Flow measurement at extreme temperatures

Test & Measurement

26 June 2013 Test & Measurement

The multitude of processes in a refinery form a complex system of material and energy flows. From incoming crude to outgoing products, everything is flowing and for safe and efficient operation, these flows need to be measured. Harsh process conditions can make heavy demands on flowmeters, especially at temperatures between 200°C and 400°C.

FLEXIM’s high-temperature transducers for direct pipe coupling are capable of withstanding permanent pipe temperature of up to 200°C. For applications where pipe temperatures exceed these limits, the company engineered the patented WaveInjector. The device thermally separates the ultrasonic transducer from the hot pipe, allowing permanent, reliable and accurate operation at process temperatures up to 400°C.

WaveInjector is well suited for many applications in the chemical, petrochemical and related industries, as well as in the oil and gas sector. It can also be used on extremely cold pipes, with temperatures as low as -160°C. As the ultrasonic transducers are thermally separated from the cold pipe, their temperature can be kept within the standard operating temperature range. At such low temperatures, the WaveInjector is used, amongst others, in LNG peak-shaving facilities where surplus natural gas is stored in order to meet the requirements of peak consumption during winter or summer.

The WaveInjector and ultrasonic transducers are simply clamped onto the outer surface of the pipe, using coupling plates for a proper acoustic contact. This means that there is no need to open the pipe – no drilling, and no process shutdown is required.

Once installed, the transducers do not suffer from wear and tear of the process fluid, and they create no pressure drop. The FM-, CSA- and ATEX-certified transducers and transmitters are a safeguard in potentially explosive atmospheres.

FLEXIM offers a wide range of ultrasonic transducers and transmitters to match any flow measurement application. The high dynamic range of its ultrasonic technology – 0,01 to 30 m/s – offers advantages when widely varying flow rates need to be measured accurately.

For more information contact Peter Jones Electronic Equipment, +27 (0)11 608 2944, [email protected], www.peterjones.co.za

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Flow measurement at extreme temperatures

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