Flow rate measurement of superheated water

Flow rate measurement of superheated water

BACKGROUND

Extra vigilance is required when measuring flow rate in the chemical industry because of the nature of the transported fluids: the products are dangerous because they are corrosive, aggressive, toxic or flammable, etc. The temperatures observed are sometimes extremely high.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

The application is situated within a sulphuric acid production site. Its purpose is to measure the flow rate of demineralised and superheated water. This water is used in the sulphuric acid (H2SO4) production process. For safety reasons, the test pressure is set at 60 bars. The process involves equipment (tube and clamps) that guarantees an NP (nominal pressure) of 100. The temperature can reach 150°C.

EQUIPMENT USED

FLOW METER WITH PIPE-SPOOL
SM 1579 probes 2.55″ pipe-spool
 Sonde mouillée SM 1579  Manchette de mesure
These stainless steel 316L probes (maximum 180°C) are equipped with cables with high-temperature insulation. It has a ND of 65 mm, is made of stainless steel and takes into account the client’s safety constraints.

A more standard (Twinax-type) cable extends it to the converter via an adaptor with an integrated filter transformer, which acts as a galvanic isolator.

RESULTS

The measurement precision obtained complies with the client’s requirements: around 1% on a range from 5 to 50m3/h.

ADVANTAGES

  • Quick installation,
  • No moving parts,
  • Minimum maintenance costs,
  • Great reliability and safety,
  • Excellent repeatability and precision.

Any potential risk of leaking must be eliminated in order to ensure optimal safety.