Attachment 4: Level Designations

1.0 Definition of Terms

Given the complexity of determining level design parameters, the terminology must be
understood by everyone working on the equipment and instrumentation. Below is a list of
definitions that will be followed in setting level controls.

LTMIN. This is the minimum level for the transmitter. The transmitter reads 0% level at
this point. Process must provide this information if the instrument is to detect a working
level at this point. Note that for some level detection devices Control Systems needs
approximately 8 inches between the centerline of the bottom level nozzle and the LTMIN.
If inadequate space is allowed, Control Systems will negotiate level nozzle relocation to
obtain the necessary space.

LALL. This is the level alarm low low. Equipment shutdown is precipitated by this alarm
condition. This is set by Process; there is no default for this alarm. Instruments may or
may not have shutdown alarms; if it is not shown on the P&ID, process information should
not be provided for this alarm condition. As a guideline, this alarm should be set at the
10% height for the level transmitter.

LAL. This is the level alarm low. This is set by Process. Process must provide
information to Control Systems for this instrument. Typically, this represents about 20%
of the level span.

LLL. This is the low liquid level. It is the minimum level at which the process should
operate. This is set by Process. Process must provide information on this item.

NLL. This is the normal liquid level. It is the normal level at which the process should
operate. This is set by Process. Process must provide information on this item. This is
often set at 50% of the level transmitter span.

HLL. This is the high liquid level. It is the maximum level at which the process should
operate. This is set by Process. Process must provide information on this item.

LAH. This is the level alarm high. This is set by Process. Process must provide
information to Control Systems for this instrument. Typically, this represents about 80%
of the level span.

LAHH. This is the level alarm high high. Equipment shutdown is precipitated by this alarm
condition. This is set by Process; there is no default for this alarm. Instruments may or
may not have shutdown alarms; if it is not shown on the P&ID, process information should
not be provided for this alarm condition. As a guideline, this alarm should be set at the
90% height for the level transmitter.

LTMAX. This is the maximum level for the transmitter. The transmitter reads 100% level
at this point. Process must provide this information if the instrument is to detect a working
level at this point. Note that for some level detection devices Control Systems needs
approximately 13 inches between the centerline of the upper level nozzle and the LTMAX.
If inadequate space is allowed, Control Systems will negotiate level nozzle relocation to
obtain the necessary space.
General Note. The unit for level height is “inches”. For vertical vessels the level
height is measured from the bottom tangent line. For horizontal vessels the level
height is measured from the bottom inside wall.