Common Results of Gas Uses in Industrial Processes

There are three key results of measuring the flow of air or gases with industrial gas flow meters in industrial applications:

1. efficiency improvement
2. leak reduction
3. increased product quality

Topics: Fixed Gas Solutions, Fox Thermal, Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meters, flow

Melt pumps used in polymer production are a special high temp positive displacement pump used at the discharge of an extruder to assure a smooth, high temperature and high pressure (often several thousand psi) supply of the polymer to the filter screen and die for better throughput and uniformity of product. Blockage of the filter screen or die can cause spikes in pressure high enough that the die can be damaged or blown off the feed tap. When that happens, the released polymer will cool and harden at ambient pressure and temperature, requiring hours of cleanup. Downtime costs can be significant.

Topics: Moore Industries, Signal Conditioning and Isolation Solutions

If you’re a user of moisture analyzers, you’ve probably experienced challenges in performing a quick, accurate measurement using a portable instrument.  Portable moisture analyzers are typically used to verify the moisture reading of a fixed-installation instrument or to conduct spot-sampling measurements at remote sites which lack a permanently installed device.  In my experience performing portable measurements, I’ve seen several common obstacles a user may encounter:

Topics: Moisture Measurement Solutions, AMETEK Process Instruments

Our instrumentation & analytical solutions are critical to the day-to-day operation and overall success of your process. Understanding that downtime is simply not an option, we have a new system in place to ensure your process is prepared for the unexpected. Introducing TechStar One Click, our new eCommerce purchasing option.

Topics: Level Solutions, Signal Conditioning and Isolation Solutions, Wireless and Telemetry Solutions, Pressure Solutions, Upstream Solutions, Flow Solutions, TechStar One Click

APPLICATION:

Hydroelectric dams and their reservoirs store a significant amount of energy, which can be fed into the grid very quickly, when necessary. In determining the amount of available energy, the water level height at the reservoir must be monitored accurately by a reliable monitoring system.

PRODUCT SUPPLIED:

SignalFire Remote Sensing System™ (SRFSS)

Topics: Signal Fire, Wireless and Telemetry Solutions, water

Excessive gas consumption wastes money - and of greater importance - can affect product quality and safety. The pharmaceutical industry uses large quantities of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide gas, and air. Without good air and gas flow measurement, cost, quality, and consumer safety will suffer.

Topics: Fox Thermal, Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meters, Pharmaceutical

Measuring Water Vapor in Hydrocarbon Streams

Extracted from a variety of different sources, natural gas is composed of many different hydrocarbons and includes other, less desirable, impurities. These impurities – such as water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide – are removed due to adverse effects, including:

• Reducing the heating value of the natural gas
• Damaging piping and other mechanical hardware due to freezing or corrosion
• Meeting tariff limits associated with transaction contracts

Topics: Moisture Measurement Solutions, AMETEK Process Instruments

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.

Topics: Yokogawa, Ultrasonic Flow, flow

Providing exceptional low-flow sensitivity for accurate measurement over a wide range of flaring operations

Flare stacks and combustors are used to burn waste gases from the plant, converting chemical and organic hydrocarbons into primarily water vapor and CO2. Some processes also use relief valves to vent flammable gases to the flare stack during upset conditions.

Applications include oil and gas well drilling operations, oil refineries, chemical process plants, gas distribution infrastructure, and landfills. Flares are subject to stringent regulations, requiring operators to measure, record and report the amount of flared gases.

Due to the potential for large changes in flow rates, density, pressure and gas composition, flare gas measurement is one of the most difficult and demanding flow applications. Fox Thermal flow meters have demonstrated their ability to measure the low-flow rates typical of normal flare conditions, and also the high velocities found in upset conditions.

Fluid composition and installation anomalies can also affect flow meter performance. Fox Thermal's calibration lab employs a wide range of gases, gas mixtures, temperatures, pressures and line sizes to simulate actual fluid and process conditions. This real-world approach improves installed accuracy and minimizes measurement uncertainty.

Fox Flow Meter Advantages in Emissions Monitoring Applications

• Exceptional low-flow sensitivity for accurate measurement over a wide range of flaring operations

• Stainless steel sensor is suitable for corrosive, particulate-laden gas streams

• No temperature and pressure compensation required

• Direct mass flow measurement

• Built-in alarms, totalizers and a wide variety of communications protocols available for easy interfacing with emissions management systems

Typical Applications Include:

• Oil and Gas Well Drilling Operations (On and Off shore)

• Oil Refineries

• Chemical/Petrochemical Processing Plants

• Gas Distribution Infrastructure

• Landfills

Topics: Fox Thermal, Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meters, Flow Solutions, Flare Gas

Written By TechStar Solutions Specialist, Josh Longcor

Lift stations are collection facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation through pipe systems, particularly where elevation changes are not able to provide gravity flow or where excavation and sewer construction costs are high. These collection stations are automated because there is no regular onsite personnel present to ensure their operation. They use electrical, mechanical and control equipment to ensure reliable operation and require intermittent inspection to ensure they function properly and are not nearing a potential failure.

Topics: Pressure Solutions, Wastewater