---
title: Heavy Resid Flow; A Safe & Reliable Solutions
description: Heavy Resid Flow; A Safe & Reliable Solutions
image: https://web-material3.yokogawa.com/2/17474/tabs/9ffc0c967db9dd830c119eae166bab1577310a9d.JPG
---

[![Teckstar](https://blog.techstar.com/hubfs/header-logo-1.png)](http://techstar.com/)

[SPEAK TO AN EXPERT](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016)

[ONLINE STORE](https://store.techstar.com/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016)

- OUR COMPANY 
    - [Sales Coverage](https://techstar.com/locations)
    - [Office Locations](https://techstar.com/locations#offices)
    - [Ask An Expert](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/)
    - [Who We Are](https://techstar.com/who-we-are)
    - [Industries](https://techstar.com/industries)
    - [Tale of the Goat](https://techstar.com/about-us/the-tale-of-the-pale-goat/)
    - [STAR Scholarship](https://techstar.com/scholarship/)
    - [Career Opportunities](https://techstar.com/about-us/career-opportunities/)
    - [View Line Card](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TS-All-Territory-Line-Card-_LR-copy.pdf)
- [SOLUTIONS](https://techstar.com/solutions) 
    - - [Analytical Gas](https://techstar.com/analytical-gas-solutions/)
          - [Analytical Liquid](https://techstar.com/solutions/analytical-liquid-solutions/)
          - [Conditioning & Vibration Monitoring](https://techstar.com/solutions/condition-and-vibration-monitoring-solutions/)
          - [Control](https://techstar.com/solutions/control-solutions/)
          - [Data Acquisition](https://techstar.com/solutions/data-acquisition-solutions/)
          - [Density](https://techstar.com/density/)
          - [Fixed Gas & Flame Detection](https://techstar.com/fixed-gas-and-flame-detection-solutions)
          - [Flow](https://techstar.com/solutions/flow-solutions/)
          - [Heating, Thermal & Winterization](https://techstar.com/solutions/heating-thermal-winterization/)
    - - [Level](https://techstar.com/level-solutions/)
          - [Moisture](https://techstar.com/moisture-measurement-solutions/)
          - [Pressure](https://techstar.com/pressure-solutions/)
          - [Sensors, Fieldbus & Connectivity](https://store.techstar.com/collections/main-navigation-manufacturers-turck-sensors-and-connectors-sensors)
          - [Signal Conditioning & Isolation](https://techstar.com/signal-conditioning-and-isolation-solutions/)
          - [Temperature](https://techstar.com/temperature-solutions/)
          - [Valves](https://techstar.com/valve-solutions/)
          - [Wireless Telemetry](https://techstar.com/wireless-and-telemetry-solutions/)
- [SERVICE](https://techstar.com/extra-manpower/)
- [TRAINING](https://techstar.com/training/) 
    - [Technical Courses](https://techstar.com/category/courses/)
    - [Hands On Application](https://techstar.com/theunit/)
    - [Custom Sessions](https://techstar.com/custom-sessions/)
    - [Distance Learning](https://info.techstar.com/t3-library-distance-learning)
- RESOURCES 
    - [Blog](https://blog.techstar.com/news)
    - [Calendar of Events](https://techstar.com/category/courses/)
    - [Knowledge Center](https://info.techstar.com/resources)
    - [View Line Card](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TS-All-Territory-Line-Card-LR-copy.pdf)
- [CONTACT US](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/)

