DEGas drying in the knockout drum
Liquefaction of gas residues
Gaseous residues of the oil and gas extraction that are not processible 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 costeffective 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 100 bar (1450 psig), 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 unliquefied gases are then decompressed, during which temperatures can fall to -90° C (-13 0° F). The residual gases are subsequently burned in the torching facility, the so-called flare.
Condensate level measurement with VEGAPULS 66
The radar sensor VEGAPULS 66 is used for measuring the condensate level in the knockout drum. The contactless 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 160 bar (2320 psig) and very low temperatures.