Case Studies

Waste Water Treatment Plan - Ultrasonic Flowmeter Selection Guide

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:09:00 GMT

As the wastewater treatment market for ultrasonic flow-meters continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to know those applications within a typical treatment plant that are best suited to Transit Time ultrasonic flowmeters and those that are best suited to Doppler Effect flowmeters.

The objective of this application note is to assist specifiers in deciding which type applies best at any given location.

Basic Principles in Flowmeter Selection

The principles for choosing between Transit Time or Doppler flowmeters at any given location are as follows:

1. Specify Transit-Time Ultrasonic flowmeters if all of the following conditions exist:

a. The application calls for verifiable absolute accuracy in the range of 0.5% to 1.0% of reading for flow rates greater than 0.02 m/s

b. Air or other gas is not added to or generated within the waste liquid in the equipment, upstream of the meter.

c. The meter is located as far away as possible downstream from any pump to avoid the adverse effects of pump cavitation. A straight run of at least 10 pipe diameters upstream and three pipe diameters downstream is required between the flowmeter transducer and elbows, valves, tees or pumps.

d. Suspended solids content are not excessive. Solids content of 10 % for small diameter meters and 5 % for large diameter meters can be handled with transit-time meters. The solids content is not the limiting factor in absorbing or scattering sound but invisible gas bubbles that cling to the solids particles can create a problem.

2. Specify Doppler meters if both of these conditions exist:

a. The application calls for repeatability no better than +/- 0.3 m/second.

b. The solids content and/or gas bubble exceed 5-10 %. Doppler meters will work if particle sizes are 40 microns or larger, @ 35ppm, and suspended solids content is 0.2% density difference from the liquid medium.

Ultrasonic Flowmeter Selection Guide

Raw Sewage

The rate of flow of raw sewage into the waste treatment plant is often used as a basis for billing the source of the sewage, perhaps in a municipality or a large industrial facility. Since solids concentration is usually relatively low and absolute accuracy is of paramount importance, Transit-Time meters are normally specified here unless undissolved solids prohibit stable readings. Doppler would then be installed.

Interceptor Storage or Flow Equalization

Not shown in Figure 1, the interceptor / balance storage tanks are typically located on raw sewage lines into the plant and upstream of the bar screens. They are utilized to minimize flow variations within the plant and thus help to achieve consistent performance of the treatment processes. Since repeatability is more important than absolute accuracy, Doppler meters are suggested.

Primary Clarification and Sludge Pumping

Primary clarifiers are tanks used to remove or reduce suspended solids and organic loading from the wastewater before it goes to secondary treatment units. Doppler meters are suggested for the high solids content sludge flow to the thickeners. Since repeatability is more important than absolute accuracy, Doppler meters are usually specified for the primary effluent.

Return Activated Sludge (RAS)

A primary objective is to maintain the stability of the activated sludge process. This is accomplished by recycling an active mass of micro-organisms in sufficient quantity to break down most of the biodegradable organics flowing as effluent from the primary clarifiers. The RAS is usually returned to a point just upstream of the aeration tanks. Because good repeatability is the primary requirement, Doppler flowmeters are suggested.

Waste Activated Sludge (WAS)

The purpose of the secondary clarifiers is to concentrate solids, a portion of which are recycled (RAS) and a portion of which are wasted (WAS). Doppler flowmeters are suggested.

Gravity or Flotation Thickening

The main objective is to concentrate the sludge as much as possible within the constraints of the process to maintain as consistent an underflow quantity and composition as can be achieved. Because solids and/or bubble contents may be rather high, Transit Time meters are usually unsuitable. Doppler flowmeters should be specified.

Digestion

This is the process of breaking down and partially liquefying waste solids by the action of bacteria so that the solids which remain are stable and can be disposed of without posing a health hazard. In primary treatment, the process is anaerobic (i.e., in the absence of air) and methane gas is generated. In secondary treatment, the process is aerobic (i.e. in the presence of air) and air or oxygen is bubbled through the waste system. In either case, the presence of gas bubbles would require use of Doppler meters.

