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OIL
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Separation Success
Capacitance Level Switches for
Optimum Interface Detection
2013Innovation
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2013Innovation
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Flow Control Magazine
Manually inputting
the control signal feels pretty primitive.
I need to get back in automatic mode
for better efficiency.
The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. 2013 Fisher Controls International LLC. D352200X012 MZ8
contents continued
40
OMG!
columns
VIEWPOINT the future of industrial training
14 APPLICATIONS CORNER
how much straight-run is really enough
40 PUMP GUY
departments
44 UP CLOSE
with Rosemounts CriticalProcess
Vortex Flowmeter
48 QUIZ CORNER
measuring the flow of mixed liquids
4 | May 2013
Flow
1-800-343-1001 www.predig.com
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The Future of
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Advances in Membrane
Technology
Greater efficiency leads to wider membrane adoption
By Amy W. Richardson
for water & wastewater treatment
esearchers say membrane technology is
emerging as an increasingly viable solution for water and wastewater treatment due
to its production of high-quality effluent.
Intense research and development efforts
over the last few years have improved membrane technology to make it more efficient,
which, in turn, is helping drive down costs
and attract new investments.
8 | May 2013
Membrane Technologies
for Wastewater:
Membrane bioreactorsusually microfiltration (MF)
or ultrafiltration (UF) membranes immersed in aeration
tanks (vacuum system), or implemented in external
pressure-driven membrane units, as a replacement for
secondary clarifiers and tertiary polishing filters.
Low-pressure membranesusually MF or UF membranes, either as a pressure system or an immersed system, providing a higher degree of suspended solids removal following secondary clarification. UF membranes
are effective for virus removal.
High-pressure membranesnanofiltration or reverseosmosis pressure systems for treatment and production
of high-quality product water suitable for indirect potable
reuse and high-purity industrial process water. Also, recent
research has shown that microconstituents, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, can be removed
by high-pressure membranes.
Source: This information was provided by CDM Smith,
www.CDMSmith.com, a provider of integrated solutions in
water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities.
www.assuredautomation.com
19 Walnut Avenue, Clark, NJ 07066
Tel: 800-899-0553 Fax: 732-381-2328 Email: info@assuredautomation.com
C o m p a c t , H i g h P e r f o r m a n c e , A u t o m a t e d & M a n u a l Va l v e s
ur
HE CO
Tet him at assNFI
ATOR
U Rto mation.com
G au
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 9
treatment systems in that the conventional systems are not able to achieve
100-percent removal of particulate and
dissolved matter, regardless of the performance of the filter, says Kay. With membrane filters, only particulates that are
smaller than the pore size of the membrane can pass through, meaning the
quality of filtrate can be controlled by the
user. As membrane filters remove most
Technology Advancements
Membranes have been around for the
past three decades, though use has
mostly been commercial, says Kay. As
differentiations in membrane technology have come about (Microfiltration,
Reverse Osmosis, etc.), the use of
these membranes has been able to
reach the regular household due to
increased efficiency and hence, scalability, he says. What is meant by
this is that membranes are now able
to filter water at a faster rate over a
set area of filtrant. So basically, it takes
less surface area of a membrane now
to filter a certain amount of water over
a certain period of time, making membrane systems more compact and easily integrated to any size of application.
Stafford says one promising area of
research underway centers on self-healing and self-cleaning membranes.
Self-healing and self-cleaning membranes are currently being researched
and would represent a huge technological breakthrough for membrane design,
he says. There are various strategies
being taken, including tuning the hydrophilicity and roughness of the membrane
surface to control what deposits on the
surface, as well as constructing membrane surfaces that can slough off its
outer-most layer or skin, taking with it
whatever is attached to the membrane
surface as well. Currently, Stafford says
NIST does not have any projects in the
pipeline associated with these areas.
Meliton says advances in operational
efficiency; lowered cost of technology acquisition and implementation; and complexity and dynamic design have all been
factors leading to more effective use of
membranes in wastewater treatment apWrite in 9 or Request Info Instantly at www.FlowControlNetwork.com/freeinfo
10 | May 2013
membrane technologies.
