(Virtual Showroom) From high-pressure reactors to bitumen tanks and slurry pipelines, petrochemical plants face some of the most challenging measurement tasks in the industry. When conditions like extreme heat, toxic and corrosive media, or inaccessible pipework make conventional sensors unreliable or impractical, VEGA’s MINITRAC and SOLITRAC radiometric sensors provide a smart, non-contact solution. Designed for accurate density and level measurement in the most unforgiving environments, these sensors keep operations running smoothly, supporting precise control, improved safety and long-term process stability.

Why Radiometric Measurement?

Radiometric sensors are uniquely suited to the petrochemical industry because they operate contactlessly and non-invasively. Unlike conventional methods that rely on physical contact with the process medium, radiometric instruments measure from outside the vessel or pipeline. This makes them ideal for corrosive, abrasive, high-pressure, or high-temperature environments where maintenance access is limited or impossible.

Using a small, safely shielded radioactive source and a scintillation detector mounted externally, VEGA’s radiometric sensors accurately measure process variables, most commonly density, level, and interface. These measurements are unaffected by foam, vapours or buildup, and the system can function continuously without disrupting the process.

Density in Petrochemical Processing

Density measurement plays a key role in many petrochemical applications. From determining the concentration of hydrocarbons in pipelines to monitoring the separation process in distillation columns, knowing the exact density of a medium enables operators to control quality, improve yields and avoid process upsets.

One example is in the storage and blending of crude oil and refined products, where density is carefully monitored to meet specifications and optimise batch operations. In another case, when dealing with slurry or catalyst-laden fluids, accurate density tracking is essential for efficient reactor management.

Compact, Robust, and Reliable

The MINITRAC series is VEGA’s compact solution for density measurement on pipelines and vessels. It is particularly well-suited for closed-loop control and real-time monitoring in critical pipelines. Installed externally and requiring no contact with the process medium, the MINITRAC ensures minimal intrusion and zero downtime for installation or servicing.

The MINITRAC uses a scintillation detector with high sensitivity and fast response times, delivering accurate density values even in rapidly changing process conditions. Its robust design is tailored for demanding petrochemical environments and can operate reliably over long lifespans with minimal recalibration or drift. The integration with VEGA’s PACTware and DTM software allows for easy setup and diagnostics, ensuring the system is up and running quickly.

Level and Interface Measurement

While the MINITRAC excels in pipeline and density monitoring, the SOLITRAC is ideal for level and interface detection in large tanks or vessels, particularly where the product characteristics or container design make conventional level measurement impossible.

In petrochemical storage tanks, where products may include aggressive chemicals, highly toxic liquids, multiphase layers or extreme temperature gradients, the SOLITRAC offers a contactless measurement solution that is unaffected by the harsh process conditions. It is particularly useful in separator vessels, reactors, and bitumen storage tanks where the medium’s properties can fluctuate dramatically.

The SOLITRAC features a flexible detector length and can be adapted to various tank geometries. Like the MINITRAC, it is mounted externally and does not require vessel penetration, making it a safe, low-maintenance choice.

Safe, Compliant, and Easy to Operate

Radiometric instruments may raise safety questions, but VEGA ensures compliance with international radiation protection standards. The systems use extremely low-activity sources and feature comprehensive shielding to protect both personnel and the environment. VEGA also provides full support for radiation licensing, source handling and long-term servicing.

From installation to daily operation, VEGA’s radiometric measurement solutions are designed to be intuitive, durable, and efficient. Their ability to deliver precise, repeatable measurements in even the harshest petrochemical applications has made them a trusted choice for process engineers and plant operators worldwide.

The Bottom Line

In petrochemical storage and manufacturing, where process conditions are hostile and measurement demands are high, radiometric density and level sensors provide a reliable, non-intrusive alternative. VEGA’s MINITRAC and SOLITRAC instruments are engineered to deliver maximum accuracy with minimal maintenance, helping petrochemical facilities optimise operations, reduce downtime and ultimately maintain the highest safety standards.