Thursday, October 19, 2006

Gas flow monitor for energy management

Techniquip is pleased to introduce the CMG series gas flow monitor, a low cost, compact, high accuracy mass flow meter incorporating the Yamatake Micro Flow sensor chip.


Techniquip is pleased to introduce the CMG series gas flow monitor, a low cost, compact, high accuracy mass flow meter incorporating the Yamatake Micro Flow sensor chip. It accurately measures the mass flow rate corrected to 0C and 1 atmosphere, with no effect from pressure and temperature. The CMG series offers a wide range of features, including bright red LED display of instantaneous flow rate and totalised flow, together with event, pulse and analogue outputs.

Using state of the art sensing technology, high-accuracy and rapid response to process changes are a primary benefit.

The configuration of the unit minimises pressure drop making it ideal for burner installations.

The CMG series is available in variety of models for metering natural gas, air, butane and propane gases.

Of the many applications, the most frequent are in energy management, burner control and air ratio control.

Ultra-compact fluid flow and pressure controllers

By using micro solid state technology (MEMS), Bronkhorst has produced a new breed of ultra compact flow and pressure controllers with a footprint dimension of 20mm, half that previously achieved.


Equipment manufacturers are looking for compact solutions to monitor or control the gas flow or pressure in their system. Previously, conventional mass flow and pressure meters and controllers have used an industry standard width, using a footprint of 1.5'', as for instance specified in the NeSSI system. This width was needed for the technology in use previously.

Now, and in close co-operation with TNO-TPD (the leading Dutch institute for applied physics) Bronkhorst High-Tech has developed the IQ+Flow mass flow sensor.

By using micro solid state technology (MEMS), Bronkhorst has been able to halve the footprint dimension, the width of the unit, to 0.75'', (20mm) with a depth of 40mm, thereby realising a new breed of ultra compact flow and pressure controllers.

A core philosophy of Bronkhorst High-Tech has always been to form close working links and collaborations with Original Equipment Manufacturers, to ensure optimised integration of the Bronkhorst instruments within their own equipment.

Most often this results in a bespoke design in which various required functions are combined into one micro fluidic system.

The IQ+Flow concept offers any selection from the following functional modules within the IQ+Flow 0.75'' footprint.

* Gas flowmeter; typical flow ranges from 1 sccm to 2000 sccm (Full Scale values).

* Pressure meter; typical pressure ranges of the order of 100 psi.

* Control valve.

* Three-way valve.

* Shut-off valve.

* Filter.

* Mixing chamber.

A combination of these modules in a multi-gas system can be mounted on a compact manifold, in line with the customer requirement, and following open design discussions.

Further possibilities might include either an aluminium or a stainless steel manifold with perhaps female inlet/outlet ports that could be suitable for either gas or liquid.

As there are truly an infinite number of possible solutions, it is recommended that you discuss your requirement with Bronkhorst High-Tech to see what the IQ+Flow can offer.

Some of the main features of IQ+Flow are.

* Very stable Zero, due to the thermally balanced chip-sensor.

* Compact assembly, ensuring space efficiency.

* Economical solution, with low cost of ownership.

* Tubeless construction, to reduce potential leak points.

* Top-mount modules; easily accessible.

* Pre-tested 'Plug and Play' units, reducing custom testing requirements.

* Analogue and digital (RS232) communication.

Some examples of the initial analytical applications of the ultra compact IQ+Flow modules.

* Flow - Pressure control at the injector side of a GC.

* Flow control at the detector side of a GC or HPLC.

* Flow control in an FID detector.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Flow monitor for large diameter pipes

New E-T-A flow monitor and extended monitoring head provide accurate measurements in large diameter pipes or through thick-walled insulation, for ventilation, cooling and lubrication circuits.

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has extended its range of flow monitoring products by introducing a new flow monitor and extended, push-fit, monitoring head which together provide accurate flow measurements in larger pipe sizes as well as in pipes with thick walled insulation. With a wide range of operating temperatures, they are ideally suited for monitoring cooling and lubrication circuits, as well as ventilation and cooling equipment. Optimal positioning of flow sensors in a pipeline, where the flow is laminar, is essential for reliable and accurate flow monitoring.

It is also important to insert the monitoring head far enough into the flow-stream of the medium.

The new E-T-A FS20 Flow Monitor and 300mm long MKV Monitoring Head are designed to overcome these problems by providing compact single-point flow monitoring in applications with pipe sizes of DN65 or more, as well as in cooling equipment with thick-walled insulation.

The MKV is installed using a compression gland: the tip of the monitoring head needs to be inserted to only one-eighth of the internal diameter of the pipe/duct work, so that extremely large diameters can be accommodated.