On the Horizon
Going forward, challenges will continue
to be the need for highly skilled human
capital, as well as the financial capital
needed to operate membrane-based
water treatment systems.
The demand for purer potable water
and the increase in regulations for the
industrial sector will ensure this market continues to grow, Kay says. Participants can make the most of these
opportunities by focusing on using the
different forms of membrane technology
to provide the best combinations at the
most cost-effective prices.
Amy W. Richardson is the managing editor of Flow Control magazine.
She can be reached at ARichardson@
GrandViewMedia.com.
trendlines
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 11
trendlines
Company
2012 Sales
$ Millions
2013 %
Increase
2013 Projected
Sales $ Millions
Pentair
7,000
3.5%
7,420
Ecolab/Nalco
5,000
5.00%
5,250
Flowserve
4,400
7.19%
4,654
Xylem
4,000
5.79%
4,230
GE
3,800
4.83%
3,983
Flow C ontro
l
Innovation
Award
Nominee
Pneumatic control of processes can be so easy! With AirLINE Quick for example. Our new adapter
for valve islands and automation systems signicantly reduces the need for components in the control
cabinet. Besides requiring fewer pneumatic hoses and cables, AirLINE Quick can also be mounted
directly on the wall or oor of the control cabinet. Without any bulkhead connections fast and
exible. This cleans up your control cabinet and even allows for smaller ones.
The AirLINE Quick adapter plate is available in stainless steel for hygienic processes or as a general
purpose anodized aluminium version; as a component or for individually designed control cabinets
its your choice!
For more info visit www.burkert-usa.com or call us at 800-325-1405.
Write in 11 or Request Info Instantly at www.FlowControlNetwork.com/freeinfo
12 | May 2013
OPTIMASS 6400 - The Mass Flow Solution for Extended Temperature Applications
High performance Coriolis meter
Cryogenic, high temperature / high pressure options
Temperature range -3920F to +7520F
Superior liquid and gas performance with innovative
twin tube design
Optimized flow divider for minimum pressure loss
Optional insulation / heating jacket
Easily handles entrained gas
Features new MFC 400 converter
recently read an interesting email exchange that was application and that he could not change the technology
originated by a person who was involved with a large (over because the flowmeter had already been purchased. In ad30-inch) orifice-plate flowmeter. He stated that ISO 5167 dition, the originator repeated that accuracy was not a big
required 20 diameters of straight run upstream, but that the deal because the flowmeter would be used for minimum
installation only allowed for 10 diameters.
Approximately 5 percent accuracy was
Approximately 5 percent accuracy was
required, and the writer wanted to know
how much the shortened straight run
required, and the writer wanted to know
would affect the flow measurement and if
how much the shortened straight run would
repeatability would be good.
The first response to the inquiry was
affect the flow measurement and if
that an insertion flowmeter might be more
repeatability would be good.
economical and still produce the desired
accuracy. The responder also wanted to
know if the fluid was a liquid or gas, leading me to believe that the orifice-plate flowmeter was in the flow control, and reiterated wanting to know if the measurement would be repeatable and reliable with the shortened
process of design and had not yet been installed.
The originator responded by saying that this was a liquid straight run.
I interpret flow control to mean that the flowmeter is
one component in a flow control loop that includes a flowmeter, controller, and control valve. Minimal could mean either
that the purpose of the control loop is to maintain a minimum
operating flowrate, or that maintaining tight flow control is not
really that important to the process. Given the relatively wide
accuracy requirement, I suspect that the latter is more likely.
More next month FC
14 | May 2013
ISO 17025
calibration lab.
Just the one that ensures
ultimate
accuracy.
A SOLUTION for
Separation Success
Interface Level Sensing for Water Dump Control
in Oil & Gas Applications
By William Sholette
Figure 1. In a separation vessel, oil and water separate, with oil moving to the
top and water to the bottom. Capacitance level switches are used to detect the
oil/water interface.