Effluent

The rate of flow of effluent from the waste treatment plant into a nearby lake or river is usually monitored carefully as the basis for reporting to government authorities. Since the effluent is virtually solids-free and absolute accuracy is important, Transit-Time flowmeters are usually suggested. However, effluent cascading from the secondary clarifier or subjected to a final aeration in an open channel (leading to the final closed effluent piping) may be full of bubbles. In such cases, Doppler meters are used.

In general, the above suggests the careful use of Transit-Time meters for raw sewage flowing into the treatment plant and effluent flowing out of the plant. These streams are relatively low in solids and usually call for a high level of accuracy for billing purposes and/or satisfying government regulations. Conversely, the above suggests Doppler meters for use within the waste treatment plant, where repeatability is required for operational control.

Recommended Ultrasonic Flowmeters

1. Flexim F 601 (Transit- Time)

2. Compu-Flow Model C6/CLTV6.2 (Doppler Effect)

Courtesy: James Steves of Teksco USA, Manufacturers of Compuflow Doppler Ultrasonic Flowmeters.

Coal Mine - Magnetite

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:20:00 GMT

Industry: Mining Coal
Location: NSW Australia
Media: Coal Fines- Magnetite

The Application: Coal Mine - Magnetite

A coal mining site required flow measurement of a mixture of coal fines and magnetite through chromium and stell, rubber lined pipes. Due to the high abrasive process slurry combined with highly corrosive chemicals a clamp on non-instrusive flowmeter was tested. Process solids varied from 20% up to 50%. The flow included a large concentration of MAGNETITE. Lack of suitable meters prevented proper process control on the plant. During a flow survey conducted on the site most of the existing slurry lines were measured within a few hours.
FLOWSERVICES installed a portable high power CompuFLow Doppler flowmeter and consistent and accurate flow reading were achieved with minutes.

Problem Solved!

The flow could not be stopped and the meter had to be installed on a 'live' pipleline.
The process slurry contained high concentration of MAGNETITE
A portable CompuFLOW ultrasonic Doppler-clamp on flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe.
The test site sensors were attached with simple straps for quick removal and simple re installation.
The meter provided accurate data allowing management to justify purchase of fixed Doppler flowmeters
Process engineers were able to control production and rely on accurate flow meter results.

The Outcome:

Outer Diameter: 100mm, 170mm, 200mm, 250mm
Wall Thickness: 9-13mm
Roughness: 0.1mm
Pipe Material: Carbon Steel, Chromium
Lining: 10mm Rubber Lining
Medium: Ore Slurry
Temperatures: 15-19 C

Gold Mine - Ore Flow

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:40:00 GMT

INDUSTRY: Mining

LOCATION: PNG

APPLICATION:

Gold Mine - Ore Flow

A gold mining site required flow measurement of a mixture of ore slurry through existing steel, rubber lined pipes. Due to the highly abrasive process slurry combined with highly corrosive chemicals the existing magnetic flowmeters were failing prematurely. Process solids varied from 10% up to 60%. Flow inaccuracies and total failures were frequently reported causing lack of process control on the plant. A site inspection revealed that a number installed meters were turned off.

FLOWSERVICES installed a portable high power Doppler flowmeter and consistant and accurate flow readings were achieved within minutes!

PROBLEM SOLVED!

- The flow could not be stopped and the meter had to be installed on a 'live pipeline.

- The density of the process slurry which was as high at 60% was measured accurately.

- Our portable Ultrasonic Doppler (clamp-on) flow meter was installed without cuttung the pipe and installation was completed within 10 minutes!

- Sensors were eaily attached with simple webbing ratchet straps which allowed quick removal and re-installation on further test points.

- Data was logged at 1 second intervals for 1 hour. The data returned high accuracy compared to the actual calculated flow.

- Our Doppler flowmeter provided accurate flow data allowing the operator to plan the replacements of failed existing flowmeters and improve overall plant efficiency.

