BM 100 level gauge in complex 2-meter-high hydrogen peroxide container

Measuring probe set at angle in tank with numerous protrusions is still able to produce reliable measurement and long-term repeatability.

A BM 100 in Ex design with a rigid twin probe was used to measure the level in a bank of 2-metre containers . The containers are in the open and cooled to 5°C, and so subsequently a sunshade was added (not shown in picture).

An Austrian company, Borealis in Vienna-Schwechat, ordered measuring instruments from KROHNE for pressure-independent measurement in intermediate storage containers. The 6 containers were 2 meters high, the BM 100 TDR level measuring instruments were installed at an angle of 8 degrees to achieve as small a dead zone as possible. In reality, the twin probes went right down to the outlet of the tank. Since the tanks had numerous built-in metallic components in the vicinity of the probes, the service engineer from KROHNE has to adjust the threshold value to eliminate reflections. There were no subsequent disturbances to the measurement after this.

KROHNE was chosen over Endress and Hauser and Vega. Both companies had offered radar with a stillwell. To be fair, so did KROHNE at first, before we saw the complexity of the job. We realised, however, that radar would give a strong alinearity as well as inaccuracies as a result of the short measuring distance (2000 mm minus the mounting distance of 150 mm). We decided to use another of the KROHNE technologies, namely TDR.

The meters have been in operation for 12 months without any disorders. This application is a good example of how TDR can be a viable alternative to radar, and the reason why KROHNE offers both technologies alongside each other. In the meantime, 8 BM 100s have been installed.

Key Words: Level, TDR, hydrogene peroxide, tank

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