Water Dumping
The process of removing water from
the separation vessel is referred to as a
Water Dump. The water is dumped
Flow Control Magazine
charge. The higher the dielectric number, the more capacitance it can store.
Capacitance is equal to the DK
times the Area of the conductive plates,
divided by the Distance between the
two plates, or:
C = (DK * A) / D
Capacitance sensors for level mea-
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 17
I need guarantees,
not promises.
Send what I need,
when I need it.
Or dont bother.
The ASCO trademark is registered in the U.S. and other countries. FasN is a trademark of ASCO Valve, Inc. The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. 2013 ASCO Valve, Inc.
Level
Indication
in Feet & Inches
Keys to Success
There are a number of point level
approaches to measure the interface
between water and oil for water dump
control. Manual methods, such as sampling valves and sight glasses are still
widely used in these applications. Using
level instrumentation to determine the
interface removes both the manual aspect
and human error from the procedure.
When comparing point level instruments that can detect the water/oil interface, the capacitance sensor stands
out as the best choice. Capacitance
level switches are simple to calibrate and
can be installed horizontally or vertically.
There are no moving parts to wear out or
hang up. Because capacitance has the
advantage of active build-up compensation, materials that coat, such as heavy
crude or paraffin, are not a problem.
Capacitance level switches provide
reliable water oil interface detection,
and help to automate the water dump
control process. FC
PD6801
www.us.endress.com
TM
FLOWSTREAM
F&I
MODBUS
1-800-343-1001 www.predig.com/PD6801
20 | May 2013
CMA Actuators
www.rotork.com
CVA Actuators
Write in 18 or Request Info Instantly at www.FlowControlNetwork.com/freeinfo
he Flow Control Innovation Awards have showcased compelling new technology solutions for
fluid movement, measurement and containment for more than 15 years. The following represent final nominees for our 2013 program. Now were asking you, our readers, to vote for the
technologies you believe are most worthy of being named this years Innovation Awards winners.
Review the technology summaries provided below, and visit FlowControlNetwork.com to place your
vote. Winners will be announced in the August 2013 issue of Flow Control magazine.
Whats Innovative? The extraordinarily low pressure drops of Alicats Whisper Series distinguish it
from any other mass flowmeter or controller on the market.
For most meters and controllers of the Whisper series, the
full-scale pressure drop is less than 10 mbar (.145 PSID).
Yet even at 500 SLPM, the Whisper mass flow controller
requires only 1.74 PSID.
In a high-production OEM environment, cost differences can be substantial when using newer technology versus conventional solutions. ASCO composite valves with FasN connections demonstrate
a measured labor savings of 35 seconds per valve,
plus much greater materials savings depending on
which type of extra fitting or adapter would otherwise
be required. Assuming 1,000 RO units turned out per year,
with three valves per unit, a study comparing FasN connection to NPT-threaded valves on PVC piping calculated savings
of $15,790 per year. Another, versus NPT-threaded valves on
PEX tubing, showed savings of $40,930 per year.
Whats Innovative?
22 | May 2013
2013Innovation
AWARDS
When voting for the 2013 Flow Control Innovation Awards, you will have the
option to enter a random drawing to win a Kindle Fire HD. The advanced Kindle
Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet delivers rich color and deep contrast from every angle.
Featuring exclusive, custom Dolby audio, dual-driver stereo speakers, and auto-optimization software, the Kindle delivers clear, crisp, balanced sound. State-of-the-art dual-band,
dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO) technology enables fast streaming and download speeds.
Place your votes now at FlowControlNetwork.com for a chance to win the Kindle.
Whats Innovative?
the combination of the pneumatic connections, fieldbus interface, and I/O modules
directly on the floor or wall of the control
cabinet, which means the control cabinet can be generally smaller than in the
past. Some operating characteristics for
AirLINE Quick are:
Reduced number of components
Fast installation
In stainless steel for hygienic applications
In anodized aluminum for general purpose
Fully assembled control cabinet from one source
Whats Innovative?
