Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC550 ultrasonic flowmeter

Description

Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC550: High-Pressure Gas Flow

Introduction to FLOWSIC550 Accuracy

The Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC550 represents a significant advancement in ultrasonic compact gas flowmeter technology, specifically engineered for the demanding requirements of high-pressure gas networks. This state-of-the-art instrument is designed to provide highly accurate billing for low volume gas flows, effectively complementing the robust capabilities of its predecessor, the FLOWSIC500. The FLOWSIC550 stands out for its inherent overload-proof design, ensuring reliable operation even under transient flow conditions that might overwhelm conventional meters. Its exceptional accuracy is a cornerstone of its performance, guaranteeing precise measurement for critical custody transfer applications. Furthermore, the FLOWSIC550 incorporates intelligent diagnostics, offering continuous self-monitoring to detect potential issues early, thereby enhancing operational safety and minimizing downtime. This sophisticated combination of features makes it an indispensable tool for utilities and industrial facilities relying on precise gas flow measurement in challenging high-pressure environments, where the integrity of measurement directly impacts financial transactions and operational efficiency. The design prioritizes long-term reliability and minimal maintenance, translating into reduced total cost of ownership for users.

Broad Field of Application

The FLOWSIC550 is ideally suited for a diverse range of applications within the gas industry, particularly where high pressures and often fluctuating or low volume flows are characteristic. Its primary field of application is Gas Measurement of low volume applications at high pressures, a scenario frequently encountered in various stages of the gas supply chain. This includes critical Custody transfer: gas distribution, storage, and transmission systems, where the accuracy of measurement is paramount for financial settlements between suppliers and consumers. The meter’s robust construction and precise measurement capabilities ensure fairness and transparency in these high-stakes transactions. Specifically, it plays a vital role in Town border stations and city gate stations, which are crucial handover points in the gas transmission network. Here, the FLOWSIC550’s ability to accurately measure flow at elevated pressures, often with rapid changes due to demand variations, is essential for managing supply and ensuring contractual obligations are met. The meter’s design specifically addresses the challenges posed by these critical high-pressure environments, offering a reliable and accurate solution where traditional flowmeters might struggle or require complex bypass arrangements. Its suitability extends to various industrial processes that utilize high-pressure natural gas, including chemical plants, power generation facilities, and manufacturing operations.

Advanced Device Properties

The Endress+Hauser FLOWSIC550 is equipped with a suite of advanced device properties designed to maximize performance, reliability, and user convenience. Diagnostics and permanent operational self-monitoring are integral, providing real-time insights into the meter’s status and ensuring early detection of any anomalies. This proactive approach to maintenance significantly reduces the risk of unexpected failures and costly downtime. A key advantage is its Durable and reliable without moving parts. The ultrasonic measurement principle inherently eliminates mechanical components that are prone to wear and tear, such as gears or impellers found in traditional meters. This translates into a longer service life and consistent performance over time. The Compact meter installations are another significant benefit, allowing for straightforward integration into existing piping systems with minimal disruption and reduced footprint requirements. This also contributes to lower installation costs. The Integrated volume correction is a standout feature, automatically compensating for changes in gas pressure and temperature to provide volume readings at standard conditions (e.g., (15 , ^\circ\text{C}), (1013.25 , \text{mbar})). This eliminates the need for external volume correctors, further simplifying installation and reducing costs. The meter offers flexibility in power supply, with options for Battery or intrinsically safe power supply, enabling its deployment in locations without readily available mains power or in hazardous area classifications. For easy local configuration, diagnostics, and data reading, the FLOWSIC550 features Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), allowing seamless communication with mobile devices and dedicated applications.

Exceptional User Benefits

The advantages offered by the FLOWSIC550 translate into significant benefits for users, enhancing operational efficiency and economic outcomes. Users experience Ultimate measurement certainty and safety of continuous gas supply, thanks to its highly accurate and reliable measurement capabilities, coupled with its robust design and advanced diagnostics, which contribute to the overall stability of gas distribution networks. The meter facilitates Simple installation, replacement of turbine gas meters, often fitting into existing meter runs with minimal modifications, thereby streamlining upgrade processes. The Reduction of installation costs due to integrated volume correction is a major economic advantage, as it negates the need for separate volume correction devices, their associated piping, wiring, and commissioning. This integrated approach simplifies the overall system architecture and lowers the total cost of ownership. Easy Commissioning and data reading via FLOWgateTM (PC and App) further enhances user experience. FLOWgateTM, Endress+Hauser’s dedicated software solution, provides intuitive tools for setup, calibration, and ongoing data management, accessible via both desktop computers and mobile applications. The FLOWSIC550 boasts Minimal operating costs due to being nearly maintenance-free, a direct consequence of its solid-state design with no moving parts, reducing the frequency and scope of required maintenance interventions. It proves Reliable even when the gas flow fluctuates (on/off applications), a critical feature for industries with intermittent gas usage, ensuring accurate measurement regardless of flow rate stability. Finally, its capability for Self-sufficient operation possible through battery power options makes it ideal for remote or off-grid installations.

