The measuring system LB440 is used for the contactless, continuous measurement of liquids and bulk materials in reactors, vessels and bunkers. The measurement is not affected by the chemical and physical properties of the product being measured. The level measurement is adapted to the specific geometry of the vessel. 

From bottom to top, a subflow of the oil flows through the measurement configuration incorporating the systems for determining the sulphure content, densitym hydrogen content and temperature. The sulphure content, density and hydrogen content are determined radiometrically.

On one side of each measurement system there is a radiation source and on the opposite side a scintillation detector adapted to each individual measurement.

The three radiometric measurement methods are based on the following principles:

1. Sulphure content measurement: The absorption of a 244Cm source’s soft gamma radiation is influenced substantially by the oil’s sulphur content.
2. Density measurement: The absorption of a 137Cs source’s harder gamma radiation depends mainly on the oil’s density.
3. Hydrogen content measurement: It is significant wherever continuous monitoring of the hydrogen content it is necessary for process control purpose. It can also compensates for influences of C/H ratio changes on sulphur and density.

Gamma radiation is attenuated when passing through its area. This attenuation is measured by a very sensitive detector. If the type of radiation, and wall thickness are constant during radiation, radiation attenuation will be affected only by a change in the level.

In this way, the safe can be measured without contact - regardless of pressure, temperature, viscosity, color and chemical properties. Consequently, radiometric measurement devices demonstrate a high level of functioning, even without the revisions under difficult operating conditions.