Introduction

If the process liquid contains suspended solids or is chemically corrosive or radioactive, it is desirable to prevent it from coming into direct contact with the level transmitter. In these cases, a bubbler level measurement system, which utilizes a purge gas, can be used.

THEORY

As shown in Figure, a bubbler tube is immersed to the bottom of the vessel in which the liquid level is to be measured. A gas (called purge gas) is allowed to pass through the bubbler tube.

Consider that the tank is empty. In this case, the gas will escape freely at the end of the tube and therefore the gas pressure inside the bubbler tube (called back pressure) will be at atmospheric pressure.

However, as the liquid level inside the tank increases,pressure exerted by the liquid at the base of the tank (and at the opening of the bubbler tube) increases. The hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in effect acts as a seal, which restricts the escape of, purge gas from the bubbler tube.

As a result, the gas pressure in the bubbler tube will continue to increase until it just balances the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid. At this point the backpressure in the bubbler tube is exactly the same as the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid and it will remain constant until any change in the liquid level occurs.

As the liquid level rises, the backpressure in the bubbler tube increases proportionally, since the density of the liquid is constant.

A level transmitter (DP cell) can be used to monitor this backpressure.

Level Measurement : What is bubbler system ? Advantages and Disadvantages