Krohne’s UFM (ultrasonic flowmeter) 3030 is a universal flowmeter that is suitable for many industrial process applications in the chemical, petrochemical, oil, water and wastewater industries. With the introduction of this three-beam inline ultrasonic flowmeter, Krohne demonstrates that it is still a technological leader in the development of flow measuring solutions. (In the late ’nineties Krohne successfully launched Altosonic V, the first multiple beam UFM for custody transfer of liquids.)
The ultrasonic flowmeter market has developed rapidly and has seen a significant growth. Reputed market research companies, like ARC, claim the UFM market is the fastest growing flowmeter market and expect explosive growth. The recent publication of the draft standard `Measurement of liquid hydrocarbons by ultrasonic flowmeters using transit time technology' by the American Petroleum Institute (API) is expected to further boost the market for liquid inline flowmeters.
High performance
Multiple beam inline ultrasonic flowmeters, with five, and recently, also with three beams, caused a major breakthrough in accurate flowmetering. The high accuracy (<±0,5%) and repeatability (±0,2%) is the result of a combination of the number of paths, the configuration of the paths and the use of sophisticated algorithms. The paths run in parallel, thereby covering a larger part of the flow profile.
Other developments contributing to the improved accuracy, repeatability and stability of UFM are advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and the use of innovative new sensors. A significant factor contributing to the accuracy performance is Krohne's philosophy of performing a wet calibration on every flowmeter that leaves the factory.
Universal flowmeter
Extended capabilities have turned the ultrasonic flowmeter into a universally applicable flowmeter for a wide spectrum of applications. With a robust sensor construction, ultrasonic flowmeters are able to handle extreme temperature and pressure ranges encountered in industrial processes. With digital communication even more flow- and process-related, data can be communicated between the flow sensor and the control system. A benefit of ultrasonic flowmeters is that the available data can be used to yield more than information on volumetric flow only, eg, the calculation of net (corrected) volume flow rate (according to API 2540) and mass flow in combination with a pressure and or a temperature input. For this a flow computer is not necessary, as the functions are combined in the converter. In addition, the sound velocity of a medium can be calculated and used for liquid identification (and interface detection). The new generation ultrasonic flowmeters have improved performance with entrained gas, solids and heavy attenuation, due to intelligent DSP.
Easy to engineer
UFM 3030 offers all the advantages of transit time, inline, ultrasonic flowmeters - that is, ultrasonic flow measurement is independent of conductivity, viscosity, temperature, density and pressure. Another benefit of the 3-beam ultrasonic flowmeter is its large diameter range (25,4 mm to 3,048 m) and high turndown ratio. The meter begins to measure from zero flow.
Easy to install, operate and maintain
The UFM 3030 is a lightweight, compact meter that is easy to install. Additional arrangements like filters, supports and grounding or isolation against vibration, are not necessary. Since the meter is maintenance-free, installation in difficult to access locations is not a major concern.
The unobstructed ultrasonic flow tube, with smooth surface finish inhibits material build-up. This combined with no internal moving parts to wear makes many years of maintenance-free service possible. An inherent advantage ultrasonic flowmeters have over mechanical meters is they offer no obstruction to the flow, producing essentially zero head loss.
A unique feature of the new meter is what it offers in internal diagnostics and additional process information. Signal strength measurement provides information on the level of attenuation, which could be an indication of higher viscosities, entrained air, gas or wax, for example. DSP is also used in the internal diagnostics, continuously performing reliability checks of the measurements and calibrating the time measurement. Three measuring beams also provide redundancy. In the exceptional case that a measurement line should fail the flow measurement continues and is compensated for.
Cost efficient flowmetering
The total costs of measuring installation with these ultrasonic flowmeters are considerably lower than comparable installations of Coriolis mass meters, or turbine flowmeters. One universal meter for all applications also keeps engineering and inventory costs to a minimum.
With its high level of performance, unique properties, wide application range, and maintenance-free operation, Krohne expects its UFM 3030 to gain a leading position in the flowmeter market.
For more information contact Gordon Duff, Krohne, 011 315 2685, [email protected], www.krohne.co.za
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