Outer Diameter: 160 mm

Wall Thickness: 10 mm

Roughness: 0.1 mm

Pipe Material: Carbon Steel

Lining: 10mm RUBBER LINING

Medium: ORE Slurry

Medium Temperature: 19 C

Gold Mine - Tailings

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:22:00 GMT

INDUSTRY: Gold Mining

LOCATION: Papa New Guinea

APPLICATION: Gold Mine-Tailings

Recently FLOWSERVICES attended a gold mining site that required flow measurement of a mixture of process tailings and seawater through existing large diameter pipes. Due to the highly abrasive sand combined with corrosive chemicals and seawater, Non-Invasive Ultrasonic flow meters were specified and installed. The problem however is that Ultrasonic Transit Time technology is only suited to clean liquids, but site process solids are normally maintained at higher than 10% varying from 1% to 25%. Flow inaccuracies and failures were frequently reported with current ultrasonic transit time flow meters. A quick survey and site inspection revealed that the installed Transit Time meters were incorrectly specified and could not cope with the high solids concentration in the mines processes system. FLOWSERVICES performed a test during plant shutdown where clean water was pumped through the tailings/ storage system. The Transit Time flow meter produced good results at very low solids

but failed when the plant resumed production and solids concentration exceeded 3%.

PROBLEM SOLVED!

FLOWSERVICES installed a portable high power Doppler flowmeter and consistent and accurate flow readings were achieved within minutes.

The flow/ production were not stopped and the meter was installed on a 'live' pipeline

The density of the of the combined Tailings/Seawater flow slurry change with the seasonal tides and without affecting the accuracy.

Existing 800 mm HDPE pipe was badly scuffed but sensors were able to detect perfect flow signals.

A second test revealed that the meter also detected flow during plant shutdown with an alarm relay

set point to indicate when pipe was empty or clean water was inadvertently pumped into the mixing tank.

A third test was performed on seawater flow before the mixing tank. Sufficient particles were present in the flow with good Doppler reflection allowing Doppler technology to be used across a wide range of process conditions. The test was performed over a few hours and data indicated that the ultrasonic Doppler Flowmeter is well suited to measurement of seawater

An ultrasonic Doppler-clamp on (strap on) flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe.

Installation was completed within 30 minutes! The sensors were attached with simple webbing

ratchet straps, allowing quick removal and simple re-installation on further points during the day.

The data returned high accuracy compared to calculated/estimated flow, this was measured and logged at 1 minute intervals for 2 hours. The flow data provided accurate flow data allowing operators to select optimal pumping periods and improve overall plant efficiency.

Permanent or fixed Doppler meters with AC/DC power, 4-20 mA analogue and relay outputs are currently being installed.Existing meters and fittings do not have to be removed reducing unnecessary costs.

Outer Diameter: 800 mm

Wall Thickness: 50 mm

Roughness: 0.3 mm

Pipe Material: HDPE

Lining: WITHOUT

Medium:                 Tailings, Sand
                               and Seawater
Medium
Temperature:         25 C

This article is not intended to discredit Ultrasonic Transit Time Flowmeters or any other flow measuring device. FLOWSERVICES provide solutions to flow problems and advise customers on the best FLOW technology for each application. FLOWSERVICES provide both Doppler and Transit Time Ultrasonic flow meters with on-site verification, flow surveying and hire of Ultrasonic Flowmeters.

Anti-scaling Equipment

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:24:00 GMT

Scaling in water systems is a major problem with homeowners, power generation, agriculture and the industrial sector. Excessive scale causes damage to the water supply and also decreases the performance boilers, heat exchangers even in home appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and water heaters. Showerheads can get damaged too, along with other fixtures at home that use hot water. To curb this problem, anti-scaling equipment would be essential.

Anti-scaling equipment is designed to solve a wide variety of problems that are brought about by limescale. This is an electronic water conditioner that reduces the use of chemicals in a number of situations where bio-film, scale and bacteria are present.

Anti-scaling equipment is used for RO and MF membranes, municipal water, waste water and sewage. This non-obtrusive chemical free equipment is also applicable for use in mining, CSG – Coal Seam Gas, tailings dams and hazardous zones. Swimming pools and spas using chlorine benefit from this low cost solution. They are also widely used for heat exchangers and catering equipment using water softeners. For agricultural purposes, it is used to manage bacteria in animal drinking water, poultry farming, high pressure steam boilers, aquaculture or fish farms.

Hydroflow equipment is the new green alternative.

How does it work?

Anti-scaling equipment works by emitting randomly varying electric fields into the pipe work. Suspended calcium ions are then prevented from adhering or sticking to the internal pipe walls. There is no need for exhaustive labour because the device is easily clamped on to the outside of the existing pipe.

