Molten Sulphur Level Measurement

[TJT]

Our process pressure leaches concentrate to produce a zinc slurry. We extract the sulphur and melt it. In the past we have had success with steam-jacketed bubble pipes to measure the level of the sulphur in the tank. Due to frequent process upsets, the molten sulphur has recently been foaming, and as a result has overflowed the tank even though the reading of the level indicator may have only been approx.50%. I realize that the faulty reading is due to the changing density of the sulphur as it starts to foam but I have yet to find a suitable level element replacement.Has any one had any success with a radar unit? Do you think it would be able to detect the foam while filtering out the steam that is always present? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...Tim

 

[hacksaw]

I've never seen a foaming sulfur pit. Is it dissolved gas coming out of solution?

Bubblers don't do that and I cannot imagine a steam leak in the jacket doing that either.

Radar units work fine, you may want to steam jacket the nozzle (or fitting to your tank/pit). However, the foam is a bigger issue.

If you have a "froth of sulfur bubbles", it just needs to be reflective enough to get a bounce and that will be your level reading whether you want that reading or not.

You may need a combination of measures (bubbler and radar), one to give you and indication of NPSH on your sulfur pumps and the rada to detect high level conditions.

I'd try to mobilize as much help as I could on soving the process uposet problem. I am surprized that the sulfur is not de-gassing on its own.

What is you sulfur temperature and how clean is the sulfur (brigthness)?

 

[awamilh]

I am not too familiar with your process, but we had problems with a bubbler-type instrument on a molten sulfur pit. We replaced it with a 2-wire Time-Domain reflectometry (TDR) transmitter and our experience has been very successful. We used Magnetrol "Eclipse". I recommend that you explore this possibility.

Regards...Luay