DigitalFlow™ GF868 Panametrics flare gas mass ultrasonic flowmeter with extended performance range

　　Applications

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 flowmeter is a complete ultrasonic flow metering system for:

　　• Flare gas

　　• Track down or prevent losses from leakage with positive material identification

　　• Account for total plant throughput of material

　　• Reduce cost of steam and fuel usage with proportional control

　　• Conserve energy by eliminating unnecessary flaring

　　• Comply with government regulations for pollution control

　　• Vent gas

　　• Hydrocarbon gases

　　• Biogases

　　• Digester gases

　　Features

　　• Measures velocity, volumetric and mass flow

　　• Standard velocity range to 100 m/s (328 ft/s) standard

　　• Extended velocity range to 120 m/s (394 ft/s)*

　　• Measures instantaneous average molecular weight

　　• Measures Net Heating Value (NHV) of vent gas in BTU/SCF,MJ/m3, or KJ/m3

　　• Measures hydrocarbon gases

　　• Self-calibration check assures accurate worry-free operation

　　• Delivers accurate flow rate, independent of gas composition

　　• Measures very low to very high velocity, 4000 to 1 turndown ratio

　　• Field-proven installation techniques

　　• Built-in totalizers

　　• Built-in power supply for pressure and temperature transmitters

　　• 4000 to 1 turndown ratio

　　• One or two channel/path configurations

　　Flare gas mass flowmeter

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 ultrasonic flowmeter uses the patented Correlation Transit-Time™ technique, digital signal processing, and an accurate method of calculating molecular weight. Add to these features the inherent advantages of ultrasonic flow measurement reliability with no routine maintenance, high accuracy, fast response, and wide rangeability, the DigitalFlow GF868 flowmeter is the clear choice for flare gas applications.

　　Correlation transit-time technology is ideal for flare gas flow measurement

　　The correlation transit-time technique has distinct advantages over other methods of flare gas flow measurement, and it is used to solve a variety of difficult problems. Typically, gas in flare stacks, headers or laterals is a mixture of components from different sources. Flow rate in flare systems may be unsteady or even bidirectional. Pulsating pressure, varying composition and temperature, harsh environment, and wide flow range further complicate the measurement. The GF868 is designed for superior performance under these conditions.

　　Patented molecular weight measurement method

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 uses a patented method for calculating the average molecular weight of hydrocarbon mixtures. This proprietary algorithm extends the range for measuring average molecular weight, while improving accuracy and compensating for non-hydrocarbon gases better than ever before possible. Higher accuracy mass flow data and more precise knowledge of flare gas composition can improve the efficiency of plant operation, enabling correct metering of steam injection at the flare tip, rapid troubleshooting of leaks into the flare stream, early detection of process control problems, and accurate plant balance

　　Best technology for flare gas measurement

　　Ultrasonic flow measurement, the ideal technology for flare gas applications, is independent of gas properties, and does not interfere with the flow in any way. All-metal ultrasonic transducers installed in the pipe send sound pulses upstream and downstream through the gas.

　　From the difference in these transit times between the transducers, with and against the flow, the DigitalFlow GF868’s on-board computer uses advanced signal processing and correlation detection to calculate velocity, and volumetric and mass flow rate. Temperature and pressure inputs enable the meter to calculate standard volumetric flow. For maximum accuracy, use the two channel version and measure along two different paths at the same location. The two-channel meter can also measure the flow in two separate pipes or at two different places on the same pipe.

　　Simple installation

　　The flowmeter system consists of a pair of transducers for each channel, preamplifiers, and an electronics console. The transducers can be installed as part of a flowcell, or directly into the pipe with a hot or cold-tapping procedure. The electronics console of the DigitalFlow GF868 meter can be located up to 1,000 ft (300 m) from the transducers.

