Flow Measurement & Control


Cost-saving universal flowmeter

January 2004 Flow Measurement & Control

Based on over 30 years of experience in ultrasonic flowmetering and extensive in-house R&D, Krohne believes that it has developed a truly universal ultrasonic flowmeter.

Independent of the flow profile, whether laminar or turbulent, Krohne's UFM 3030 offers high accuracy, even at low flow rates.

Suitable for chemical processes, such as those in the production of fertilisers and plastics, and batching processes. Solids and entrained gas have limited effect on measurement results and there is no need for periodic recalibration.

The UFM 3030 can be used for nearly all applications measuring liquids in the chemical and petrochemical, oil production and refining, water and wastewater industry. Advantages include high performance, easy engineering and installation - with low operational and maintenance costs.

(UFM 3030 datasheets may be downloaded directly from the Krohne Download Centre, which is accessible from the new website: www.krohne.com)

The UFM 3030 is a 3-beam flowmeter, replacing the UFM 500. It is suitable for a wide range of industrial process applications in the chemical, petrochemical and water and wastewater industries. The three measuring beams of UFM 3030 take a 3-dimensional cross-sectional view of the medium's velocity distribution, or flow profile, through the measuring tube. These measuring beams are positioned such that measurement is effectively independent of the flow profile.

Major performance improvements have been achieved by applying patented sensors, innovative electronics in combination with digital signal processing (DSP). This results in stable and reliable measurements. The meter is therefore more accurate and less sensitive to changes in the flow profile, solids or entrained air. It has become a universal meter in a very broad range of applications. Batching operations may be controlled directly from UFM 3030. Optionally, pressure and temperature inputs can be accommodated for the calculation of standardised volumetric flow or mass flow (according to API 2540 or customer specified data). A complete offering of communication protocols and approvals for hazardous areas makes it possible to integrate the meter into existing systems.

Features include:

* Unique positioning of three measuring beams.

* New transducer design.

* Dedicated digital signal processing (DSP) software and algorithms.

* Pressure and temperature sensor inputs (4-20 mA) for corrected standard volume.

* Simple single stage batch (start/stop) function for batching.

Benefits to be had include improved performance:

* Accuracy <±0,5% over complete range (no limitations).

* Improved stability (repeatability <±0,2%).

* Continuous check of status of instrument and process conditions ('window to flow').

* Wider application range: handles up to 5% solids and 2% entrained air.

* Corrected volumetric flow according to API 2540 or according to customer specifications.

* Simple single stage batching.

* Optional mass flow output.

Universal

Universal in industrial process applications, both acids and caustic solutions can be measured, ranging from sulphuric acid to caustic soda. Inorganic substances from molten sulphur to chlorine and organic substances such as liquefied gasses do not cause any problems for the UFM 3030. In the oil and gas industry the applications range from heavy crude oils to bitumen and liquefied petroleum gasses. In the water markets UFM 3030 can be used for measuring drinking water as well as for cooling water and demineralised water.

Three measuring beams combined with the new sensors, dedicated electronics and innovative digital signal processing techniques provide reliable, stable measurements, even under difficult process conditions. As a result, flowmeter drift and, therefore, process re-tuning has become a provision of the past.

Easy to engineer

Like any Krohne ultrasonic flowmeter, the meter is independent of viscosity, density, temperature, pressure and conductivity. It has a wide diameter and turndown range. All materials applied have good chemical resistance. The unobstructed flow sensor, with smooth surface finish, inhibits any material build up. This, combined with no moving parts to wear out, provides for many years of maintenance-free service.

Easy to install

UFM 3030 is a lightweight, compact meter that is easy to install and operate. Additional arrangements such as filters, flow strainers, supports, grounding or isolation against vibrations are not necessary. Since the meter is maintenance-free, even installation in difficult to access locations is a viable option.

Easy to operate and maintain

The meter has no intruding or moving parts. There is no wear, scaling or additional pressure loss, so it is maintenance-free and energy efficient, which keeps operational and maintenance costs to a minimum.

Price

Krohne says that the total costs of a measuring installation with UFM 3030 are considerably lower than those of a comparable installation of a Coriolis or a vortex flowmeter. Then there is a further advantage of one universal meter for all applications keeping engineering and inventory costs to a minimum. Visit Krohne's new international website at www.krohne.com.

For more information contact Gordon Duff, Krohne, 011 315 2685, [email protected], www.krohne.co.za



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