To save space, the electronic control unit of the FS20 is accommodated within the stainless steel monitoring head, and with no moving parts they are practically wear and maintenance free.

The operating temperature range is from -40C to +100C.

The FS20 switch point can be adjusted for MIN or MAX flow rates between 0.5m/s and 50m/s for air/gases, and between 0.01m/s and 4.5m/s for water or oil.

Simple, step-less switch point adjustment is by means of a potentiometer.

Electronic signalling is short-circuit proof via a power MOSFET, with electrical connection for the 24V DC supply voltage and signal cable via a 3-pole M12 plug connector to IEC947.

Interruption of the supply voltage lights an LED on the monitor and creates a flow failure signal.

Thermal flow switches with continuous diagnostics

The new Thermatel TD1 and TD2 from Magnetrol International are the only thermal dispersion flow switches on the market with continuous diagnostics.

The new Thermatel TD1 and TD2 from Magnetrol International are the only thermal dispersion flow switches on the market with continuous diagnostics. The TD1/TD2 are designed for harsh process applications in hazardous areas and service flow, level or interface applications. The majority of typical applications handle flow control/flow trending of both gases and liquids.

The Thermatel TD1/TD2 replaces the popular TDF/TSF series, with improved temperature compensation, reduced hysteresis and add on features such as continuous diagnostics, mA output and local LED indication of flow (TD2).

The enhancements result in better repeatability, faster response time and easier set up in the field.

The TD1/TD2 diagnostics continuously monitor the signal from the sensor.

If this signal goes out of range due to either a failed sensor or failed electronics, the switch will indicate a fault and the relay will de-energize.

Both TD1 and TD2 will give a local error indication via a blinking LED, but the TD2 will additionally send a 3.6 or 22mA error signal to the control room.

This feature can be very beneficial in critical service applications that require the user to ensure that the switch is operational.

Thermal dispersion switches are typically affected by sudden process temperature changes.

The built-in temperature compensation of the TD1/TD2 reduces this effect to a minimum giving the benefit of a very fast response and highly repeatable switch.

Furthermore, most switches require a substantial change in flow rate for the switch to reset.

For instance with a set point of 0.006 m/s for low flow detection, the flow may have to increase between 0.009 and 0.012 for the switch to reset.

This causes difficulties in some applications.

With the new TD1/TD2 the hysteresis between alarm and reset has been decreased to reduce this potential difficulty.

Hysteresis in water will range between 2% and 10% change.

Another feature of the TD2 is the mA output, which can be used for trending and diagnostics.

The non-linear mA output cannot be scaled by the user but does provide a repeatable indication of switch operation.

While not a transmitter, the mA output of the TD2 can be helpful by providing a repeatable trend indication of the flow rate.

User friendliness is always a key factor in the development of a new Magnetrol product.

The TD1/TD2 uses a constant power to the sensor, meaning calibration can be performed faster and easier than competitive units.

The units can operate up to 413 bar pressure, and can withstand temperatures from -70C up to +450 C.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

t-mass thermal flowmeter for utilities measurement

The Endress+Hauser super-sensitive t-mass thermal mass flowmeter is the ideal solution for direct mass flow measurement of compressed air, biogas and other utility gas applications.

Proven in a wide range of gas flow applications, the Endress+Hauser super-sensitive t-mass thermal mass flowmeter is the ideal solution for direct mass flow measurement of compressed air, biogas and other utility gas applications. With a turndown of typically 100:1 and a negligible pressure loss, t-mass AT65 is capable of accurate measurement of both low flow rates and leakage, which allows users to optimise plant performances. It can be supplied to suit a wide range of pipe sizes (DN15 to 1500) in circular or square ducting, and is ATEX certified for hazardous area use.

With its integrated 'gas engine', users can select from a list of 20 pure gases such as air, nitrogen, oxygen and you can even customise a specific gas mixture which is ideal for the measurement of biogas.

This allows you to select and programme the pure gas or gas mixture directly on the device, reducing the reliance on factory pre-sets and allowing the user to configure t-mass AT65 to suit the requirements of the individual application.

t-mass AT65, with its online diagnostics, field replaceable sensors, integrated gas tables and Quick Setup operating menu, offers a maintenance-friendly and time-saving direct gas mass flow measurement.

At high temperatures and low pressures, t-mass AT65 is both robust and sensitive, offering you the best of both worlds.

Thermal mass gas flow measurement is simple

Flotech Solutions are pleased to announce the addition of the Eldridge Products range of thermal mass flow measurement solutions to our already extensive flowmeter product portfolio.

Flotech Solutions are pleased to announce the addition of the Eldridge Products range of thermal mass flow measurement solutions to our already extensive flowmeter product portfolio. With over 20 years experience in production and design of thermal mass flow metering solutions, Eldridge Products are at the forefront of their field in the USA. Now, for the first time, the benefits of their expertise and cutting edge technology are available in the UK through Flotech Solutions.

