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A liquid level controller works in conjunction with a control valve to provide level control for oil and gas production operations.
Applications for the Liquid Level Controller
A liquid level controller is typically used on horizontal and vertical separators, glycol dehydration systems, and free water knockouts.
Kimray’s pneumatic Gen II Liquid Level Controller comes in side-mount and back-mount models, and the displacer can also be configured for vertical or horizontal orientation.
On the demo model in the video, we are demonstrating the back-mount model with a vertical displacer. It is sensing the water level in a 3-phase separator system, which is referred to as interfacing.
Here’s how it works: the displacer sits in the process fluid inside of a vessel and senses the liquid level. When the liquid level increases and reaches a high set point, the Gen II sends a signal to the control valve to open.
As the liquid level decreases and reaches a low set point, the supply gas is vented from the control valve through the Gen II, allowing the valve to close.
This can work with low or high pressure control valves.
The Gen II features 3 key adjustments you can make to change its function:
1. Adjusting the Top Level
By adjusting the control knob, you can either raise or lower the top level of liquid your displacer is sensing, while keeping the span the same. This can help you move the liquid level into the ideal range for your sight glass.
2. Adjusting the Span
In level control, the span is the distance the liquid raises and lowers between its lowest point and highest point. You can adjust this by moving the link pin to a different hole. In snap mode, you also have the ability to fine tune the span with the pilot sensitivity knob.
3. Switching from Snap to Throttle Mode
Switching the Gen II from snap to throttle mode can be accomplished easily, and no pilot replacement is required.
Why would you want to do this?
You can use snap mode to control interface where space between water and oil outlets is limited, or in slugging wells to help prevent fluids from carrying over to the gas line. Snap mode also delivers more accurate readings when turbine meters are being used. It can reduce damage from erosive materials such as sand, especially when use with snap style trim.
You can use throttle mode to keep a more consistent level as opposed to a large span. Throttle mode reduces the chance of gas being sent down dump lines during dump cycles. It also shortens valve travel, which results in longer valve life.
Before making a switch, it’s critical that you turn off your supply gas and bleed the pilot of any trapped pressure. Once your supply gas is turned off, bleed the pilot by pulling down on the control knob to let any trapped pressure escape.
Once you have done this, you are ready to make the switch. Simply loosen the lock knob, switch it to the setting that you want—either snap or throttle—then retighten the knob.
Switching between snap and throttle mode reverses the action of the pilot, so you’ll also need to reverse the action of the tangent arm. Do this by setting the link pin to one of the two holes on the opposite side of the tangent arm.
These features combine to make the Gen II Liquid Level Controller an ideal solution for your production needs.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact your nearest Kimray store or authorized distributor.