Precise Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

At the heart of the FLOWSIC550’s accuracy lies its sophisticated Ultrasonic transit time difference measurement principle. This method relies on precisely measuring the time it takes for ultrasonic sound pulses to travel through the gas in both the upstream and downstream directions along a defined path. The gas flow causes a slight difference in these transit times; the sound pulses traveling with the flow reach their destination faster than those traveling against the flow. The magnitude of this time difference is directly proportional to the average velocity of the gas along the measurement path. For the FLOWSIC550, this principle is expertly applied to ensure high accuracy, even at low flow rates and high pressures. The transducers are strategically placed to create acoustic paths that are less susceptible to flow profile disturbances. The technology is inherently non-intrusive, meaning it does not introduce any obstruction into the gas stream, which is crucial for minimizing pressure loss and maintaining flow integrity, especially in high-pressure systems. The system employs multiple acoustic paths for enhanced accuracy and a more representative measurement of the overall flow profile. Advanced algorithms are used to process the transit time data, compensate for gas properties, and calculate the volumetric flow rate with exceptional precision. This method is ideal for applications where high accuracy is paramount, such as custody transfer, and where minimal pressure drop is desired.

Comprehensive Measured Variables

The FLOWSIC550 is designed to provide a comprehensive set of measured variables, offering users critical data for process control, billing, and analysis. The primary measured variables are Volume a.c. (Actual Conditions) and volumetric flow a.c., representing the gas volume and flow rate as they are under the current operating pressure and temperature within the meter. These readings are essential for real-time process monitoring and operational adjustments. When the integrated volume correction function is enabled, the meter can additionally provide gas velocity, which is the average speed of the gas flow. Furthermore, it calculates volume s.c. (*) and volume flow under s.c. (*). The asterisk (*) denotes that these values are corrected to standard conditions (typically (15 , ^\circ\text{C}) and (1013.25 , \text{mbar})), which is the basis for most billing and contractual agreements in the gas industry. This integrated correction capability eliminates the need for separate devices, simplifying the system and ensuring that all calculated values are derived from a single, highly accurate measurement source. By providing both actual and standard condition readings, the FLOWSIC550 offers unparalleled flexibility and accuracy for a wide array of applications.

Detailed Technical Specifications

The performance and suitability of the FLOWSIC550 are underpinned by a robust set of technical specifications, ensuring its capability in demanding environments. Repeatability is rated at ( \leq 0.1 % ), indicating the consistency of measurements over repeated trials under identical conditions. Accuracy is exceptional, with ( \text{Q}{\text{min}} ) up to ( \text{Q}{\text{max}} \leq \pm 1 % ) for the flow rate under actual conditions, qualifying it for Accuracy class 1. Typical error limits after high-pressure flow calibration are ( \pm 0.2 % ) at test pressure, and ( \pm 0.5 % ) otherwise, highlighting the precision achievable through calibration. The Medium temperature range spans from ( -40 , ^\circ\text{C} ) to ( +70 , ^\circ\text{C} ), allowing for operation across a wide spectrum of ambient and gas temperatures. The Operating pressure range supports standards like ANSI300, ANSI600, PN40, and PN63, with corresponding temperature limitations for each pressure rating, ensuring compatibility with various high-pressure systems. Nominal pipe sizes range from DN 50 (2″) up to DN 150 (6″), offering flexibility in installation for different pipeline diameters. The meter holds crucial Metrological approvals and certificates including MID (Measuring Instruments Directive), OIML R 137-1&2 (International Organization of Legal Metrology), EN 12405 (Energy measurement – Gas pressure regulators with overload protection), and AGA 9 (American Gas Association, 2022 revision), confirming its compliance with international standards for custody transfer. Hazardous area approvals such as IECEx, ATEX, and NEC/CEC are available, permitting safe installation in potentially explosive atmospheres. For data output, it offers Digital Outputs including Pulse and Status, RS485, and Encoder options, providing versatile connectivity. Digital communication is supported via Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII protocols, enabling seamless integration into SCADA and other control systems.