- OUR COMPANY 
    - [Sales Coverage](https://techstar.com/locations)
    - [Office Locations](https://techstar.com/locations#offices)
    - [Ask An Expert](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/)
    - [Who We Are](https://techstar.com/who-we-are)
    - [Industries](https://techstar.com/industries)
    - [Tale of the Goat](https://techstar.com/about-us/the-tale-of-the-pale-goat/)
    - [STAR Scholarship](https://techstar.com/scholarship/)
    - [Career Opportunities](https://techstar.com/about-us/career-opportunities/)
    - [View Line Card](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TS-All-Territory-Line-Card-_LR-copy.pdf)
- [SOLUTIONS](https://techstar.com/solutions) 
    - - [Analytical Gas](https://techstar.com/analytical-gas-solutions/)
          - [Analytical Liquid](https://techstar.com/solutions/analytical-liquid-solutions/)
          - [Conditioning & Vibration Monitoring](https://techstar.com/solutions/condition-and-vibration-monitoring-solutions/)
          - [Control](https://techstar.com/solutions/control-solutions/)
          - [Data Acquisition](https://techstar.com/solutions/data-acquisition-solutions/)
          - [Density](https://techstar.com/density/)
          - [Fixed Gas & Flame Detection](https://techstar.com/fixed-gas-and-flame-detection-solutions)
          - [Flow](https://techstar.com/solutions/flow-solutions/)
          - [Heating, Thermal & Winterization](https://techstar.com/solutions/heating-thermal-winterization/)
    - - [Level](https://techstar.com/level-solutions/)
          - [Moisture](https://techstar.com/moisture-measurement-solutions/)
          - [Pressure](https://techstar.com/pressure-solutions/)
          - [Sensors, Fieldbus & Connectivity](https://store.techstar.com/collections/main-navigation-manufacturers-turck-sensors-and-connectors-sensors)
          - [Signal Conditioning & Isolation](https://techstar.com/signal-conditioning-and-isolation-solutions/)
          - [Temperature](https://techstar.com/temperature-solutions/)
          - [Valves](https://techstar.com/valve-solutions/)
          - [Wireless Telemetry](https://techstar.com/wireless-and-telemetry-solutions/)
- [SERVICE](https://techstar.com/extra-manpower/)
- [TRAINING](https://techstar.com/training/) 
    - [Technical Courses](https://techstar.com/category/courses/)
    - [Hands On Application](https://techstar.com/theunit/)
    - [Custom Sessions](https://techstar.com/custom-sessions/)
    - [Distance Learning](https://info.techstar.com/t3-library-distance-learning)
- RESOURCES 
    - [Blog](https://blog.techstar.com/news)
    - [Calendar of Events](https://techstar.com/category/courses/)
    - [Knowledge Center](https://info.techstar.com/resources)
    - [View Line Card](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TS-All-Territory-Line-Card-LR-copy.pdf)
- [CONTACT US](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/)

 

**TECHSTAR** **BLOG**

# Heavy Resid Flow; A Safe & Reliable Solutions

Posted by [TechStar](https://blog.techstar.com/news/author/twineng) on Dec 10, 2020, 4:30:00 PM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

Written By TechStar Solution Specialist, Josh Longcor

It is safe to say that everyone’s goal in process control is to increase reliability of their process measurements. Facilities spend endless resources to identify and displace problematic points, also know as “bad actors”. One common problem area in a refinery is reliably measuring the heavy residual hydrocarbons from the “bottoms” of the distillation towers in the crude unit. Typically, these applications are Vaccum Distillation (VDU) Feed & Delayed Coker (DCU) Feed; also known as crude furnace pass flows.

These flow measurements most commonly incorporate orifice and wedge meter installations using a [differential pressure (DP) transmitter](https://techstar.com/solutions/pressure-solutions/differential-pressure-transmitters/), requiring a flow restriction to be placed inline. This restriction creates pressure drop and is susceptible to clogging due to the high viscosity of the heavy oil residual, therefore steam purging is incorporated to alleviate buildup. Cost of regular maintenance for DP transmitters, along with downtime required for purging decreases the unit output capacities.

![](https://web-material3.yokogawa.com/2/17474/tabs/9ffc0c967db9dd830c119eae166bab1577310a9d.JPG)

A growing solution for this application is the use of ultrasonic flow meters with waveguide transducers. Below we’ll look at a few major benefits of implementing the ultrasonic technology.

- Unobstructed Flow Path 
    - Traditional Orifice and Wedge Meter installations employ differential pressure technique, requiring a flow restriction to be placed inline. This restriction creates pressure drop and is susceptible to clogging due to the high viscosity of the heavy oil residual and can require personnel exposure time in the unit. In addition, the amount of purging that is required to prevent clogging increases maintenance costs and decreases the unit output capacities.

