Oil & Water Interface Measurement in a Refinery Separator

Accurate oil and water interface measurement is essential for maintaining separator performance and downstream process efficiency. Learn how replacing aging RF capacitance transmitters with guided wave radar eliminated measurement issues and delivered a reliable, maintenance-friendly interface measurement.

The Challenge

A refinery was experiencing recurring reliability issues with RF capacitance transmitters used to measure the oil and water interface in a separator. Infiltration within the probe assembly affected measurement accuracy, creating maintenance concerns and reducing confidence in the process measurements.

1-Jul-28-2026-01-01-39-0557-PM

The Solution

The refinery evaluated a guided wave radar (GWR) level transmitter as a replacement technology. Following a 60-day field evaluation, the GWR transmitter consistently delivered accurate and reliable oil and water interface measurements while eliminating the infiltration issues experienced with the previous technology.

The Results

After implementation, the refinery achieved:

Reliable oil and water interface measurement
Elimination of probe infiltration issues
Improved measurement accuracy
Increased confidence in separator operation
Reduced maintenance requirements

The successful field trial resulted in full adoption of the guided wave radar solution for the application.

Why Interface Measurement Matters

Separators play a critical role throughout refining and petrochemical operations, and maintaining a clear distinction between oil and water phases is essential for efficient processing.

Reliable interface measurement helps operators:

Maximize separator efficiency
Improve downstream process performance
Reduce product losses
Minimize maintenance
Improve operational reliability
Increase confidence in process control

Selecting the right measurement technology can significantly improve both measurement performance and long-term reliability.

The TechStar Difference

Every separator application presents unique process challenges, from changing fluid properties to interface stability and vessel geometry.

TechStar works with customers to evaluate the application, identify the most appropriate level measurement technology, and provide local engineering support from specification through startup, helping improve measurement reliability and long-term plant performance.