Over the course of the past year, there has been quite a few projects going on that we are fortunate enough to be involved in. In this issue we highlight a few new products that we are representing and some of our current product updates.

• New product: WedgeMeter and DP Transmitter from ABB
• New product: Flame Arresters and Vents from BS&B
• Product launch: ST80 Thermal Dispersion Mass Flowmeter from FCI
• Product update: LMT100/200 Magnetostrictive Level Transmitters from ABB

Flow monitoring solution for abrasive slurries with low Reynolds Numbers

While most flow metering instruments face challenges in high viscosity or abrasive processes, the design of wedge meters offer a number of operational advantages. The slanted upstream face of the restrictor helps to protect against erosion caused by any undissolved solids in the fluid being measured. The large opening beneath the restrictor enables any secondary phase material to easily pass through rather than building up on the restriction. The formation of eddies and back currents in the flow helps to effectively scour the internals, keeping them clean. Thanks to the unique shape of the wedge restriction, wedge meters can offer linear and accurate flow rates down to a Reynolds Number of 500.

The basic operating principle behind a wedge meter is straightforward. A V-shaped restrictor in the flowmeter body reduces the available flow area, constricting the flow. This constriction increases the fluid velocity, causing a corresponding increase in the kinetic energy of the fluid being measured.

As per the conservation of energy principle, the increase in kinetic energy will see a corresponding decrease in potential energy, or the static pressure. When this happens, the fluid upstream of the restrictor will have a greater potential energy, and a higher static pressure, than the fluid downstream.

Placing pressure taps either side of the wedge meter enables us to measure the difference in pressure which can be used to directly calculate the flow rate.

The inherent benefits of wedge meters enable them to outperform other types of DP flowmeters and make them a versatile solution for a wide range of applications, as shown above: They are particularly ideal for applications such as:

• Liquids with low electrical conductivity
• Viscous and non-Newtonian liquids
• Processes with high operating pressures and/or high operating temperatures
• Bi-directional flow measurement
• CO2 or water injection to revitalize existing oil and/or natural gas fields
• Measuring media prone to agglomeration and gum formation

The ideal configuration of a wedge meter installation is shown below:

By mounting the installation horizontally, liquids, solids and entrained air are able to pass freely through the wedge restriction, in contrast to conventional orifice plate technology, where process material can build up on the measurement face, resulting in a 'damming' effect.

This article is an excerpt from a petro-online.com Publication - "Making the case for wedge flow measurement" by Steve Gorvett

Related Links

Wedgemeter product page

Protecting your process and storages

A flame arrester is often installed on vessels containing flammable/explosive chemicals or mixtures. Flame arresters are installed to prevent hazards associated with flammable/explosive materials. An example of such hazards would be a flame propagating from within the pipeline into another area or vessel - which can be catastrophic.

Flame arresters are generally classified according to their location relative to the equipment they are designed to protect.

End-of-line flame arresters are located directly on a vessel or tank vent nozzle. They are usually deflagration flame arresters commonly installed on atmospheric pressure tanks and vessels. These flame arresters are designed to prevent the flame from ignited vented vapours (due to lightning, for example) spreading to the inside of the vessel.

Inline flame arresters are installed in piping systems to protect downstream equipment from either deflagrations or detonations.

The choice between a deflagration arrester and detonation arrester depends on the distance between the potential ignition source and the arrester. This length relative to the pipe diameter influences the transition of a deflagration to a stable detonation. Detonation flame arresters are used with longer lengths or where the location of the ignition source is not known.

Related Links

BS&B Flame Arresters

FCI Launches the ST80 Series of Thermal Dispersion Mass Flowmeters

The new ST80 supports all the bus configurations (Profibus PA, DP, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus), has a software field configurator, elaborate graphic display and multiple calibration groups available for use.

A distinct upgrade from the ST98 in terms of look and feel and at the same price point.

Related Links

ST80 Series Mass Flow Meters

High accuracy liquid level and interface level detection

The LMT100/200 is ABB's latest update to the current AT100/200 series of Magnetostrictive Transmitters.

Boasting a state of the art enclosure, it comes with the following new features:

• Waveform Display (no need for an oscilloscope)
• 360 degrees display rotation
• Vertical rotation of housing
• Mounting orientation field changeable
• Standard sealed sensor tube
• NAMUR NE107 Messaging

Related Links

LMT100/200 Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter

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