　　One meter, wide range of flow conditions

　　High flow

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 meter achieves a new standard rangeability of 3280 to 1 and a new Extended Range rangeability of 4000 to 1. It measures velocities from 0.1 to 328 ft/s (0.03 to 100 m/s) standard in both directions, while the Extended Range version measures velocities to 394 ft/s (120 m/s) in one direction, in steady or rapidly changing flow, in pipes from 2 in to 120 in (50 mm to 3 m) in diameter. With this range of operation, one DigitalFlow GF868 flowmeter performs measurements under most of the conditions that may occur in a flare line on or offshore. The extended velocity range to 100 m/s is enabled in standard meters with no loss of accuracy.

　　Low flow

　　For base load operation the volumetric flow in flares is often in the range 0.1 to 1 f/s (0.03 to 0.3 m/s) and the flare gas flowmeter improves the accuracy over that range, but still measures at high velocity during facility relief or upset conditions. Additional paths, longer paths, unconventional configurations and location of paths are used to achieve accurate low flow measurements. A single path or two path meter can be selected and optimized to meet both high flow and low flow measurement requirements.

　　Energy measurement

　　Latency in measuring the energy content of a flare gas can lead to poor combustion efficiency or fuel gas waste at the flare tip. This can lead to excessive emissions, mostly harmful methane, into the atmosphere, risking increased fine associated with non-compliance and greater negative impact on the climate. The model GF868 has an option for measuring the net heating value (NHV) of the flare gas to help operators optimize their assist flares to provide a smokeless flame and maintain a high combustion efficiency without the latency issues or the installation and maintenance costs of a separate analyzer. For increased capabilities unlocking the full potential of reduced emissions and flare control and optimization, use a GF868 or an XGF868 with flare.IQ advanced control solution.

　　Identify leak sources, reduce steam usage and improve plant material balance Leaks and excess steam delivery are two major causes of loss of product and energy. Reducing them immediately improves the overall efficiency in refinery and chemical plant operation. Payback for the entire DigitalFlow GF868 installation usually occurs within a matter of months.

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 can help save millions of dollars in reduced losses.

　　Once the sound speed of the gas has been determined by the DigitalFlow GF868, its on-board computer uses temperature and pressure inputs in conjunction with the sound speed to calculate instantaneous average molecular weight and mass flow rate of the gas. These parameters are used to help identify sources of leaks into the flare system. Detection of even a small increase in flow rate into the flare system may indicate a leak source such as partially unseated relief valve. An accompanying change in the average molecular weight of the flare gas may be used to help locate the leak source. Quick identification and elimination of leak sources into the flare system saves significant amounts of potentially lost energy and product.

　　Mass flow rate may be used to perform a mass balance calculation and to control flare tip steam injection. By knowing the exact amount of gas flow and average molecular weight in the flare stack, delivery of the correct amount of steam required at the flare tip can be accurately controlled. Steam usage can be reduced while maintaining compliance with pollution control regulations.

　　Designed for flare gas environment

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 flowmeter has no moving parts to clog or wear out. Its patented ultrasonic transducers are constructed of titanium or other metals that withstand the corrosive environment usually found in flare gas applications. The transducers are designed for use in hazardous locations. Wide rangeability allows measurement of flow rate from 0.1 up to 394 ft/s (0.03 to 120 m/s). In contrast to thermal flowmeters, the ultrasonic transit-time technique does not depend on the heat transfer coefficient of the flare gas and does not require regular maintenance. These and other features make the DigitalFlow GF868 unique among flare gas flowmeters.

　　Self-calibration check for worry free operation

　　The DigitalFlow GF868 meter will perform daily heath checks using our proprietary algorithm, at the predetermined flowrates and hour chosen by operators. Depending on the self-health check result, the meter will output a PASS if the meter is working correctly or a FAIL if there is any critical failure. In the case of a problem, this will allow operators to know the status of the meter ahead of time and take actions accordingly. In addition, this will give regulatory authorities and meter operators confidence that the meter is functioning reliably and accurately.

BHCS38521 Panametrics PanaFlow GF868 Datasheet_R18.pdf

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