 

- Bundle Wave Technology 
    - Typical wetted ultrasonic meters require transducers to be located inside the process, exposing them to the extreme temperatures and requiring isolation capability in order to service the instrument. BWT allows the [pressure transducer](https://techstar.com/solutions/pressure-solutions/pressure-transducers/) to be removed from the process, outside of the harsh environment. This prevents maintenance issues related to thermal shock when using solid state buffers and allows the instrument to be fully serviced under process conditions.

 

- SIL Rated System 
    - Typical systems incorporate redundancy for operational control and safety shutdown systems and are capable of being SIL certified by design (SIL 2 or SIL 3 depending on configuration), with the ability to incorporate redundant sensors and electronics in a single packaged solution for Operations and Safety Shutdown. Providing safety and reliability without the operational expense of maintaining DP measurements.

In conclusion, ultrasonic flow meter technology when coupled with waveguide transducers provides the safest, most reliable solution to difficult flow applications with high temperatures and high viscosity liquids. Implementing this solution, a facility can lower maintenance costs while increasing safety, measurement reliability and overall plant efficiently.

 Topics: [Yokogawa](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/yokogawa), [Ultrasonic Flow](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/ultrasonic-flow), [flow](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flow)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [MSA (29)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/msa)
- [Yokogawa (21)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/yokogawa)
- [Moore Industries (19)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/moore-industries)
- [Fox Thermal (17)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/fox-thermal)
- [Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meters (17)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/thermal-gas-mass-flow-meters)
- [Gas Detection Solutions (16)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/gas-detection-solutions)
- [Safety (16)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/safety)
- [Analytical Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/analytical-solutions)
- [Fixed Gas Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/fixed-gas-solutions)
- [Flow Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flow-solutions)
- [Level Solutions (13)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/level-solutions)
- [Condition Monitoring (12)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/condition-monitoring)
- [Flow Meter Solutions (12)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flow-meter-solutions)
- [flow (12)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flow)
- [Analyzer (11)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/analyzer)
- [Magnetrol (9)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/magnetrol)
- [Wireless and Telemetry Solutions (9)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/wireless-and-telemetry-solutions)
- [Signal Fire (8)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/signal-fire)
- [Training (8)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/training)
- [vibration (8)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/vibration)
- [AMETEK Process Instruments (6)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/ametek-process-instruments)
- [News (6)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/news)
- [SKF (6)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/skf)
- [Wastewater (6)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/wastewater)
- [BK Vibro (5)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/bk-vibro)
- [radar (5)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/radar)
- [techstar (5)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/techstar)
- [Condition & Vibration Monitoring (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/condition-vibration-monitoring)
- [Data Centers (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/data-centers)
- [Flame Detection (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flame-detection)
- [Food & Beverage (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/food-beverage)
- [Integration/Automation (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/integration-automation)
- [MLI (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/mli)
- [Midstream Oil & Gas (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/midstream-oil-gas)
- [Mining & Minerals (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/mining-minerals)
- [Moisture Measurement Solutions (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/moisture-measurement-solutions)
- [Orion Instruments (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/orion-instruments)
- [Process Analytics (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/process-analytics)
- [Refining/Petrochemical (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/refining-petrochemical)
- [Semiconductor (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/semiconductor)
- [Signal Conditioning and Isolation Solutions (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/signal-conditioning-and-isolation-solutions)
- [Upstream Oil & Gas (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/upstream-oil-gas)
- [Water/Wastewater (4)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/water-wastewater)
- [Pressure Solutions (3)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/pressure-solutions)
- [Temperature Solutions (3)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/temperature-solutions)
- [Texas Automation Systems (3)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/texas-automation-systems)
- [water (3)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/water)
- [Automation (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/automation)
- [Basic Instrumentation Training (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/basic-instrumentation-training)
- [Berthold (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/berthold)
- [Events (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/events)
- [Flare Gas (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/flare-gas)
- [General Monitors (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/general-monitors)
- [Hydrocarbon (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/hydrocarbon)
- [K-Patents (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/k-patents)
- [KECO (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/keco)
- [Sierra Instruments (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/sierra-instruments)
- [Upstream Solutions (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/upstream-solutions)
- [Waltron (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/waltron)
- [Water Chemistry (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/water-chemistry)
- [X5000 (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/x5000)
- [hands-on process technical training (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/hands-on-process-technical-training)
- [process instrumentation and controls (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/process-instrumentation-and-controls)
- [process technical training (2)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/process-technical-training)
- [2018 Training (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/2018-training)
- [Air Monitor (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/air-monitor)
- [Analog Isolation (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/analog-isolation)
- [Aunt Vic's Kitchen (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/aunt-vics-kitchen)
- [Burner Management System (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/burner-management-system)
- [Case Study (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/case-study)
- [Density (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/density)
- [Differential Pressure (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/differential-pressure)
- [Differential Temperature Monitoring (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/differential-temperature-monitoring)
- [Downstream (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/downstream)
- [Field Service (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/field-service)
- [HART (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/hart)
- [Holiday (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/holiday)
- [Hydrocarbon Carryover (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/hydrocarbon-carryover)
- [Manufacturer Representatives (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/manufacturer-representatives)
- [Mixing It Up With TechStar (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/mixing-it-up-with-techstar)
- [New Mexico (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/new-mexico)
- [Pharmaceutical (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/pharmaceutical)
- [Process Insights (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/process-insights)
- [Product Line (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/product-line)
- [Pulsar (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/pulsar)
- [Separator (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/separator)
- [THE UNIT (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/the-unit)
- [TechStar One Click (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/techstar-one-click)
- [TechStar University (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/techstar-university)
- [Ultrasonic Flow (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/ultrasonic-flow)
- [Wireless Sensor (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/wireless-sensor)
- [advanced process training (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/advanced-process-training)
- [autoline controls (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/autoline-controls)
- [basic process training (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/basic-process-training)
- [boost productivity with process training (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/boost-productivity-with-process-training)
- [chart recorder vs data logger (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/chart-recorder-vs-data-logger)
- [chart recorders for data acquisition (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/chart-recorders-for-data-acquisition)
- [clarifier level sensor (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/clarifier-level-sensor)
- [clean in place (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/clean-in-place)
- [compare contrast chart recorders (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/compare-contrast-chart-recorders)
- [digital and wireless technology (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/digital-and-wireless-technology)
- [guidedwave (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/guidedwave)
- [how does a chart recorder work (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/how-does-a-chart-recorder-work)
- [how to choose a chart recorder (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/how-to-choose-a-chart-recorder)
- [industry-specific technical training examples (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/industry-specific-technical-training-examples)
- [plant operations (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/plant-operations)
- [process automation (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/process-automation)
- [strip vs circular chart recorder (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/strip-vs-circular-chart-recorder)
- [technical training curriculum (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/technical-training-curriculum)
- [webinar (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/webinar)
- [what is a chart recorder (1)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/topic/what-is-a-chart-recorder)

