Challenges for Reliability Engineers
Reliability engineers face the constant challenge of ensuring that systems and equipment operate safely and efficiently, minimizing failures and unexpected interruptions. This challenge becomes even more critical in industries that handle toxic or flammable fluids, as the use of sight glasses to monitor liquid levels can pose significant risks. These sight glasses are vulnerable to damage, which can expose operators and facilities to fires, contamination, and other serious failures.
To overcome these challenges, the Petrobras Standard N-1882 sets strict guidelines to increase safety in hazardous areas, recommending the replacement of glass sight glasses with more reliable systems. Therefore, the need for magnetic level sight glasses as a safe alternative grows.
Magnetic level gauges as a reliability solution
Building an effective magnetic level indicator depends on the right materials, which must withstand environmental conditions such as rain and sunlight. Aluminum vanes are recommended, as they offer greater durability than plastic ones. Furthermore, these vanes are injected with a durable color and UV-resistant treatment to prevent fading, a common problem with equipment exposed to the elements.
Each vane has a magnet, ensuring uniform vertical alignment of all vanes on the ruler. It's also essential that the mechanical stop limit the vane rotation to 180°, preventing the random movements typical of inferior magnetic indicators.
Another critical point is the float, which has an internal magnet belt to ensure accurate measurement, regardless of the float's position within the tube.
Additionally, a diagnostic system for the float helps ensure correct operation of the equipment.
Os magnetic level gauges, such as Orion's Atlas Magnetic Level Indicator, are ideal for reliability engineers seeking safety and operational efficiency. Unlike glass sight glasses, the magnetic system keeps the fluid confined in a sealed tube, preventing direct contact with the environment. This significantly reduces the risk of leaks and failures, especially in applications with hazardous liquids.
Furthermore, the Atlas Magnetic Level Indicator withstands high pressures and temperatures, making it reliable even in extreme conditions. This robustness contributes to less corrective maintenance and greater asset availability.
Compliance with Standard N-1882
Compliance with Petrobras Standard N-1882 is essential to ensure safety in critical industrial environments. This standard prioritizes operational integrity in areas at risk of fire and recommends the use of systems that offer maximum safety. By replacing glass sight glasses with magnetic ones, companies meet the standard's requirements, eliminating glass fragility and increasing system reliability.
Magnetic displays are recognized as robust solutions that increase safety in processes involving hazardous liquids.
Specific benefits for reliability
In addition to increasing safety, magnetic displays significantly reduce unplanned downtime, which is crucial for reliability engineers. By eliminating glass, a common source of failure, companies reduce the need for corrective interventions, reducing downtime and increasing process reliability.
Os Orion Magnetic Level Indicators It ensures accurate measurements even under harsh conditions, crucial for data-driven decisions. It also facilitates maintenance, enabling proactive approaches with predictable cycles and fewer interruptions.
Suitable context for magnetic level gauges
According to Petrobras Standard N-1882, magnetic level gauges are preferred in situations requiring high safety and reliability, such as when handling hazardous or corrosive fluids, as well as in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. The standard emphasizes the importance of systems that ensure operational integrity, and magnetic gauges stand out for enabling safe and continuous operation under adverse conditions.
On the other hand, glass displays are recommended for simple applications, with lower risk and without corrosive liquids, suitable for processes with low complexity.
Magnetic level gauges vs glass level gauges
| Criterion | Magnetic Level Display | Glass Level Sight Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Principle | Magnetic float triggers external indicators | Direct view through tube or glass plates |
| Applications (Standard N-1882) | High pressure, high temperature, corrosive or toxic liquids | Low pressure, non-corrosive liquids |
| Safety | High level of safety, isolated fluid | Lower security, fluid in contact with the display |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, no risk of breakage | High maintenance due to the fragility of the glass |
| Cost | Higher | Lower cost |
| Suitability for Corrosive Liquids | Totally suitable | Susceptible to corrosion |
| Temperature and Pressure Range | Suitable for high temperature and pressure | Limited to low temperatures and pressures |
| Direct View | No, external indicator | Yes, direct visualization of the liquid |
| Compliance with Standard N-1882 | Recommended for critical environments | Recommended for lower risk applications |
For reliability engineers looking to optimize safety, reduce risk, and increase efficiency, magnetic level gauges, such as Orion Level Indicators, are the reliable choice. They fully meet the requirements of Petrobras Standard N-1882, ensuring a robust solution for critical environments. Furthermore, they increase asset availability and reduce the need for unplanned maintenance.
Replacing glass displays with magnetic ones is a strategic decision that improves safety and increases the reliability and efficiency of processes in the long term.
Download now White Paper – Case Study: MLI Magnetic Level Gauges, or contact with our experts to implement the displays in your operation and ensure greater safety and efficiency.
