New Low Flow Flare Gas Flowmeter

The new T17 ultrasonic transducer from the Sensing business of GE Measurement & Control provides accurate measurement of gas flow down to 0.1 f/s (0.03m/s) rates and is ideally suited to measuring low flare gas flows when used with GE’s GF868 or XGF868i digital flowmetering systems. This offers a simple yet elegant solution to the need to be compliant with emission regulations in flaring, in oil and gas, refining and in the chemical and petrochemical sectors.

“This new addition to our flowmetering capability complements our existing flare gas portfolio, following on from the introduction of our high flow meter last year,” explains Jed Matson, product manager at GE. “Low flow represents the most frequent flaring scenario and with the introduction of the new T17 transducer we now have the capability to provide accurate and reliable flaring flow metering right across the flaring flow range.”

Flaring is used to burn off hydrocarbons and other waste gases, under both routine and emergency conditions. Pollution control regulations govern the amount of waste which can be vented and flaring needs to be closely monitored and recorded by accurate flowmeters to comply with this legislation. Flare gas flowmetering also serves other important functions such as tracking or preventing leakage losses, conserving energy by reducing unnecessary flaring, controlling the amount of steam fed to the flare tip and accounting for total plant throughput of material. Ultrasonic flow measurement is well-suited to flare gas applications, as it is independent of gas properties, measures without a pressure drop, does not interfere with flow and is highly accurate and reliable. Digital flowmeters, such as GE’sXGF868i, are designed to handle flare gas measurement problems such as unsteady or bi-directional flow rates, pulsating pressure, varying gas composition and temperature and harsh environments.

The new all-welded, titanium T17 transducer is fully tested by CEESi, is certified to CSA/C-US, ATEX and IECEx for hazardous zone operation. It can be used in pipes from 12in to beyond 66in in diameter, at operating temperatures from -67°F to 300°F and operating pressures from 12.7 to 1500psia.