Effective monitoring can improve heat exchanger performance and protect the heat exchanger itself, creating efficiency gains that save money. Quadbeam’s multi-beam suspended solids sensors are a very effective way to achieve these gains thanks to their accuracy and reliability.
In both “shell and tube” and multi-plate heat exchangers, there is a risk of suspended solids from the product leaking into the condensate or cooling water. For example, it is not uncommon for one of the rubber gaskets that separates plates to fail. Contaminated water can damage the cooling circuit and cannot be re-used.
Instead, a sensor on the cooling water outlet can detect the presence of suspended solids and the contaminated water can be diverted to the plant’s wastewater treatment system and/or operators can be alerted for maintenance.
Install the sensor directly into the cooling water pipe leaving the heat exchanger using a 3-inch tri-clamp fitting.
Connect the sensor to the MXD73 or MXD75 transmitter and simply calbirate against the solids to be measured.
The transmitter provides a 4-20mA output for each sensor for connection into the plant control system.
Alarms can be set on transmitter relays or within the plant system to detect suspended solids concentrations in the cooling water.
The range of Quadbeam sensors suits different applications, conditions, concentrations, and products.
The T30-3HY is often used for separator control, and solids carry-over.
(the measuring range will vary according to media and particle characteristics)
Find the right sensorThe range of Quadbeam sensors suits different applications, conditions, concentrations, and products. The most commonly used sensors for loss monitoring are the S20 and S40, in either the tri-clamp (hygienic) or immersion styles.
Quadbeam sensors are incredibly accurate because they’re multi-beam, so they can eliminate measurement error that single-beam sensors can’t cope with. Two LEDs fire near-infrared (NIR) light at two detectors to generate multiple light intensity measurements that represent the suspended solids concentration. These measurements are combined into a ratio-metric algorithm that self-compensates for common sources of measurement error like contamination or component ageing.
Quadbeam sensors are also tough because they’re made from rugged polymer, with no glass lenses that could leak or break. S-series sensors are made from a one-piece polymer body.
Quadbeam sensors are simple to calibrate on-site, so they give results that are directly relevant and meaningful to the site. There are easy calibration instructions here, or contact us for assistance.
Quadbeam’s sensor detects low levels of solids concentration in the cooling circuit highlighting a need for maintenance that can be planned rather than being disruptive.
In some systems, different suspended solids can lead to potential loss of efficiency or even damage. Monitoring can help detect and prevent this.
The end result is greater efficiency, better performance, and lower costs.
If you want to discuss your installation or have another question, or just want to find out more, contact us. You can also see our full product range here, and access data sheets, manuals, and technical information.