In many aspects of industrial production, the stable supply of lubricating oil plays a crucial role in the normal operation of equipment. And accurately grasping the liquid level situation in the lubricating oil tank is an important prerequisite for ensuring the stable supply of lubricating oil. With its unique technical advantages, the magnetostrictive level gauge has demonstrated excellent performance in the scenario of liquid level measurement of lubricating oil tanks.

I. Application Background

In the daily production process of a large manufacturing enterprise, there are many mechanical devices that rely on lubricating oil for lubrication and cooling. As a key container for storing and supplying lubricating oil, the accurate monitoring of the liquid level of the lubricating oil tank is of great importance. In the past, the enterprise adopted traditional liquid level measurement methods, such as manual inspection to read the scale liquid level or using a simple float level gauge. However, these methods have exposed many problems in practical applications. Manual inspection not only consumes a lot of manpower and time but also fails to achieve real-time monitoring. It is easy to cause equipment failures due to abnormal changes in the liquid level during the inspection interval. The float level gauge is greatly affected by the characteristics of the lubricating oil (such as viscosity, impurities, etc.), has limited measurement accuracy, and is not very reliable.

II. Working Principle of the Magnetostrictive Level Gauge

The magnetostrictive level gauge is mainly composed of three parts: the detection rod, the circuit unit, and the float. When working, the circuit unit generates an electrical current pulse, which travels downward along the magnetostrictive wire and generates a circular magnetic field around it. Outside the detection rod, the float moves up and down with the change of the liquid level. Since the float contains a set of permanent magnets, it also generates its own magnetic field. When the magnetic field of the electrical current meets the magnetic field of the float, a "twisted" pulse, that is, a "return" pulse, is generated. By measuring the time difference between the initial pulse and the "return" pulse, the position of the float can be accurately calculated, and then the liquid level height can be determined. This measurement method based on the waveguide principle gives the magnetostrictive level gauge the characteristics of high precision and high reliability.

III. Installation Process

Installation Position Determination According to the structural characteristics of the lubricating oil tank, technicians selected the position on the right side of the top of the tank as the installation point of the magnetostrictive level gauge. This position can ensure that the float moves freely and smoothly without being interfered by the internal structure of the tank during the process of rising and falling with the liquid level, thus ensuring the accuracy of the measurement. Installation Steps First, install the matching connecting flange at the reserved installation nozzle on the top of the tank to ensure a tight connection and good sealing to prevent the leakage of lubricating oil. Then, slowly insert the detection rod of the magnetostrictive level gauge into the tank through the connecting flange until the float can slide freely on the detection rod and is near the liquid surface of the lubricating oil. After that, connect the cable between the circuit unit and the detection rod, and fix the circuit unit in an appropriate position for convenient subsequent debugging and maintenance. During the entire installation process, strictly follow the requirements of the equipment installation manual and carefully check each installation link to ensure the installation quality

IV. Actual Application Effects

High-precision Measurement Since the magnetostrictive level gauge was put into use, the enterprise has achieved high-precision measurement of the liquid level of the lubricating oil tank. The measurement accuracy of the liquid level can reach the millimeter level, which represents a qualitative improvement in accuracy compared with the previous measurement methods. This enables operators to grasp the changes in the liquid level of the lubricating oil tank in real time and accurately, and promptly detect the slightest fluctuations in the liquid level, providing reliable data support for the stable operation of the equipment. Enhanced Stability and Reliability The magnetostrictive level gauge adopts a non-contact measurement technology and has no mechanical moving parts, avoiding measurement failures caused by mechanical wear and the influence of impurities in the lubricating oil. During the long-term operation process, the level gauge has always maintained a stable and reliable working state, effectively reducing the number of equipment shutdowns caused by inaccurate liquid level measurement or level gauge failures, and greatly improving the continuity and stability of production. Improved Automation and Intelligence The output signal of the magnetostrictive level gauge is a standard 4-20mA electrical current signal, which can be easily integrated with the existing automation control system of the enterprise. Through the automation control system, not only can the liquid level information of the lubricating oil tank be displayed in real time, but also automatic alarm and the linkage control of related equipment can be realized according to the preset liquid level thresholds. For example, when the liquid level is lower than the lower limit threshold, the system automatically sends out an alarm signal and starts the lubricating oil replenishment device to ensure the sufficient supply of lubricating oil. This automated and intelligent liquid level monitoring and control method has greatly improved the production management efficiency of the enterprise and reduced the labor cost.

V. Economic and Social Benefits

Economic Benefits Through accurate liquid level monitoring, the enterprise can arrange the procurement and replenishment plans of lubricating oil more reasonably, avoiding the waste of lubricating oil caused by inaccurate liquid level monitoring or the damage of equipment due to lack of oil. According to statistics, after using the magnetostrictive level gauge, the enterprise has saved a considerable amount of money in the procurement cost of lubricating oil and the maintenance cost of equipment every year. At the same time, the improvement of production continuity and stability has increased the production efficiency of the enterprise, further increasing the economic benefits of the enterprise. Social Benefits The application of the magnetostrictive level gauge has improved the safety and reliability of the operation of the enterprise's equipment, reducing the risks of safety accidents and environmental pollution that may be caused by equipment failures. This has positive significance for ensuring the safety of the enterprise's employees, protecting the environment, and promoting the harmonious and stable development of society. In conclusion, the application of the magnetostrictive level gauge in the liquid level measurement of lubricating oil tanks has effectively solved the problems existing in traditional liquid level measurement methods, bringing significant economic and social benefits to the enterprise. With the continuous progress and improvement of technology, the magnetostrictive level gauge is expected to play a greater role in the liquid level measurement applications in more fields.