Flowmeters Redefining Process Gas Measurement

Endress+Hauser’s robust ultrasonic Proline Prosonic Flow G 300/500 gas flowmeters with integrated pressure and temperature sensors are suitable for highly accurate, real-time measured values.

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Thanks to state-of-the-art drilling technology, tremendous gas reserves are still being discovered and tapped into. It is expected that the demand for natural gas as a fuel or energy source, for example, will continue to increase in the future. Whether natural gas, process gas or gas mixtures, either in the offshore or onshore sector: the new Prosonic Flow G from Endress+Hauser is the ideal flowmeter for demanding applications, states the company. This flowmeter combines tried-and-tested ultrasonic flow measuring technology with decades of experience in the oil and gas as well as chemical industries.

The flowmeter measures both dry and wet gases with high reliability. Together with the extensive functionality of the Proline 300/500 transmitters, it opens up new options for process control and monitoring. It ensures precise measured values (±0.5%) with unmatched repeatability, even when process and ambient conditions fluctuate significantly. The robust industrial design makes it possible to operate the device over a long term without maintenance, thus saving time and money for the user, adds the firm.

The flowmeter operates at process temperatures up to 150 °C (302 °F) and pressures up to 100 bar (1450 psi). It can also be ordered with built-in temperature and pressure sensors. The input from these sensors can be combined with the measured sound velocity to calculate a great number of additional gas properties that are important for process control.

Comprehensive process monitoring thanks to extended gas analysis

The flowmeter can be supplied with an ‘Extended Gas Analysis’ function package, e.g. for special applications or for increased process control requirements. Depending on the selected gas type (pure gases, gas mixtures, coal gas, natural gas, customer-specific gases, etc.), this function enables the calculation of additional parameters and process variables. Some examples are volume flow, corrected volume flow, mass flow, energy flow, calorific value, Wobbe index, gas type, molar mass, methane content (%), density or viscosity.

Robust and industry-optimised

According to the company, the flowmeter stands out for its very high degree of robustness. All wetted parts are made of stainless steel and are compliance to the stringent requirements of Nace MR0175/MR0103. The ultrasound transducers are even available in titanium Grade 2. As a result, the measuring system features high corrosion resistance and is ideally suited for applications in the oil and gas and chemical industries. Since the entire sensor housing surface consists of corrosion-resistant stainless steel as well, the flowmeter is especially suited for harsh ambient conditions in the offshore and onshore sectors, mentions the firm.

The flowmeter also features maximum robustness when measuring moist or wet gases. The innovative sensor concept is equipped with a special drainage system that immediately dissipates any condensate that forms in the sensor pocket area. The ultrasonic measurement, therefore, remains unimpeded, i.e. without any negative effects on the signal quality.

Process reliability around the clock

Since the flowmeter measuring system has been developed in accordance with IEC 61508 (SIL), it is also preferred for use in safety-related applications, states the company. Additional security is provided thanks to a permanently installed rupture disk for controlled discharge of excess pressure in the event of potential leakage. Any device or process errors that may occur are clearly categorised and indicated in accordance with Namur NE107. This makes it possible to take fast and targeted corrective actions.

Heartbeat Technology – for reliable measurements and maximum operational safety

Heartbeat Technology is another highlight. This testing function is integrated into all Proline measuring devices and enables permanent self-diagnostics with the highest diagnostic coverage (>95 %) as well as a TÜV-certified, metrologically traceable device verification without process interruption. All of this reduces complexity and hazards in a plant and increases its reliability as well as availability.

Web server – direct data access in the field

Proline 300/500 transmitters include a web server as a standard. Using a standard Ethernet cable and a laptop – or wireless via WLAN –, users have direct access to all diagnostic, configuration and device data without additional software or hardware. This enables targeted and time-saving maintenance and service.

Histo Rom – simply unforgettable

The one-of-a-kind data storage concept (Histo Rom) ensures maximum data security – before, during and after service. All calibration data and device parameters are stored securely on the Histo Rom data storage module and are automatically reloaded after maintenance work. Installing spare parts is easy, saves time and thus reduces unnecessary downtimes, adds the firm.

Transmitters for seamless system integration

The flowmeter can be combined with two different transmitters: as a compact version (Proline 300) or as a remote version (Proline 500) with up to four inputs and outputs. Proline transmitters make no compromises in terms of performance and accuracy, mentions the company.

The digital signal processing begins in the intelligent sensor and is the basis for a real multivariable measurement. This means that the Prosonic Flow G is able to simultaneously detect multiple measured values that are important for process control – e.g. flow velocity, ultrasound speed, pressure and temperature – and forward these values to a process control system. Full access to all measurement data, including diagnostic data acquired by Heartbeat Technology, is possible at any time thanks to digital data transmission via Hart or Modbus RS485, as well as via WLAN or the freely combinable inputs and outputs.

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