Rainwater Sump Controls

[RJB32482]

Hey guys,
I am looking at a project to control our rainwater sump next to our Thermal Oxidizer. There are two options, one would be to have the operators manually turn on the sump pumps to drain the water after they get a high level alarm. Then the operator would turn them off at a lower level.

The second option would be to have the pumps run automatically when the high alarm is set off. The pumps will shut off at a low level switch. The switch will keep the pumps from running dry.
My question is if number 2 is to be completed, what type of level switch would be used? Would a constant level on our DCS system be a good idea? Can the second option be done efficiently, and if so, how has other engineers automatically controlled their sump levels.

Thanks guys

 

[TD2K]

We've had very good success with bubbler type of level transmitters turning the pumps on and off as appropriate.

 

[RJB32482]

TD2K
Thanks for the help. Does anyone have any information where I can get more specifications on the "bubbler" type of level transmitter.

Thanks again.

 

[TD2K]

Just about any process control measurement company should be able to give you some basic information. Try Emerson, ABB, etc.

http://www.google.com/search?source...LD:2005-06,GGLD:en&q=bubbler+level+indication

 

[chemdesign]

we have had good luck with radar guages in this appliation, especially if the sump's contents (i.e. density) is variable.