critical level measurement issue in a reflux drum application under high temperature and pressure

Process Parameter :
Pressure : 10.8 Kg/cm2(G)
Temp : 170 Deg C
Phase : Liquid but during sampling it is vapor
Concentration :

  • Aqueous Layer:
    • H₂O: ~80%
    • MEK: ~19%
    • NH₃: ~4.5%
    • Others: Minor acetamide/ketazine traces
  • Organic Layer:
    • H₂O: ~10%
    • MEK: ~75%
    • NH₃: ~0.5%
    • Acetamide: ~2%
    • Ketazine: up to 5%

✅ Installed Devices Tried

  1. Non-contact Radar LT (80 GHz & 26 GHz)
    – Installed with dip pipe; no improvement, still shows 100% or fixed value stuck @ due to high temperature MEK vapor
  2. Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter (Side chamber-mounted, Reflux side)
    – Initially worked, then suddenly shot to 102% or at fixed % with no known process change.
  3. Direct Mount Radar LT
    – Same result: false full level reading.
  4. Level Gauge (LG) on Reflux Side
    – Shows full due to possible condensation, due to12 mm inlet hole is present on a 1.5" 300# flange.
  5. DP Type LT
    – Installed using vent and drain points of LG – same result: reads 100% full. with LP side inverse U loop for vapor condensation.

No liquid observed downstream at distillate side (after wear plate at 750 mm) → possibly confirms vapor dominance or flashing.

We would appreciate advice on:
any other type of LT suggestion or same LTs with some modification.
 
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