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Ultrasonic Flow Meters On Flare Headers


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#1 J_Leo

J_Leo

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Posted 12 December 2018 - 06:51 PM

Dear Fellow Engineers,

 

Currently I work at a plant with a big flare header 54". GF686 ultrasonic flow meter with T5 transducers (bias 90° installation, 6 inch apart) has been installed per the datasheet specifying a very high velocity 400 ft/s. But this flow meter is not performing well. For example, during one venting event I observed, it read -35 scfm compared to 5000 scfm.

 

GE is recommending to replace the current flow meter with dual T17 transducers (diagonal 45°), in order to measure both low (<1ft/s) and high flow. On top of this, a flare IQ system will be installed in order to automatically control the make up fuel gas to maintain required BTU.

 

Has anybody had experience to share about the GF686 flow meters? I am not confident that the new flow meters can measure accurately as the sales guys said.

 

Thank you for your inputs.

 

Best regards,

Leo

 

 



#2 Dazzler

Dazzler

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Posted 23 December 2018 - 10:46 PM

Hi Leo,

Velocities and density could be important with the meters.

 

Be sure to clearly document for yourself, and vendor, and us:

Original required flows min and max.

New required flows min and max.

Original selected flows min and max. ie actual meter capability.

Good to do this all on datasheets, as this helps show the vendor you are serious, and all your findings are not lost in a trail of emails for yourself and others in future.

 

You could actually determine the accuracy of the meter at the min and max of range to see if this suits your expectations. The accuracy might depend on whether the meter was calibrated on purchase or not.  It can be very expensive to do so is often not. You could look at original order or ask the vendor.

 

Dazzler






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