What are the features of Hydroflow?

No plumbing required
Non intrusive
Low energy
Low Voltage
Constant dose of electrical fields
Prevention of scale formation
Removal of existing scale build up
Kills bacteria
No moving parts
Easy to retrofit
Lowers chemical usages
Extends filter run times
Wide range of pipe sizes

What are the benefits?

Reduced installation cost
No cutting of the pipe required
Reduced power bills
Safe in most environments
Stable water quality
Increased flow and plant efficiency
Reduction in maintenance shutdowns
No chemicals required
Low cost of ownership
No downtime or intrusion into existing pipes
Reduction in chloramines and THM’s
No wasted water, reduced energy costs
38mm to 1500 mm

So in order to ensure that your water systems function properly, and that your home and industrial equipment last for a long time, make use of anti-scaling equipment. You will definitely benefit for life!

Web Logger

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:04:00 GMT

Designed for analysis & optimisation of water usage for industrial & commercial users, Outpost LiveWater™ combines low-cost robust hardware with advanced web-based graphs & reports. Data from any type of flowmeter is automatically gathered from remote wireless loggers that are managed directly from password protected web-consoles. Special software is not required and no additional drivers need to be installed. Simply- if you can access the web-you can access your data.

Key Benefits

Configure all logger settings from the web. No programming or wiring.
No more site visits to download data.
Water consumption rates, totals & reports automatically displayed on website
Ultra Low-Power hardware for long battery life (10 years)
Global Wireless Network (GSM or Mesh Radio).
Web-based Management System for large numbers of meters
Minimum Night Flow & Leak Alarms.
Fast roll-out with true plug-and-play hardware.
Compatible with most of manufacturer meters.
Identify Leaks.
Identify peak consumption for meter sizing.
Analyze seasonal/shift variations.
Graphs & Analysis Tools, or passing the data on to an external database.
Specify time periods and thresholds from the LiveWater web-consoles, and allocate email or text-SMS alarm recipients for notifications.

Consumption Reports

Automatically view generated reports of water usage statistics and have them automatically emailed.

Overview of System

Water meter flow totals are time-stamp recorded by the remote loggers every 15 minutes. Data stored in logger memory is automatically transfered to hosted server website on a 2 hour schedule.

The LiveWater Web-based Management System gives service providers full control over remote sites, including creating user & group access to LiveWater Web-based

Screenshot: Manage remote loggers from web-console

Additional features:

Connect any device with analogue, digital, pulsed output to Web Logger
Flash Memory Datapoints 1 million
Channel Sampling Rate Max 1min per channel
Monitor remote logger signal strength conditions
Monitor battery voltage
Water Meter Monitoring Rate & Totalised Consumption
Tank Level, Sewer Level Monitoring
Soil Moisture, Irrigation Monitoring
Power Monitoring
Wind Energy Monitoring

Dewatering: Coal Mine

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:56:00 GMT

Application

Application  Dewatering: Coal Mine.
It is not often that an excess of water is a problem unless it is caused by a natural disaster.

Mining sites

Particularly open cut or open cast coal mines experience this problem all year round.

Water in the mining pits increases mining costs and has to be “moved” away from the operational site.

Sophisticated and powerful hydraulic pumps are utilised to lift water from a depth 90 to 100 m and pump over high walls extending another 40- 50 m.

Requirement:

The mine site estimated the flow of water being pumped out based on the pump curve, pump speed- i.e. the performance of the pump.

In an ideal world the pump curve shows optimum capacity. Often this performance is affected by the age of the pump, suction pressure, fouling, pipe diameter, aeration and a host of problems on site.

Accurate flow measurement at various points on the 4-5 km circuit would quickly identify if the pump in fact was performing to specifications.

Pipe: 280 to 400 mm HDPE, wall thickness 15-24mm. Flow – average 100-130 litres per second.

What we did:

An ultrasonic, non invasive flowmeter was installed close to the pumps and then at a number of strategic points along the circuit.

Why we did it:

The mine engineers suspected that they were not evacuating the flooded areas fast enough. Production was slowed down due to excessive water and it appeared that additional pumps would have to be purchased to cope.

