3 replies to this topic

['Diran Babalola]

I am working on Bitumen production from wellpad at pressure of 4200 and temperature of 200degree C. We want an instrument that will measure the pressure within this line. The conventional instrument for measuring Pressure cannot be used because of freezing.
Does anybody have the optimum instrument to use for this fluid?
I will be glad if this can be shared at the forum.

[proinwv]

Can you insulate and heat trace the instrument?

[Jack Fisher]

Assuming this is 4200 psi I would suggest a melt pressure sensor which can withstand the temperature and has a flush diaphragm to prevent clogging when the media cools, you can view some examples here: Melt Pressure Sensors

[Zauberberg]

I remember working for a short time on bitumen blowing unit, where the minimum transport temperature of final product to the storage tank was specified to be 120C (high pour point). All instruments were insulated and heat traced, as suggested by Paul. You can choose between steam tracing or electrical, self-regulating heat tracing - and I strongly recommend the latter one due to its reliability.

In some occasions it is possible to use glycol-filled instruments, but I think this is not so good practice when having extremely heavy petroleum products.