Altosonic V

5 beam Ultrasonic custody

Transfer meter
• 5 - Beam ultrasonic flow meter for custody transfer of liquid
hydrocarbons
• Custody transfer accuracy and repeatability
• Excellent long-term stability and high reliability
• Multi product
• Wide viscosity range, from LPG to heavy crudes
• No on-site calibration required

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ALTOSONIC V

 First UFM at market

for custody transfer of liquids
 More than 12 years field experience
 Still the only true multi-product flowmeter at
the market
 Accepted as master meter
 More than 1000 units installed in the field
 Highest accuracy & repeatability
 No maintenance required for flow meters
already installed since 1997

3
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Oil & Gas

Introduction to

Ultrasonic Transit Time

Measurement Principle
-
Liquids

5
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
UFS-V Flow Sensor Design Specifications

Diameters:
6”, 1500 lbs  4” - 40” (100 -1.000 mm)

Material :

Stainless steel 316/316L
12”, 150 lbs 
Duplex, SMO and others
on request

Pressure classes:

150 lbs, 300 lbs, 600 lbs
20”, 150 lbs 
up to 1.500 lbs on
request

7
UFS-V Flow Sensor Design Specifications

 Allows for bi-directional measurements

 No internal moving parts
 No wear
 Stable geometric construction
 Fully welded – all stainless steel –
construction

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Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
 Altosonic-V Performance

Measurement functionality: Standard volume flow rate and

totalized volume
Measuring range: 0 – 10 m/s
Accuracy: ± 0.15% of measured value
Repeatability: ± 0.02%
Uncertainty: <± 0.027% according to API
Viscosity range: 0.1 to 400 cSt. (higher upon request)
Density range: 200 to 1200 kg/m3
Zero stability: < 1mm/s
Process conditions: Max. solid particle contents <5%
Max gas contents < 2%
Max water contents <6%

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Altosonic-V Performance
Correction for flow profile disturbances

Integrated confusor before measurement section

 Corrects for upstream disturbed flow profiles & swirl
 Reduces installation effects
 Negligible pressure drop

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Altosonic-V Performance

 Shape of velocity profile

depends Reynolds &
viscosity
 Based on measurements
from
5 transducer pairs at 5
positions
 Average volumetric flow
velocity of flow calculated
over pipe cross section
 Info on flow profile used in
measuring algorithm
 In addition, flow processor
computes Re number & swirl
Results:
 Linear measurements
 Independent of distorted flow
profiles
 Independent of viscosity effects
caused by temp. variations or
change of medium
KROHNE patented technology
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Altosonic-V Performance
Position of 5 beams
 Unique configuration of
5 parallel beams
 Based on stable calibrated
geometry
 Extensively tested
 Symmetrical
used for flow profile check
5 Beams ...
 Provide more information on
the flow profile
 Compensate for changes in
flow profile
 Better performance with non
symmetrical flow profiles
 Good reproducibility
 High accuracy ±0,15%
over wide Reynolds range
 Create redundancy
13
Altosonic-V Performance

14
Altosonic-V Hardware Modules

RS 485 RS 485/422
UFS-V UFC-V UFP-V

Flow Sensor Signal Converter Flow

Processor

UFP-V Field version

for hazardous
areas
UFP-V 19” rack
version for non
hazardous areas
15
UFS-V Flow Sensor Design Specifications

Diameters:
6”, 1500 lbs  4” - 40” (100 -1.000 mm)

Material :

Stainless steel 316/316L
12”, 150 lbs 
Duplex, SMO and others
on request

Pressure classes:

150 lbs, 300 lbs, 600 lbs
20”, 150 lbs 
up to 1.500 lbs on
request

16
UFC-V Signal converter

Converters
• Control 5 measurement paths
• Perform actual flow measurement of
5 channels
• Raw data of each individual path
sent over via RS 485
• Processed by UFP-V flow
processor

17
Ultrasonic Flow Processor (UFP)
UFP-V Field version
 For hazardous areas
 Identical to UFC-V cover cabinet
 Copper free aluminium