What we used:

Flexim F601 portable ultrasonic flowmeter. 14 hour battery life, logging interval 1 per second. Flow spikes, water hammer, aeration problems were identified.

All data for the flow survey was quickly downloaded via a laptop and a report for management was provided within a few hours.

Problems we overcame:

A quick assessment of flow was required since the big 200 Ton earth movers were about to start the day shift and we had to move off site.

Flow at critical points was quickly measured since no intrusion of the pipes was required.

Typical time at each of the 7 flow points was around 15 minutes.

Unusually low flow was detected at a point where 2 pumps were installed for extra capacity-

It was established after turning pumps off in sequence that one of the pumps was in fact pumping at less than 15% of its capacity.

Fuel costs run at $ 1000 per day and it was evident that one pump could be turned off without loss of capacity.

Engineers have now raised a works order to have the booster pump repaired. Another problem on a second circuit revealed that flow at the pump was within spec but at a point further down flow was less than half the flow at the pump. Further investigation is required- a leaking pipe would have been easily detected so this was eliminated as a possible cause.

More likely causes are - a squashed pipe caused by the extra heavy vehicular traffic - faulty backflow valve- blocked or damaged control valve. Without the of an accurate non invasive flowmeter such as the Flexim F 601 it would have been extremely difficult and time consuming to quickly determine these problems.

Grout Pumping

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:13:00 GMT

What is the project?

The Enlarged Cotter Dam project involves building a new dam downstream of the existing one to increase the Cotter Reservoir’s capacity from the current 4 gigalitres (GL) to around 78 GL – almost 20 times its current size.

Problem:

Pumping a special formulated grout mixture, forming the damn wall itself. Using a pneumatic pump test rig, grout flow in a 25mm galvanized steel pipe, customer has been unable to measure mixture accurately, only by using a drop test.

Test Rig:

- Volume in drum with agitator around 75 litres

- Agitator constantly keeping slurry well mixed.

- Pump: Pneumatic stroke pump – each stroke delivering about 200ml.

- Strokes averaged 1-2 per second.

- Pipe Material: Steel – Galvanized

- Pipe ID 25.4mm

- Wall thickness 2.7mm

- Flow rate: 0.25 to 0.3 lps

- Totalized Flow 9 L

Solution:

Using the Compu-Flow™ Doppler ultrasonic flow meter provided an accurate and easy-to-use non invasive Ultrasonic Flow measurement system for high-solid fluid flow through the galvanized steel.

By simply placing and securing the sensors, adjusting the settings and parameters, measurement of the grout mixture was measured within 10mins of set up.

Customer has hired the meter for a 10 day trial with the anticipation of purchasing two of the new Compu-Flow Doppler Meters.

Data Collecting

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:57:00 GMT

We are currently looking at new and innovative ways of collecting data from our flow meters. Keep your eye posted on the website for more information.

About Drilling Mud

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:16:00 GMT

Drilling mud is a heavy lubricating fluid which is circulated during drilling into bore holes. This fluid is conveyed from the surface down into the bore hole. It returns to the surface with cuttings, water and debris which are picked up from the bottom of the bore hole as they are cut by the drill bit.

Drilling mud is expensive and therefore the recirculation process requires accurate flow detection. Traditional flow devices installed in line are expensive and simply require too much maintenance. Newer linings and technology has allowed extended life span on pipes and flowmeters but abrasion and erosion of pipes is inevitable. A further problem is the low velocity in many pipes due to the high density of the material and large diameter pipes.

Successful trials conducted at a number of sites has proven that non invasive or clamp on style meters perform best.

Test:

A portable Flow Meter from CompuFlow™ was connected to “Drilling Mud” rig and set up within a few minutes. Pipes were left intact and no cutting or modification to the pipe was required.

The flow medium –Drilling mud circulated for this test was a high Viscosity and high density.
The ultra sonic Doppler measurement method is used in determining the velocity of the fluid inside the pipe..Pipe dimensions are entered into the meter which then converts it to the flow rate.

CompuFlow™ delivers stable results with their method of measuring the flow. Even
though this mud system was far more viscose than most drilling lubricants. An innovative method is used to reduce the measuring frequency and has proven to be most accurate. CompuFlow™ low frequency transducers are robust and easy to mount and suited to a wide range of pipe diameters.

