Flow Measurement & Control


New thermal mass flowmeter

November 2014 Flow Measurement & Control

The debut of the breakthrough ST100 Series thermal mass flow meter from Fluid Components International (FCI) sets a new benchmark in process gas flow measurement instrumentation. It combines superior flow sensing performance with the most feature-rich and function-rich electronics in the industry to deliver unsurpassed adaptability and value in gas flow measurement applications.

FCI developed the advanced ST100 series in response to wide-ranging discussions with process and plant engineers who wanted both more comprehensive measurement information as well as the flexibility to adapt to plant and process control technology they might deploy in the future. The future-ready flowmeter is the result of those conversations. Beyond its ability to continuously measure, display and transmit the most extensive array of parameters, it is the industry’s first thermal mass gas flowmeter designed for the future. Whether the need is for conventional 4-20 mA analogue, frequency/pulse, alarm relays or advanced digital bus communications such as HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus or Modbus, the ST100 is the solution. Should a plant’s needs change over time or an upgrade be desirable, it can be adapted as necessary with a plug-in card replacement that can be changed out by plant technicians in the field. The new sophisticated LCD display and readout has a unique graphical, multivariable, backlit LCD display. This provides comprehensive information with continuous display of all process measurements and alarm status, and it also has the ability to interrogate for service diagnostics.

The ST100 measures gas mass flow rate, total flow, temperature and pressure depending on the model. It stores up to five unique calibration groups to accommodate broad flow ranges, and differing mixtures of the same gas and multiple gases, and it obtains up to 1000:1 turndown. The optional, patent pending SpectraCal gas equivalency calibration feature allows users to select and switch between 10 common gases.

Also standard is an onboard data-logger with an easily accessible and removable 2 GB micro-SD memory card capable of storing 21 million readings. FCI is the industry’s first thermal manufacturer to offer three different types of flow sensor to best match user applications. The FPC style is a fast response type that features an integral, patent pending flow conditioner and protective shroud optimised for compressed air and clean gas applications. The FP style is a fast response, general purpose design with a protective shroud and is also the sensor used with FCI’s VeriCal in situ calibration option. For applications with wet or dirty gases, or erratic flows, the unshrouded S-style facilitates easy cleaning and provides a smoothed response.

The ST100 Series is comprised of two core model families: the ST and STP. The ST family measures both mass flow and temperature, and the exclusive STP family adds pressure as a third parameter. The STP configuration makes the ST100 the world’s first triple-variable thermal flowmeter, measuring flow, temperature and pressure. Both families include single-point and dual-element models as configurations outfitted with FCI’s exclusive in situ calibration option, VeriCal. The ST100 can be calibrated to measure virtually any process gas, including wet gas, mixed gases and dirty gases. The basic insertion style air/gas meter features a thermal flow sensing element that ­measures flow from 0,07 to 305 NMPS with an accuracy of ±0,75% of reading and ±0,5% of full scale.

ST100 flowmeters are designed for rugged industrial process and plant applications, including service up to 454°C. Both integral and remote (up to 300 metres) electronic versions are the available. The ST100 is agency approved for hazardous environments, including the entire instrument, the transmitter and the enclosure. Instrument approvals (submitted and pending) include FM and FMc: Class 1, Division 1, hazardous locations, groups B, C, D, E, F, G; ATEX; and IECEx: Zone 1, II 2 GD Ex d IIC T4. The rugged enclosure is NEMA 4X/IP67 rated.

For more information contact Chantelle Conradie, Elemental Analytics, [email protected], +27 (0)11 918 6994, www.e-analytics.co.za



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