AirLINE Quick significantly reduces the number of components
in the control cabinet. Fewer pneumatic hoses and cables are
needed, and AirLINE Quick can be integrated directly in the floor
or wall of the control cabinet.
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 23
Whats Innovative?
The Scanner 2000 is an H1 FISCO device on the
FOUNDATION Fieldbus network. It is the only field-mounted
flow computer listed on the fieldbus.org registry.
Whats Innovative?
The Vertex pressure sensor employs
patent-pending capacitance technology
to register pressure directly for readings that
more accurately reflect true process pressure, as well
as faster response for better control of polymer flow in
precision extrusion systems. There is no chance of mercury
contamination, and toxic waste management issues are
eliminated for both the manufacturer and the user.
temperature will often further magnify the corrosionresistant needs. A major upstream oil and gas producer
has adopted the Rosemount
vortex severe service sensor
to avoid issues with marine
environment chloride stress
corrosion cracking on the
vortex sensor in high temperature process lines.
Whats Innovative?
Rosemount 8800 Vortex severe service sensor
provides stable performance at high temperatures
up to 850 F, exceeding the 750 F high-temperature
thresholds of competitive devices.
24 | May 2013
2013Innovation
AWARDS
enclosures. The Promass 100 allows for seamless integrations into a variety of digital communication protocols such as, EtherNet/IP,
Modbus RS485, and 4-20mA HART.
The Proline Promass 100 with Heartbeat
Technology includes three key features:
Continuous self-checking with
Heartbeat Diagnosticsqualitative information and
device status from the sensor to the output is displayed in a
clear, concise waybased on NAMUR standards.
Device measurement values through Heartbeat
Monitoringcontinuous quantitative data can be used to
enhance process operations and allow proactive reaction.
Seamless and traceable with Heartbeat Verification
seamless and traceable verification results permanently stored
and can be retrieved immediately during recurring test.
Whats Innovative?
Now with Heartbeat Technology, it is possible for the Proline
Promass 100 to monitor, diagnose and produce verifications
in its capabilities to ensure proper operating process function, and satisfy reporting requirements demanded in process
applications.
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 25
Whats Innovative?
When the data logger is plugged into a computer, the data
can be viewed in the included software or exported to Excel.
This allows end-users to track flowrate easily on a computer.
conclusion of the test. Zero CAL-CHECK is a companion test to the CAL-V Calibration Validation
feature, which tests the functionality of the sensor and its associated signal processing circuitry. It
checks for build-up on sensor, validates the
zero stability of the meter, and checks thermal conductivity.
Whats Innovative?
The meters calibration can be checked without sending it back to the factory. Without CAL-V and Zero
CAL-CHECK Calibration Validation, the meter must be returned
to the manufacturer annually in order to check its functionality
and for recalibration. With a Pass result from the CAL-V and
Zero CAL-CHECK tests, these tasks are no longer necessary.
Whats Innovative?
The single-channel, multi-parameter capability and fieldupgradable modularity enables increased service levels while
maintaining reduced inventories. Plug-in modules allow for
complete flexibility. Improved visibility over previous units.
26 | May 2013
2013Innovation
AWARDS
Whats Innovative?
Key Advantages of the ECLIPSE MODEL 706
Include:
Improved signal strength and a first-in-class signal-to-noise
ratio enables use in very difficult high-pressure, high-temperature, low-dielectric industrial applications.
Whats Innovative?
Compared to other micro flow options, the P001 gives high
accuracy, immediate response and exceptionally low pressure drop with thicker fluids.
Whats Innovative?
The SPINDLE minimizes the drag of the
central body (throttle), as the shapes
of the central body and the fins have
been carefully optimized so that no flow
separation occurs while keeping the pressure drop as high as
possible, hence, most of the pressure drop can be recovered.
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 27
Whats Innovative?
The HCV valves unique combination of materials and design
features address historical cylinder valve ignition risks and
Flow Problems?
We Can Help
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
Whats Innovative?
Sage thermal mass flowmeters have demonstrated the capability for measuring the mass flowrate and utilization of gases.
