
= 1.0
= 0.6
= 1.4
1.0 0.6
Figure 14. Interface Level Calculation Calculating Output for any Input
19
Line
Size
ANSI Pipe
1/8 in
1/4 in
3/8 in
1/2 in
3/4 in
ANSI Tubing 1/8 in
3/16in
1/4 in
1/2 in
3/4 in
1 in
Line ID
0.269 in
0.364 in
0.493 in
0.622 in
0.824 in
0.125 in
0.188 in
0.25 in
0.50 in
0.75 in
1.0 in
Value
of K
3.0
0.9
0.27
0.105
0.035
70.0
12.5
4.0
0.245
0.050
0.016
If the ID of the actual pipe used is not listed in the table above, use the formula below to calculate the approximate value of K.
K = 1/(62)(ID)4 [with line ID in inches]
If the measurements are in the SI system (line ID in mm, line length in metres, and flow in
m3/h), then use the following formula to calculate K.
KSI units = (65.9/ID)4
EXAMPLE 1: Determine pressure loss in a 20 foot length of 1/8 pipe due to an air flow of
4 scfh.
K = 3.0 for 1/8 in pipe (from the table)
P = (K)(F)(L) = (3.0)(4)(20/1000)
P = 0.24 inH2O
20
Calibration
Calibration
In general, follow the calibrating procedures outlined in the appropriate transmitter instructions.
If desired, instead of using air pressures as calibrating signals, these signals can be generated by
varying the level (or density) of the tank liquid to values at or near each end of the range. Use
the calibrating values stamped on the data plate; or if the range is to be changed, calculate the
new values. In this way, the transmitter can be calibrated without removing it from the process.
Maintenance
Use applicable reference instructions listed on page 2 when servicing the transmitter, rotameter, or differential pressure regulator.
If there is any tendency for solids to crystallize in the bubble tubes, or if dirt tends to collect
there, remove the cleanout plugs and push a rod down through the tubes and/or flush with a
suitable liquid. Perform as often as required.
21
Maintenance
.
ISSUE DATES
JUN 1984
JAN 1988
SEP 1988
The Foxboro Company
33 Commercial Street
Foxboro, MA 02035-2099
United States of America
http://www.foxboro.com
Inside U.S.: 1-888-FOXBORO
(1-888-369-2676)
Outside U.S.: Contact your
local Foxboro Representative.
Facsimile: (508) 549-4992
MB 100
0988