Thermal mass flow solutions are available to suit a wide range of applications and include in-line, insertion and multi-point sensors to suit duct diameters from 0.5'' to 60'' and above.

Standard material offerings include 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy and Monel.

A revolutionary offering, unique to Eldridge Products, is the new FAT 'Flow Averaging Tube' design.

Available in both insertion-type and in-line versions, this new design concept greatly simplifies installation requirements and provides a stable flow measurement under conditions where disturbances in the flow profile would defeat traditional thermal mass flow devices.

All sensor types are available with either ATEX EExd or safe-area transmitters in integral or remote-mounted versions.

A key advantage held by all Eldridge Products thermal mass flow meters is their advanced 'Master-Touch' transmitter technology, providing the user with a powerful feature set.

* Exceptional accuracy of +/- [1% of reading + (0.5% of full scale + 0.2%/C)].

* Turndown ratio of at least 100:1.

* Repeatability of 0.2% Full Scale.

* Easy to use pushbutton operator.

* Up to four independent metering ranges, and the ability to switch between ranges without interrupting the measured process.

* A wide variety of user-selectable engineering units that dynamically convert the flow rate and accumulated total to the new units.

* Continuous time stamping of maximum and minimum flow values.

* Selectable 4-20 mA or 0-5 VDC proportional output signal.

* Two 1-Amp user-configurable relays can be set to provide limit alarms, perform batch counting functions or provide a pulse/ frequency output.

* RS232/ 485 serial communications allow remote monitoring and configuration of the transmitter using Eldridge free issue 'EPICommunicator' PC software.

* 'LightWIRE' infrared communications capability for local control via PC with Communicator IR module or via Communicator II and III handheld IR remote control units.

The Eldridge Products range of thermal mass flow meters represent an accurate, robust and reliable solution to many industrial gas flow monitoring applications.

* Automotive Industry (Compressed air monitoring; Natural gas consumption; Powder paint air flow; Paint booth / paint oven ventilation).

* Utility Services (Stack or flue gas monitoring; Waste water aeration; Ventilation systems; Digester gas monitoring; Nitrogen purge; combustion air; Boiler inlet air).

* Food Processing (Drying air; Ventilation systems; Boiler inlet air; Exhaust gas; Compressor lines).

* HVAC (Air balancing; Duct flows; Energy conservation; Fume hoods; Clean rooms).

* Laboratory and R and D (Flow research; Biomedical studies; University studies; Toxicology studies; Energy studies; Clean rooms).

* Petroleum and gas Industries (Landfill gas recovery; Flare gas monitoring; Gas mixing; Gas quality studies; Leak testing).

Monday, October 16, 2006

Sierra flow meters and controllers

Sierra is one of the most trusted manufacturers of high performance flow meters and controllers today, consistently delivering the best flow measurement solutions for our customers.

Sierra is one of the most trusted manufacturers of high performance flow meters and controllers today. By combining superior product quality with a talented global network of flow experts, we consistently deliver the best flow measurement solution for our customer. Our thermal mass, transit-time ultrasonic, vortex shedding and multivariable instruments are available in both standard and customised versions for applications in laboratory, industrial and hazardous environments.

The Sierra flow measurement technologies precisely measure or control very low flows of gas down to less than 1 sccm full scale as well as extremely high flows of gas, liquid, and steam.

With rugged product design, cutting-edge innovation, and a worldwide team of flow experts, experience why customers around the globe rely on Sierra.

Boiler-Trak flowmeter increases boiler efficiency

Sierra Instruments announces the release of its new Boiler-Trak smart insertion mass flow meter, a boiler and heater efficiency solution for natural gas flow measurement applications.

Sierra Instruments announces the release of its new Boiler-Trak smart insertion mass flow meter. Boiler-Trak is designed to provide an economical and easy to install solution for natural gas measurement in heaters and boilers. The instrument is also suited for compliance to new regulations for the burning of natural gas in commercial boiler applications.

Boiler-Trak is easy to install or retrofit into existing piping and provides the mass flow rate and totalised flow (200 millisecond response to changes in flow rate) of the natural gas burned.

The versatile microprocessor-based transmitter integrates the functions of flow-range adjustment, meter validation and diagnostics in a probe-mounted NEMA 4X (IP65) housing.

Mass flow rate and totalised flow, as well as other configuration variables, can be displayed on the meter's optional 2 x 12 backlit LCD panel.

The Boiler-Trak also provides an optical/galvanic isolated 4-20 mA output, two alarm outputs and one contact input for range or gas selection.

The programmable transmitter is easily configured via RS 232 or by Sierra Smart Interface software, or with three push-buttons on the device.