They measure very low flowrates of gases with high turndown
capabilities and negligible pressure drop. Best accuracy is
obtained using actual gas calibrations. The reproducibility of
the instrument is excellent permitting the use of the unique
in-situ calibration verification, which confirms that the instrument operates the same as the original NIST traceable
calibration.
WE KNOW FLOW!
www.spitzerandboyes.com 1.845.623.1830
28 | May 2013
2013Innovation
AWARDS
tomatic (4-20mA) or manual speed control also comes standard, eliminating the need for a local interface/control panel.
Whats Innovative?
seepex packaged skid systems are designed to
eliminate the valuable time and costs associated with engineering, procuring, assembling, and
commissioning flow control systems. Systems are
commissioned at the factory according to the applications flow ranges and then calibrated according
to the flow control loop. The skids can deliver mild
to aggressive, thin to highly viscous liquids, as well as
corrosive and solid-laden chemicals. With chemical-resistant
materials, all skid components will hold up in harsh acidic
and caustic chemical environments.
Whats Innovative?
As shown in the Figure here, two new temperature sensors
(T4 and T2) are added to the two-sensor design (T3 temperature and T1 velocity) used in traditional flowmeters. T4 and
T2 provide real-time measurement of stem conduction and
the heat lost to the outside environment. This innovation,
from two to four sensors, is the foundation for the shift in
accuracy offered by Sierras QuadraTherm 640i/780i.
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 29
2013Innovation
AWARDS
Whats Innovative?
This is the first time a magnetic flowmeter has been coupled
with a control valve. Singer says in-valve metering has been
limited to turbine meters, vortex meters, or calculated flow
using position transmitters and differential-pressure transmitters. The new insertion meter option provides better accuracy.
Whats Innovative?
The RH40 employs a patented signal processing
technology to maximally extract information from
received signal and to reduce statistic variants.
This technology has been implemented in a lowcost microprocessor without using an expensive DSP chip,
resulting in increased accuracy at lower cost (3050 percent
less) compared to similar performing ultrasonic meters.
Whats Innovative?
The mobile app is a first in the world of air-operated doublediaphragm pumps. Pump owners can scan the QR code
located on the pump tag or manually enter a pump serial
number to get started.
30 | May 2013
he following is the first in a two-part series on broadbased trends in flowmeter technology and applications
based on results of Flow Researchs new Volume X: The
World Market for Flowmeters, 4th Edition. The focus of Part
I will be on new-technology flowmeters. Part II will focus on
trends in traditional-technology flowmeters.
Defining New-Technology
Flowmeters
New-technology flowmeters are defined
by the following characteristics:
1 The core technology was introduced
after the end of World War II.
2 They incorporate technological advances that avoid some of the problems
in earlier flowmeters.
3 They receive more focus in terms of
new product development than older
technologies.
4 Their performance, including criteria
such as accuracy, is at a higher level
than that of traditional technology flowmeters.
5 They are quicker to incorporate
recent advances in communication
Coriolis
Coriolis is the fastest growing flowmeter
market, and there are a number of reasons for this. One is that Coriolis flowmeters remain the most accurate flowmeter, and they are highly reliable with
little need for maintenance. Coriolis
meters do not place any obstruction
in the flowstream, although bent-tube
meters can slow down flow veloc-
Magnetic
Inline ultrasonic meters have two or more transducers embedded into the flowmeter (sensor tube) body. They are installed by cutting into a pipe and having
either wafer or flange style fittings. (Photo courtesy of Flow Research)
32 | May 2013
The growth rate of the magnetic flowmeter market is not as great as that
of Coriolis, but the magnetic flowmeter
market is already one of the largest of
any flowmeter type. This is true despite
the fact that magnetic flowmeters can
only measure conductive liquids. This
means they cannot measure steam,
gas, or hydrocarbon liquids. However,
suppliers have made some progress in
enabling magnetic flowmeters to measure low conductivity liquids.
