Flow Measurement & Control


Flow measurement in cooling circuits

August 2014 Flow Measurement & Control

The FFU ultrasonic flowmeter from SICK proves a superior alternative to mechanical flow measurement in cooling circuits. In process engineering cooling circuits, coolant is lost due to evaporation or tool changing. When these are refilled with water, chemicals have to be added proportionally in order for the coolant to remain chemically and biologically stable and to avoid causing any damage to the pipes and installations.

Optimum proportioning of chemical additives

In open cooling circuits, the cooling agent is trickled down a cooling tower and cooled in this way. In the process the water evaporates, while hardening constituents and salts increasingly concentrate in the remaining water. These must be stabilised by adding chemicals in order to prevent deposits and to build up corrosion protection. Upon reaching a predetermined level of conductivity, part of the cooling medium is elutriated and replaced with fresh water, to which chemicals are again added proportionally. In closed cooling circuits, water loss occurs almost exclusively due to tool changes. In this scenario, evaporation does not take place, which means that an anti-corrosion agent only needs to be added to the cooling water. Whether the system is an open or closed circuit, the process of adding proportionally frequently involves excess consumption of additives. The result is overdosing, which does not achieve any of the desired stabilising or protecting effects.

Compact measurement technology without corrosion risks

In installations developed for automatic proportioning of anti-corrosion additives and hardness stabilisers, the FFU ultrasonic flowmeter from SICK enables non-contact determination of flow volume – doing so independently of the medium transported. Two sensors mounted opposite each other alternately send and receive ultrasonic signals. In case of a still medium, both sensors receive the emitted ultrasonic signals in phase. A flowing medium will result in phase shifting that is proportional to the flow velocity.

“Due to its non-contact functional principle, the FFU is, without any mechanical component touching the medium, corrosion-free and resistant against scale and salt deposits. Therefore, it is suited for all water qualities and represents to us the appropriate sensor solution,” says Rainer Kosub from Dülk & Kosub. “Because of its compact design and versatile installation options, the FFU is suited in the best possible way for use in our systems.”

Direct benefits to the company and the environment

The FFU ultrasonic flowmeter from SICK ensures that the amount of cooling liquid supplied to the installation is a precisely known quantity. In this way, the metering pump can establish the proper cooling water to chemicals ratio, avoiding overdosage. The savings in additives not only lower the plant operator’s overheads but they also reduce the burden on the environment.

For more information contact Eugene Lawrence, SICK Automation, +27 (0)11 472 3733, eugene.lawrence@sickautomation.co.za, www.sickautomation.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Optimisation of alkaline electrolysers
Samson Controls Flow Measurement & Control
his application study relates to the use of a smart meter valve in alkaline electrolysers, and is based on proven experience with one of the biggest hydrogen electrolyser producers in the world. The project proves that the smart meter valve’s added functionality creates an ideal setup in alkaline electrolysers for reducing cost and improving functionality and system performance.

Read more...
Preventing spills and improving operational efficiency
Flow Measurement & Control
In an industry where every spill carries a hefty price tag, Point Energy Partners found that the manual and low-tech systems at their saltwater disposal sites were a significant problem.

Read more...
Ultracompact mass flow meters with advanced transmitters
Emerson Automation Solutions Flow Measurement & Control
Emerson has introduced the Micro Motion G-Series line of Coriolis mass flow and density meters, the most compact dual-tube Coriolis mass flow meters on the market. They offer the same level of quality and reliability as standard designs, but in a much smaller and lighter form factor.

Read more...
Accurate flowmeter for oil & gas
Endress+Hauser South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
Promass Q, the high-tech Coriolis flowmeter from Endress+Hauser, is now also available for larger pipe sizes with maximum flow rates between 850 and 2400 tph.

Read more...
Optimising CIP processes with precision instrumentation
Endress+Hauser South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
Many food and beverage manufacturers encounter challenges with CIP processes that take too long. Have you considered exploring potential solutions to address these issues?

Read more...
How predictive maintenance will help tackle water scarcity
ABB South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The water industry is facing increasing pressure to optimise treatment processes and address the impending global water crisis. ABB’s global product line manager, Krishna Prashanth suggests how the integration of smart instrumentation and predictive maintenance can ensure the highest quality treatment of water.

Read more...
Flowmeters with faster and more reliable data transmission
ABB South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
ABB has launched the CoriolisMaster and ProcessMaster flowmeters, which can be powered over the same Ethernet cable used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate cabling.

Read more...
Ice cold optimisation
Turck Banner Southern Africa Flow Measurement & Control
A well-known industrial company in China specialises in the research, development and production of high-tech materials and special industrial furnaces for various fields and applications. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the furnaces, the flow and temperature of the cooling water and the energy consumption must be constantly monitored and controlled. Turck’s FS+ flow sensors are ideal for this application as they can monitor the temperature of the cooling medium in addition to the flow.

Read more...
How wet steam undermines boiler efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The Endress+Hauser team understands the daily challenges and demands placed upon energy and utility managers across the spectrum of steam generation, distribution and consumption activities. Its global team is committed to working with its partners to overcome these complexities and particularly those that challenge a safe, economic and sustainable source of steam energy production and delivery.

Read more...
Fast response, precise flow sensor
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SBT type flow sensors from ifm ensure quality and efficiency in your production processes, for example in injection moulding plants, tyre production, or meat substitute production.

Read more...