New Ultrasonic Flowmeter Capable of 0.06 to 1500 cSt Viscosity

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., (USA) showcased its M-Pulse Multi-Path Ultrasonic Liquid Flow Measurement System at ACHEMA 2009. Proven to measure fluids accurately from as low as 0.06 cSt up to 1500 cSt, the system’s wider viscosity range illustrates its ability to be used on multi-product pipelines. Pipeline operators can now run thick crude followed by gasoline with no recalibration required between the hydrocarbons, achieving significantly less downtime, greater productivity and, most importantly, increased daily throughput.

To fulfill larger pipe requirements, the M-Pulse now features an extended spool size range to include 500 mm (20 inch) and 600 mm (24 inch) spools along with the standard 100 mm (4 inch) to 400 mm (16 inch) spools. All spool sizes measure as low as 1 ft/s and as high as 50 ft/s to provide the highest turndown ratio of 50:1. Customers seeking to reduce costs also now have the option of an economical carbon steel model in addition to standard stainless steel. The flowmeter has no moving parts and does not require calibration following replacement of a transducer which helps minimize maintenance and downtime.

“We are constantly evaluating market conditions to ensure our products offer capabilities and options that align with our customer’s needs. With the greater viscosity range of the M-Pulse, less manpower is necessary while the product yield is significantly enhanced,” said Soovo Sen, product manager for flowmeters at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The system also features a patented four-path, out-of-plane design, allowing for accurate measurement of ±0.10 percent for turbulent, laminar and transitional regions. This capability ensures less lost and unaccounted for product, enabling our customers to achieve greater profitability.”

The M-Pulse is sold as a system comprised of a flowmeter and flow computer and to enhance productivity, customers can use the Thermo Scientific Sarasota Density Meter in conjunction with the M-PULSe to provide rapid, repeatable measurement of liquid density for real-time control. This online, continuous density meter ensures process optimization, less labor-intensive quality control and minimal product waste to reduce costs. Both instruments will be on display at the Thermo Scientific stand (Hall 10, Stand H40/J41) at ACHEMA in Frankfurt, Germany, from May 11-15, 2009.

M-Pulse offers bi-directional, high reliability with accuracy of +/- 0.10% of flow and repeatability of +/- 0.02% and compensation for temperature, pressure and density inputs in accordance with API standards. Its non-metallic transducer diaphragm resists corrosion caused during chemical liquid processing. Users also enjoy its optimised user interfaces including keypad and laptop configuration software through RS232 connection and its logs for flow data, alarms and audit trails and various batching options. Additionally M-Pulse offers real-time flow profiling for accurate laminar, turbulent and transitional flow measurements.

In addition to CSA/CUS certification for North American use, the M-Pulse has received OIML R117 Class 0.3 certification from NMi, CE markings for European use and ATEX certification for Explosive Atmospheres. It also passed all applicable European Community (EC) requirements, including Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC), Low Voltage Directive (LVD), Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and Measuring Instruments Directive (MID).