Magnetic flowmeters are widely
used in the chemical, food & beverage,
Flow Control Magazine
QuadraTherm 640i/780i
Ultrasonic
It used to be conventional to segment
the ultrasonic market into transit time,
Doppler, and hybrid. While this is still
valid, transit-time meters have become
capable of measuring many of the fluids
that formerly only Doppler meters could
measure, and they have cut significantly into the market share of Doppler
meters. As a result, it is now more
useful now to segment the ultrasonic
market into inline (spoolpiece), clampon, and insertion.
Inline ultrasonic meters have two or
more transducers embedded into the
flowmeter (sensor tube) body. They are
installed by cutting into a pipe and having either wafer or flange style fittings.
Inline ultrasonic meters are distinguished according to whether they have
single-path, dual-path, or multipath
configurations, meaning three or more
paths. Custody-transfer applications require three or more paths.
Ultrasonic meters for liquids are built
differently than ultrasonic meters for
gas. The market for inline ultrasonic meters for custody transfer of natural gas is
one of the fastest growing niches in the
entire flowmeter market. Companies
Vortex
In many ways, vortex meters are the
most versatile type of meter. They can
reliably measure all types of fluids,
including liquid, steam, and gas. They
are somewhat more intrusive than ultrasonic meters since they require inserting a bluff body into the flowstream.
This bluff body is required so that the
meter can generate the required vortices whose frequency is proportional
to flowrate. While the bluff body can
get knocked out of position, vortex
meters are far less intrusive than turbine meters or positive displacement
meters.
For many years, vortex meters did
not have the same types of industry
approvals as differential-pressure, turbine, ultrasonic, and Coriolis meters.
This changed in 2007, when the American Petroleum Institute (API) approved
NEVER
HIGH ACCURACY : FOUR-SENSOR : MASS FLOW METER
before possible.
sierrainstruments.com/c5
North America / 800.866.0200
Europe / +31 72 5071400
Asia-Pacific / +8621 5879 8521/22
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 33
| Flow Measurement
FLOW UPDATE continued
a draft standard for the use of vortex introduced nearly 20 years after magflowmeters for custody-transfer applica- meters.
tions. This approval was reaffirmed in
2010. However, up to this point it does Thermal
not seem to have had much impact on Thermal flowmeters are used almost
the measurement of petroleum liquids exclusively for gas. For many years,
or gases for custody-transfer purposes. they have been associated with enviHowever, the draft standard has been ronmental applications. In the early
used in the custody transfer of steam.
1990s, multipoint thermal flowmeters
Vortex flowmeters offer accurate and were developed to handle continuous
reliable flow measurement at a com- emissions monitoring (CEM). At that
petitive price. Even though vortex me- time, the Environmental Protection
ters are not as accurate as Coriolis me- Agency (EPA) developed regulations
ters, many vortex meters offer accuracy designed to reduce the amount of sulreadings of better than one percent, de- furic oxide (SOX) and nitrous oxide (NOX)
pending on fluid and application. While in the air. Multipoint thermal flowmeters
vortex meters are somewhat intrusive were developed for these applications.
compared to magnetic and ultrasonic Multipoint averaging Pitot tubes and
meters, they are much less intrusive ultrasonic flowmeters were also used
than the orifice plates used with DP for this purpose.
transmitters to measure flow. Pressure
While thermal flowmeters are still
drop from vortex meters is minimal, used today for CEM applications, they
since most shedder bars are relatively are also used for a variety of other ensmall in size. Vortex meters are less vironmental applications. Under the
widely used than magnetic flowmeters, Obama administration, their use for
DP Flow
Ad 4.625x4.875_DP
Flow
Ad were
1/18/12 flare
2:32 PM
1
due,
in part,
to the fact that
they
gas,Page
biogas,
biomass, coalbed
DP Flowmeters
Integrated package
Non-clogging nozzle
Low pressure drop
Jesse Yoder,
Ph.D., is president
of Flow Research Inc.
in Wakefield, Mass.,
a company he founded in 1998. He has
25 years of experience as an analyst
Jesse Yoder
and writer in process
control. Dr. Yoder specializes in flowmeters and other field devices, including
pressure and temperature products.
