A refinery uses production fuel gas for two purposes: as a feed for a hydrogen plant and as an energy source for its refinery heaters. Differential pressure (dP) meters were used to monitor the incoming fuel gas.
Challenge
The company wanted to monitor its fuel usage to improve the energy balance in the plant. One challenge that the company faced was the wide flow range (100 kg to 1,800 tonnes/h) of the fuel gas. dP meters of the type often used in high volume gas applications cannot measure accurately over such wide turndown ratio.
To continue using the dP meters, two or more parallel orifice runs would be needed, resulting in a costly installation. Another challenge was that the composition of the fuel gas varied widely, with molecular weights ranging from 14 to 38. Volumetric metering systems in such applications would require a separate in-line densitometer and flow computer to detect and compensate for variations in composition, resulting in another costly installation. In addition, dP meters require frequent maintenance and calibration, especially when measuring 'dirty' gases, such as fuel gas.
Wide range solution
Instead of continuing to use the dP meters and installing additional equipment, the refinery opted to install a Micro Motion Coriolis flowmeter in the production fuel line. This flowmeter maintains a 'flat' accuracy that is within ±0,35% over the entire 1,7 tonnes/h flow range, eliminating the need for parallel meter runs. The flowmeter also measures mass flow directly, so it is immune to changes in molecular composition.
It provides accurate, continuous registration of totalised mass flow without the need for additional equipment. Field calibration at commissioning is not necessary. Coriolis flowmeters are non-intrusive and have no moving parts, so there is no tendency for calibration to drift. As a result, there is little to no maintenance. By installing the Micro Motion flowmeter, the refinery achieved accurate flow measurement almost immediately after going on line, and it can now monitor fuel gas usage. Since the flowmeter helped the refinery meet its goals, the refinery is considering installing additional Micro Motion flowmeters to provide separate monitoring of other areas in the plant.
Inline process solutions for gold mining Anton Paar
Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] The extraction and processing of gold ore requires precision and efficiency to maximise yield and minimise losses. Automation and continuous monitoring of critical process steps are essential to ensure optimal production. Anton Paar offers advanced inline measurement solutions which enable full automation and real-time monitoring of key steps in gold extraction and processing.
Read more...Magnetic-inductive flow sensor ifm - South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
The SMF magnetic-inductive flow sensor revolutionises liquid and creamy flow measurement. With IO-Link, it enables digital data transmission, eliminating blind spots in production.
Read more...Hygienic flow measurement for the food industry ifm - South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
With the SMF magnetic-inductive flow meter, ifm offers a solution for the hygienic flow measurement of media with variable flow rates through a pipe, such as beer, milk or fruit juice.
Read more...Case History 197: Bad reboiler temperature control. Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Flow Measurement & Control
It is very important that reboiler temperature controls operate well in petrochemical refineries, or the product quality can really suffer. I was asked to check such a control in a refinery where they were having problems with one of these controls.
Read more...Precision measurement for ultra-pure water systems Anton Paar
Flow Measurement & Control
[Sponsored] Ultra-pure water (UPW) is essential in industries where even minor contaminants can impact product quality and process integrity. Anton Paar’s L-Cor Coriolis mass flowmeters provide a highly accurate and hygienic solution by directly measuring the mass of the liquid using the Coriolis effect, ensuring a high level of cleanliness.
Read more...Radiometric density measurements Mecosa
Flow Measurement & Control
Radiometric density measurements are used wherever conventional measurement techniques fail. Successful applications can be found in a wide variety of industries, especially where harsh process environments and difficult measuring conditions prevail.
Read more...Battery-powered magmeter
Flow Measurement & Control
The RWEM/D battery-powered electromagnetic flow meter from Royce Water Systems is ideal for water and wastewater systems located at remote sites.
Read more...Precise process and maximum savings with VEGABAR VEGA Controls SA
Flow Measurement & Control
Accurate measurementsof differential pressure is crucial for safety, efficiency and optimising operational processes. For over 40 years, VEGA has supplied industry-leading pressure measurement solutions, establishing itself as a trusted expert with a proven track record in sensor technology.
Read more...Innovative solutions for low flow dosing with high precision Mecosa
Flow Measurement & Control
n the food, pharma, and chemical manufacturing industries, precision and efficiency are of utmost importance. Bronkhorst High-Tech has developed a flexible solution that meets today’s requirements for highly accurate dosing, whether continuous, in ratio, or in batches.
printer friendly version