Solar Power flow meters oil

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:59:00 GMT

Problem 1

Client requied low flow meters for the flow measurement of thermal oil in a solar power plant.

Problem 2

The flow could not be stopped at the peak of the hot season and a non invasive flow meter had to be installed on a “live” pipeline with hot oil flowing

Problem 3

The density of the of the HOT OIL changed at different temperatures which affected the overall accuracy of the flow measurement rate.

Solution

An ultrasonic flow meter using Transit Time technology with clamp on sensor (strap on) was installed without cutting the pipe. Installation was completed within 2 hours. The sensors were attached with unique ball chain and spring which allowed the expansion of the pipe without affecting the sensor mounting. Data was logged at 1 minute intervals over the 1 month hire period. The data returned high accuracy compared to estimated flow. A clamp on temperature sensor was installed to compensate for changes in viscosity.
The flow data from the ultrasonic flowmeter provided invaluable information to the designers of the equipment.

Details of the installation

Outer Diameter: 42.6 mm
Wall Thickness: 3.5 mm
Roughness:      0.1 mm
Pipe Material: Carbon Steel
Lining:         WITHOUT LINING
Medium:         BP Transcal N
Medium Temp:    35 C

Dredging, Sand Pumping

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:59:00 GMT

Problem 1

Customer required flow measurement of sand pumping slurry through large diameter pipe. Existing insertion magflow meters were costly,difficult to maintain and had to be replaced frequently. The existing meters had to be checked weekly by a technical staff due to the drift on the meters. Flow inaccuracies and failures were frequently reported. Due to the highly abrasive sand combined with seawater the insertion style meters failed prematurely.

Problem 2

The flow could not be stopped and the meter had to be installed on a “live” pipeline.

Problem 3

The density of the of the flow slurry changes with the seasonal tides and affected the overall accuracy.

Solution

An doppler ultrasonic flow meter also known as clamp on or strap on flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe. Installation of the water flow rate meter was completed within 3 hours. The sensors were attached with simple strap on webbing tie down This allowed quick removal and simple re-installation on multiple test points. Data was logged at 1 minute intervals over the 1 month hire period. The data returned high accuracy compared to estimated flow. Existing Density meter output was incorporated to calculate flow measurement rate.

The doppler flow meter provided accurate flow data allowing operators to select optimal pumping periods and improve overall plant efficiency.

Details of the installation:

Outer Diameter: 100 mm
Wall Thickness: 5 mm
Roughness: 0.1 mm
Pipe Material: Carbon Steel
Lining: WITHOUT LINING
Medium: Slurry-Sand and Seawater
Medium Temperature: 15 C

Chemical Dosing Hazardous / Dangerous liquids-Ferrous or Ferric Chloride

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:58:00 GMT

Problem 1

Client required flow measurement through thick walled small diameter pipe. Chemicals crystallized in the lines causing regular blockages in the small bore industrial flowmeters. Flow was calculated by transferring liquid from bulk storage to intermediate containers placed on load cells. Whilst this method was fairly accurate the method became too cumbersome. Chemical consumption increased with higher production and the flow monitoring equipment became inadequate.

Problem 2

Whilst flow was stopped for maintenance the client did not want to alter any of the pipe work.

Problem 3

The existing flow meter required small bore of 10 mm bore to achieve accuracy with very low flow.

Solution

An ultrasonic Transit Time-clamp on (strap on) flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe. Installation was completed within 1 hour. The low flow velocity –less than 0.1 m/s was well within the specification of the ultrasonic flowmeter.The clamp on sensors were attached with unique ball chain and spring which allowed the ultrasonic sensors to be relocated to various points in the dosing system. Data was logged at 1 minute intervals. The data returned high accuracy with better flow control and reduced chemical usage.

Details of the installation:

Outer Diameter: 10 mm Wall Thickness: 6.5 mm
Roughness: 0.1 mm
Pipe Material: PVC
Lining: WITHOUT LINING
Medium: Ferric Chloride Medium
Temp: 23 C

HVAC, Heating Venting Airconditioning Cooling Plant

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:32:00 GMT

Problem 1

Customer required testing of Heating/Cooling system measurement at multiple installations.

