Steam, gas and varied liquids are some of the most important utilities to target in the battle to reduce energy costs. Vortex meters are practical for controlling the consumption, storage and supply of liquids, gases or steam. With the launch of the PROLine Prowirl 72 and 73 series, Endress+Hauser believes that it has 'pumped new life' into the vortex flow measurement market.
Using its differential switched capacitor (DSC) sensor technology to measure shedding vortices, the Prowirl 72 and 73 series differentiates itself by providing superior reliability, even under the harshest conditions. This sensor, which allows users to optimise costs and monitor energy, is already in use in more than 100 000 installations worldwide.
"Because their concept covers more than a single product, an extensive series of software tools has been created for flowmeters of all types of functional principles. These tools offer optimum support for users, from planning to initial operations and configuration up to diagnosis and maintenance. All devices are based on the same operating philosophy, allowing users to easily cope with a variety of flowmeters based on different functional principles. In addition, all devices have been approved for hazardous zones," says Grant Joyce, marketing manager, Endress+Hauser.
Similar to a flag, the DSC sensor pad projects into the pipe and is deflected by the vortex generated by the bluff body. This changes the distance between the central electrode and the outer electrodes. Evaluation electronics count the number of capacitance shifts. The result is increased reliability and accuracy. The maximum measuring error amounts to ±1% of the instantaneous value for gases and steam, ±0,75% for liquids. For gases, flow rates of up to 75 m/s may be detected; in the case of liquids, flow rates of up to 9 m/s are possible, owing to the cavitation limit.
Compared to conventional solutions working with piezoelectric sensors, this capacitive procedure and the placing of the sensor behind the bluff body offers a wide range of advantages: well-balanced mechanics mean that measurements are not negatively affected by vibrations that may be generated by eg, pumps or compressors. Oscillations between 100 and 500 Hz at an acceleration of up to 1g do not negatively affect this function. In addition, clogging media do not create problems because they do not affect the function of the sensor paddle. In the standard version, it is suitable for process temperatures between -40°C and +60°C. High temperature or low temperature versions handle temperatures between -200°C and +400°C. For high-pressure applications, sensors are equipped with an additional secondary containment.
Vortex meters are universally usable devices, available in flanged or wafer versions and made in either stainless steel or Hastalloy C22. Depending on the application, users may choose between versions with the evaluation electronics compactly integrated on the measuring device or remote ones that may be installed at a distance of up to 30 m from the measuring point. Initial operations and handling are simple and convenient, eg, the quick set-up function offers a menu, which guides users through all application parameters necessary for commissioning. The intelligent electronics may even take into account highly specific givens such as differing pipe diameters. The measuring signal is available at a 4 to 20 mA current interface and an electrically isolated pulse output. There are various versions for profibus PA or Foundation Fieldbus. (The inset picture shows Endress+Hauser's differential switched capacitor (DSC) sensor for detecting shedding vortices.)
For more information contact Grant Joyce, Endress+Hauser, 011 262 800, [email protected], www.za.endress.com
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