UFP-V Compact version

 For non hazardous areas
 For mounting in control room cabinet

UFP-V 19” rack version

 For non hazardous areas
 For mounting in control room
 Large display & keypad

Communication
 Output via RS 485 / 422

18
Altosonic-V Measurement Functionality

Standard:
 Actual volumetric flow rate
 Actual volumetric flow total
 Status & diagnostic information
 Velocity of sound
 Flow direction (forward/reverse)
 Body temperature measurement

Optional :
 Actual volumetric flow rate
 Line pressure and temperature input
 Densitometer input (frequency / 4-20 mA )
 Viscosity transmitter input (4-20 mA)

19
Altosonic-V Measurement Functionality

Selectable volume correction standards:

 API 2540
 ASTM-IP (D1250, 1953 ed.)
 LPG (GPA) TP 25
 ULHC (Special application for Russia)

20
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Altosonic-V Certification & Approval

Within OIML R 117 Requirements

Certificate of compliance
with OIML R 117, class 0.3
“Measuring systems for liquids other than
water” (edition 1995)
 Issued by NMi
 Complete test program & report available
 Basis for national type approval
certifications by national board of Weight
& Measures

22
 Altosonic-V Certification & Approval

National Type/Pattern Approvals for ALTOSONIC V based on OIML R117

Country / Institute  Italy / UTIF
 Algeria / ONML  Malaysia / SIRIM
 Austria / BEV  Mexico / CENAM
 Brazil / Inmetro  Netherlands / NMi
 France / LNE  Nigeria / DPR
 Germany / PTB (pending)
 Indonesia / Migas  Norway /
Justervesnet
 India / W&M
 Russia (GOS)

Local authorities to approve specific custody

transfer installations (often based on
witnessing)

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Altosonic-V Certification & approval
API Standard on Ultrasonic Flowmeters

"Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons

by Ultrasonic Flow Meters using transit
time technology”

Scope: Application criteria for UFM

Guidelines on: Installation, operation, & maintenance of
UFM’s in liquid hydrocarbon service.
Field of application: Dynamic measurement of liquid
hydrocarbons Focus: Custody transfer measurement
Flowmeter: Inline UFM (or spool piece) design with a
minimum of 3 measuring beams.
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Altosonic-V Cerfication & approval
ALTOSONIC V within API Requirements

Requirements Performance
API standard on UFM ALTOSONIC V
 Accuracy: not  Easily within Uncertainty
specified
 Repeatability: not ± 0,027% band
specified conform API
 Uncertainty: specifications
± 0,027% uncertainty
(with 95% confidence level)
For example 5 runs:
repeatability 0,05%
No certificates of compliance
with API issued
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Altosonic-V Certifications & approval
CT Requirements for Offshore

Offshore NPD- Norwegian Petroleum

Dept.
 Specific regulations set by
e.g.  Norwegian authorities NPD
issue guideline with
 Brazil Agencia National
regulations
Petroleo (ANP)
 UK DTI
 Scope:
Apply to fiscal measurements
 Norway NPD
of oil & gas, which are
 Site approvals executed in petroleum
> No certifications issued! industry and provide for
NPD’s supervision.
 Performance requirements
 Accuracy: ± 0,15%
 Repeatability: 0,07% 26
26
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Altosonic-V Calibration

Standard: Factory Calibration

 Standard calibration
 At 5 flow points
(10, 20, 50, 70, 90%)
5 times repeat
 With viscosity
comparable to
application:
min 1 cSt, max 120 cSt

 KROHNE calibration
certificate standard
provided
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 Altosonic-V Calibration
Optional Calibration to OIML R 117 & NPD

OIML R 117
 Calibration at 6 flow points
over operating range
 Each point repeated 3 times

NPD (for Norway)

 Calibration at 6 flow points
over operating range
 Each point repeated at least 5
times

29
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Altosonic-V MID certified data
 Sizes 4 to 24 inch (Bigger sizes
available)
 Process temperature -200 to +250 ºC
 Viscosity range 0.1 to 400 cSt (For all diameters)
 Flow range 0.2 to 10 m/s (turndown 1 : 50)

