How does oil/water interface meter work?

11/06/2017 / by admin / in How does it work?

The oil/water interface meter is the equipment meant to measure the depth and level of light and dense anhydrous phase fluids (DNAPL & LNAPL), and water. To operate the meters use two things from the school physics – that light ray deflects in liquids and that water is electrically conductive.

The meter works in any kind of water tanks, cisterns and wells. It consists of two main parts – the measuring tape and the probe with an optical and contact sensor. This equipment is easy to handle and install, because of the simplicity of its construction. It is supplied with its own battery, so it can work autonomously for a long time, and is independent of external sources of electrical power, like accumulators or gas generators. You can move it from one object to another without long preparations.

To work with oil/water interface meters you do not need any special experience and skills. The principle of work is as follows – when the probe reaches the liquid surface the infrared ray deflects, and the meter gives and sound and light signal. If the liquid is non-conductive, like oil, the contact sensor does not react and the signal is continuous. When it goes into the water, it results in the electrical short, which turns off the infrared sensor, and the signal turns pulsed. The meters are usually provided with a tape guide, which helps you to keep them in the middle of the well, and protects them from damage.

So, if you want to detect and measure the oil layer in your water reservoir you just need to pack the meter in the pack-sack, and bring it to the object of monitoring. Install the reel near the object of monitoring, ground it with the cable, which goes in the package, and put the probe with the tape in the tank or well. Then wait for the signal and note the level on the tape. Always lower the probe down to the bottom, until the tape begins to slack. The product can be under the water as well as on its surface.

Oil-water interface meterThus, among the main advantages of working with oil/water interface meters are:

  • Compact size and portability;
  • Easy handling and installation;
  • Operational independence;
  • The user does not need any qualification;

All materials in tape and probe are long-wearing and competent. They are able to work in various temperatures and pressures. The tape can be a coaxial cable with a durable jacketing made of solid plastic, or made of steel, but anyway it is resistant to most chemicals. It is easy to clean and does not stick to walls of containers and wells. The brushes to clean the tape and the probe are in the package.

The length can be different, it helps to monitor the reservoirs of any depth. The marking on the tape is easy to interpret and is proof of aggressive liquids. The probe is made of steel resistant to stains and can work under high pressure, its diameter allows it to use in any working aperture. The sensors are shock-resistant and effectively protected from any damage.

The oil/water interface meter is a simple but precision measuring instrument able to detect the least layers of anhydrous liquids on water. It is safe to work in hazardous and explosive environments, all electronics are secured from damage. Not complicated construction and a small number of components result in effective and easy work without breaking and failures.

Envieq supplies the world’s best quality oil/water interface meters of:

  • Heron Instruments;
  • Geotech;
  • Solinst.

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