see all

[![tech-footer-1](https://blog.techstar.com/hubfs/tech-footer-1.png)](http://techstar.com/)

<https://twitter.com/TechStarIS> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/551201> <https://www.youtube.com/user/techstarusa>

TechStar © 2024. All rights reserved.

- [Privacy Policy](https://techstar.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://techstar.com/terms-and-conditions/)

[![G. K. Techstar LLC BBB Business Review](https://seal-houston.bbb.org/seals/blue-seal-250-52-whitetxt-bbb-31006312.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/deer-park/profile/manufacturer-representatives/g-k-techstar-llc-0915-31006312/#sealclick)

- ABOUT 
    - [Who We Are](https://techstar.com/who-we-are/)
    - [Our Solutions](https://techstar.com/solutions/)
    - [View Line Card](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TS-All-Territory-Line-Card-LR-copy.pdf)
    - [Speak to an Expert](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/)

[866-542-0205](tel:866-542-0205)

[Contact us](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016)

<https://twitter.com/TechStarIS> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/551201> <https://www.youtube.com/user/techstarusa>

[866-542-0205](tel:866-542-0205)

[Contact us](https://techstar.com/asktechstar/?__hstc=233546881.94308a3d6ad9d040c1c30bf75699981b.1700673178130.1709582481954.1709637461889.239&__hssc=233546881.1.1709637461889&__hsfp=541284016)

- 802 West 13th Street
- Deer Park, Texas 77536

[![AskTSR Support](https://techstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AskTSR.png)](https://blog.techstar.com/news/heavy-resid-flow#navu-sidebar)