 Ambient temperature
UFS-V -25 to +55 ºC
UFC-V -40 to +70 ºC

31
Altosonic-V MID certified data
 Explosion safety ATEX, Zone 1
UFS-V Eex ib IIC T6
UFC-V EEx d [ib] IIB T5
UFP-V EEx d [ib] IIB T5

 Protection class
UFS-V IP 67
UFC-V IP 55 (/IP 65/67)

32
 Altosonic-V Installation

- 10 DN inlet section UFS-V flow sensor 5 DN outlet section

- Flow conditioner

• Tube bundle straightener of

ISO design
• Calibrated in combination
with UFS-V flow sensor
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 Altosonic-V: Installation

Non Hazardous Area

Hazardous Area
UFS-V II 2 G EEx ib IIC T6 ..T4

UFC-V II 2 G EEx d [ib] IIB T5

FM, CSA Class I / II / III Div 1
PT TT DT BSW
P T P T
T T T T

34
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Altosonic-V Long term stability
Verification of a 20” Altosonic V over period of 10 years
Test data:
Instrument 20” Altosonic V
Test Facility Verifications at SPSE
Test medium Oural (5 cSt)
Time interval Period of 10 years (1999-2009)

Test results:
Difference 1999 – 2009: 0.08%
Results include installation effects
No maintenance has been done to the meter

Conclusion:
Very stable performance of 20” Altosonic-V.
No systematic shift over period of 10 years. Average variation lies
Between 0.08%. Variation is caused by the reproducibility of the flow
meter,calibration and installation effects.

36
Altosonic-V: Long term stability

37
Altosonic-V Long term stability
ALTOSONIC V for Offshore Flow Metering
Installation Statoil Vigdis/Snorre Crossover (1997)

No maintenance done
since their installation in 1997
• Customer:
Saga (now Statoil)
• Application: Oil transfer between
Snorre and Vigdis process trains
• 2 x 8” ALTOSONIC V (300 lbs)
in master / duty set-up
• Periodically verified against each
other (e.g. scaling effects)
• No permanent prover
installlation, No filters
• NPD acceptance for the metering
solution

38
38
Altosonic-V Long term stability

ALTOSONIC V in Metering Configuration

Vigdis / Snorre Crossover
Results
 “Excellent Experience History”
 Both ALTOSONIC V showed similar linearity curve
 Recent provings by the customer (2009) showed that the k-factor was within
0,05% compared to the first k-factor established in 1997
 No maintenance has been done on these meters since 1997!!

39
Altosonic-V: Long term stability

40
Altosonic-V Long term stability

ALTOSONIC V - One Year Field Trial at Dalmeny

Tank Terminal BP, UK

 Long term field test

 Dalmeny Export Terminal
Forties Pipeline System (FPS) in UK
 Fiscal Metering Installation with
 30” bi-directional prover
 12 turbine meters
 Field trial with
 An existing turbine meter was replaced with
 12” ALTOSONIC V in 1999
 As integral part of fiscal tanker loading
system

41
Altosonic-V Long term stability
Field Trial at Dalmeny Tank Terminal BP, UK
Trial Project
 Trial period of 15 months
 Strainer removed from meter run
 Line was left unheated, without insulation

Goals:
 Establish if meter / transducers suffer from
wax or deposition
 Verify accuracy, repeatability & long term
stability
 Same proving criteria as for turbines:
> 5 consecutive runs within ± 0.05%
repeatability,
> within 10 runs by bi-directional prover
> or else fiscal status of flowmeter not valid

42
Altosonic-V Long term stability
Long term stability, No maintenance

Results: BP Dalmeny
 No significant long-term drift or
scaling observed after 15
months
 Flowmeter reliable & repeatable
 all prove results within +/-
0.10% of original k-factor
 Meter body showed no sign of
wax or deposition.
 No intervention for maintenance
or calibration during 15-month
Internal ALTOSONIC V flow sensor trial period
after 1 year operation. Sludge present
after 1 year did not influence
measurement nor its performance
43
Altosonic-V Long term stability
Long term stability, No maintenance