Dr. Yoder can be reached at jesse@
flowresearch.com.
For more information on Flow
Researchs Volume X: The World
Market for Flowmeters, 4th Edition
study, visit www.floweverything.com.
www.flowresearch.com
FLOWSTREAM
Find related content @
flowcontrolnetwork.com
Search on:
www.orangeresearch.com
1-800-989-5657
Coriolis Flowmeter | Flow Measurement | Flow Research | Jesse Yoder | Magnetic Flowmeter |
Thermal Flowmeter | Ultrasonic
Flowmeter | Vortex Flowmeter
34 | May 2013
The Emerson logo is a trademark and a service mark of Emerson Electric Co. 2011 Emerson Electric Co.
Safety Measures
Thermally Activated Emergency Isolation Valves
for Oil & Gas Applications
By Jean Steckler
Hydrocarbon Processing
Plants
The standard insurance recommendation report for a gas processing facility includes a request for a Process
Hazards Analysis and an Emergency
Shutdown System with multiple emergency isolation valves, says Jesse
Wilson, president of Allrisk Engineering
Flow Control Magazine
www.flowcontrolnetwork.com
May 2013 | 37
FLOW UPDATE&continued
STANDARDS
REGULATIONS | Thermal Shutoffs
Fuel Transport
Once processed, fuel is distributed
to local markets by pipeline, rail car,
and trucks. Each transport method
requires its own set of safety systems,
including automatic thermal shutoffs.
Alloy Custom Products (www.alloycustomproducts.com), a manufacturer of
cryogenic semi-trailers, uses automatic
thermal shutoffs for LNG, oxygen, and
mixed-use vessels. The company uses
shape memory thermal (fire) actuators
to automatically shutdown the flow of
fuel in the event of fire. These air-operated, self-closing thermal shutoffs are
housed in a rear cabinet of the trailer
and are used for fire protection in both
the loading and offloading of LNG.
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r. Bachus,
I am a project engineer for a Midwest municipality wastewater authority. Id like your opinion on some recent events
with a pump.
In 2010, we installed a new variable-speed pump at the
final collecting station at the treatment plant. The pump operates between 500 RPM and 600 RPM. The speed varies to
maintain a constant water level in the wet well 7 feet over the
pump centerline.
Since 2010, we have documented the following issue:
The pump starts and runs up to 600 RPM (25,000 GPM)
when the high level sensor trips in the wet well. The pump
speed slowly reduces, sometimes to 500 RPM (20,850 GPM)
as the level drops in the well. If incoming flow increases into
the well, the pump speed reaccelerates.
However, after the pump speed reaccelerates to 600 RPM,
the flow peaks at about 22,000 GPM rather than 25,000
GPM. Sometimes the level in the well continues to rise even
with the pump at 600 RPM. The only way to return to 25,000
GPM and control the level in the well is to stop and restart
the pump. As we stop the pump, we lose the discharge water
column back into the well and this further exaggerates the
problem and the anxiety.
We called the pump manufacturer. The engineer referred
to a time dependent steady state capacity drift issue. After
the engineer repeated the term a couple of times, he reduced
it to TDSSCD. I have never heard of this term.
We will remove the pump from service and inspect it for
signs of air entrainment or a suction recirculation problem. Is
there any sign or indicator that might identify or support suction recirculation?
Also, what do you know about TDSSCD?
Regards,
Harry R.
Hello Harry,
Three points come to mind that might affect the flow through
your pump.
1 Consider air/gas entrainment: Remember youre
40 | May 2013
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TEL: 203-378-8281 FAX: 203-385-0408
email: info@ashcroft.com
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11/6/12
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Air Entrainment | Cavitation | Larry Bachus | Pump Guy | Pump Guy Seminar | Recirculation
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42 | May 2013
Page 1
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Are your engineering, maintenance
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seem to be working on too much.
Attendee comment, Houston 2010
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Visit CME online to view its line of accurate, dependable, NIST-traceable flowmeters.
