In the process of shale gas extraction, separators are used for de-sanding the mixture of oil, gas, and water. The level of sand in the separator needs careful monitoring to ensure it does not cause pump abrasion due to sand being drawn through the lines and into the pumps.
The contents of the separator may include both solids and liquids. As a layer of settled sand and sediment builds in the base of the vessel, an alarm is required to alert operators that the critical level has been reached. This enables cleaning to be proactively scheduled before sediment is drawn into lines, causing potential damage to pumps, costly damage and process shutdown.
The Rosemount 2140 Level Detector features a sediment detection function and may be installed to monitor build up of solid media.