Conclusion BP
• Trial was a success
• No impact on nor disruption
to, routine operations
• No adverse impact on FPS
customers

44
Altosonic-V: Long Term Reliability

• No internal moving parts

 No wear, no tear
 Condition of measurement section
does not change over time
• Path lengths are fixed
• Stable geometric construction
• Smooth surface, no scaling
• No accuracy drift over time
• No shift in k-factor
Stable & Predictable • Even with changes
Day in, Day out in product properties
Year in, Year out
45
Altosonic-V Long term performance

• No internal moving parts

• No obstructions
• No filters (/strainers)
• No spare parts
• No problems after overspeed
• No scaling
• No cleaning
• No pressure loss
• More efficient pump performance

 Maintenance-free

46
Ultrasonic Measurement Principle

Design specifications

Performance

Certification & Approval

Calibration

Installation

Long term stability

Diagnostics
Altosonic-V Diagnostics
ALTOSONIC V: Integrated Diagnostics
Diagnostics & Ultrasonics
 UFM is only flow meter
technology with (inherent)
extensive
diagnostic capabilities
 Various data available e.g. info
on flow profile
Advantages of Diagnostics
 Continuous verification of
instrument functionality in
application
 Provides trust & reliability
 Improved availability
 Pro-active maintenance
 Cost savings on maintenance
48
Altosonic-V Diagnostics
ALTOSONIC V Integrated Diagnostics
Diagnostics
 Standard provided with
ALTOSONIC V
 Automatic & continuous
monitoring of the instrument
integrity & local process
conditions
 Provides info on whether the
instrument is measuring within
specifications
 And if not: an immediate alarm
or warning
Diagnostics of ALTOSONIC V
Core Functionality
 Self tests performed in
instrument
Diagnostics of Direct
Environment
 Process diagnosis /
application check
 Performed in instrument
or external
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 Altosonic-V Diagnostics
Integrated Diagnostics
Several self tests performed
 Memory checks
 Parameter validity check
 Plausibility checks on
individual measurements
 Validity check of measured
values
 Sound velocity check i.e.
comparison between 5
beams
Diagnostics of direct environment
 Flow velocity per path
 Sound velocity per path
Provide indication of
 Scaling
 Presence of higher viscosities,
entrained air, gas or wax
 Warning that measurements may
not be within specified accuracy
class (measurement continues!)
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50
Altosonic-V Diagnostics
Check on Scaling

Path 5 VOS: Distorted

VOS profile
Path 4 1110
1100 Normal
Path 3 VOS
1090
Path 2 profile

Path 1
Path 1 2 3

• In various long term field tests, the meter bodies

• Relative effect of showed no sign of wax or deposition!
scaling different
per path • Should scaling occur, it can be demonstrated
based on a difference in VOS per path
• Alarm: Sound velocity deviation

51
Altosonic-V Diagnostics

Indication of Indication of
 Too high contents of solids or  Obstruction in the flow
particles  Damaged valve
 Too high gas contents e.g. Observation
resulting cavitations  Velocity profile disturbances
Observation Diagnostic feature: Visualization
 Transmitted signal from one of the Flow Profile
sensor not correctly received by
the other sensor.
Alarm: Path failure
 Automatically an alarm is
generated
 Real time correction of missing
values based on historical data
Altosonic-V Summary

• 5 measurement channels
• For maximum performance
• Accuracy: ± 0.15%of MV
• Repeatability: ± 0.02%of MV
• Compliant with
OIML R117 & NPD & API
• Measurement independent of
viscosity
• Only true multi product
flowmeter on market
• No k-factor setting after product
change

53
Altosonic-V Summary

• No moving parts, no wear

• No pressure drop
• No maintenance
• Long term stability
• No field calibration required
• Integrated diagnostics
• Long term reliability
• Reference / master meter
• KOG Flow metering systems /
System integration

54
Altosonic-V

KROHNE Oil & Gas

for customised flow metering systems
with ALTOSONIC V

55
Thank You
for your Attention!