Problem 2

The water flow could not be stopped and the meter had to be installed on a “live” pipeline.

Problem 3

The existing set up time for equipment was cumbersome and time consuming.

Solution

A portable ultrasonic Energy Meter utilizing Transit Time technology with clamp on (strap on) flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe. Installation was completed within 1 hour. Upstream and downstream ultrasonic sensors were attached with quick connect clamps. Data was logged at 1 minute intervals. The flowmeter data returned high accuracy compared the multiple sensor system used. A set of clamp on temperature sensors was installed to allow for calculation of Energy Flow in kW/h

The flow data provided invaluable information to the designers of the equipment.

Details of the installation:

Outer Diameter:          33 mm
Wall Thickness:          3.0 mm
Roughness:                 0.1 mm
Pipe Material:             Carbon Steel

Lining:                       WITHOUT LINING
Medium:                     Water
Medium Temperature:   5 C

Council Water Meter

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Problem 1

Customer required flow measurement through 120 mm diameter carbon steel pipe. Pulsed output from the existing council flow meter was inconsistent. The meter had to be removed for repair. In order to confirm meter accuracy and function the existing meter was left in place and a pulse counter connected to the output.

Problem 2

The flow could not be stopped and the meter had to be installed on a “live” pipeline.

Problem 3

Specialist contractors would be required to shut the flow to industrial users During business hours flow could not be interrupted. Cost for after hours service was high

Problem 4

Mains power was unavailable at the remote location.
A portable ultrasonic flow meter was installed and data was logged for 8 hours without power interruption.

Problem 5

Site was subject to vandalism
The electronic controller was installed in a council Electricity Meter box and kept from prying eyes.

Solution

An ultrasonic Transit Time-clamp on (strap on) flow meter was installed without cutting the pipe. Installation was completed within 30 minutes. The special miniture sensors were attached with simple chain assembly as a temporary measure Data was logged at 1 second intervals .The data indicated that the council's flow meter had a faulty pulsed output.The ultrasonic flow meter was deployed on several other sites within the same day.

Details of the installation:

DEVICE:              Ultra Sonic Transit Time
Outer Diameter:    120 mm
Wall Thickness:     12.0 mm
Roughness:          2 mm
Pipe Material:      Carbon Steel-Plastic Coated
Lining:                   None
Liner Thickness:     None
Medium:          Water
Medium Temp:      20 C
Physic.                   Quant:Volume Flow
Units:                     lps- Litres per second

Case Studies

Waste Water Treatment Plan - Ultrasonic Flowmeter Selection Guide

Basic Principles in Flowmeter Selection

Ultrasonic Flowmeter Selection Guide

Raw Sewage

Interceptor Storage or Flow Equalization

Primary Clarification and Sludge Pumping

Return Activated Sludge (RAS)

Waste Activated Sludge (WAS)

Gravity or Flotation Thickening

Digestion

Effluent

Recommended Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Coal Mine - Magnetite

Industry: Mining Coal Location: NSW Australia Media: Coal Fines- Magnetite

The Application: Coal Mine - Magnetite

Problem Solved!

The Outcome:

Gold Mine - Ore Flow

APPLICATION:

Gold Mine - Ore Flow

PROBLEM SOLVED!

Gold Mine - Tailings

Anti-scaling Equipment

How does it work?

What are the features of Hydroflow?

What are the benefits?

Web Logger

Key Benefits

Consumption Reports

Overview of System

Additional features:

Dewatering: Coal Mine

Application

Mining sites

Requirement:

What we did:

Why we did it:

What we used:

Problems we overcame:

Grout Pumping

Data Collecting

About Drilling Mud

Solar Power flow meters oil

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Solution

Details of the installation

Dredging, Sand Pumping

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Solution

Details of the installation:

Chemical Dosing Hazardous / Dangerous liquids-Ferrous or Ferric Chloride

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Solution

Details of the installation:

HVAC, Heating Venting Airconditioning Cooling Plant

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Solution

Details of the installation:

Council Water Meter

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Problem 5

Solution

Details of the installation:

Industry: Mining Coal
Location: NSW Australia
Media: Coal Fines- Magnetite