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May 2013 | 45
ADVERTISER/PRODUCT INDEX
Find company websites and get free product information online at www.flowcontrolnetwork.com/freeinfo.
BC = Back Cover - IBC = Inside Back Cover - IFC = Inside Front Cover
Advertiser
Page
RS#
Advertiser
Page
RS#
19
16
Flows.com
11,45
10,201
Ashcroft Inc
41
26
39
9,45
8,203
FMC Technologies
Bachus Inc
42
NA
12
11
Assured Automation
48,45 28,202
35
Page
RS#
1,45
2, 200
25
Orange Research
34
21
15
14
Parker Porter
Instrument Div
17
15
GF Piping Systems
IFC
GPIMeters.com
31
19
Advertiser
Precision Digital
5,20,38 5,17,24
43
NA
42
27
21
18
Sage Metering
10
33
20
37
23
22
KROHNE Inc
13
12
44
100
Magnetrol International
Singer Valve
IBC,BC
29,30
MKS Instruments
14
13
28
31
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
FILTRATION & SEPARATION
ABSOLUTE FILTRATION: The absolute filtration rating, or cut-off point, of a filter refers to the diameter of
the largest spherical glass particle, normally expressed
in micrometers (mm), which will pass through the filter
under laboratory conditions.
ABSOLUTE FILTRATION
MICRON
BACKWASH
NOMINAL FILTRATION
COALESCING FILTRATION
PLEATED
CARTRIDGE
PRE-FILTER
EFFECTIVE AREA
PRESSURE DROP
FILTER EFFICIENCY
SEPARATOR
FILTRATION RATING
WOVEN
HYDROPHOBIC
HYDROPHOBIC: Non-water wetting. Having an antagonism for water. Not capable of uniting or mixing with water.
Phone:________________________________________________________________
E-Mail:________________________________________________________________
By David W. Spitzer
quiz corner:
Measuring the Flow of Mixed Liquids
A. Flow up
B. Flow down
hat piping orientations are acceptable for a flowmeter to measure the flow of an 80/20 mixture of
a liquid having a specific gravity of 0.80 and water?
Commentary
C. Flow horizontal
D. All of the above
be correct.
If the component liquids were miscible to form a homogeneous fluid, any orientation within the limits of the flowmeter
technology would be possible. Answer D would appear to be
correct.
However, oil and water are generally not miscible, so separation of the oil and water could occur in the horizontal piping
upstream of the flowmeter. This can affect flowmeter performance because the liquid entering the flowmeter would not
be homogeneous. Answer C is not necessarily correct.
Locating the flowmeter in a vertical pipe flowing upward
mitigates the potential separation problem encountered in
horizontal pipe. However, it does not ensure that the flow is
homogeneous because the oil and water may have already
separated upstream of the vertical pipe. Answer A is not necessarily correct. Similarly, locating the flowmeter in a vertical
pipe flowing downward will cause Answer B to not necessarily
David W. Spitzer David W. Spitzer is a regular contributor to Flow Control magazine and a principal in Spitzer
and Boyes, LLC, offering engineering, seminars, strategic,
marketing consulting, distribution consulting, and expert
witness services for manufacturing and automation companies. Mr. Spitzer has more than 35 years of experience
and has written over 10 books and 250 articles about flow
measurement, instrumentation and process control.
FLOWSTREAM
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R
48 | May 2013
Proline
simply clever
Endress+Hauser, Inc
2350 Endress Place
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inquiry@us.endress.com
www.us.endress.com
Sales:
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Service: 800-642-8737
Fax:
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Write in 29 or Request Info Instantly at www.FlowControlNetwork.com/freeinfo
Endress+Hauser, Inc
2350 Endress Place
Greenwood, IN 46143
inquiry@us.endress.com
www.us.endress.com
Sales:
888-ENDRESS
Service: 800-642-8737
Fax:
317-535-8498
Write in 30 or Request Info Instantly at www.FlowControlNetwork.com/freeinfo