Accurate flow measurement of flare gases

The new GF03 Flowmeter from Fluid Components International delivers a superior, lowest-total-cost solution to accurate flow measurement in flaring and other variable, mixed gas composition systems

With an industry-first sensing element combining precision thermal mass flow and gas composition sensors, the new state-of-the-art GF03 Flowmeter from Fluid Components International delivers a superior, lowest-total-cost solution to accurate flow measurement in flaring and other variable, mixed gas composition systems.

The new GF03 Flowmeter achieves the accuracy, range and resolution required to meet the most stringent air pollution regulations at total installed costs of up to 50% less than alternative technologies.

It is designed specifically for flare systems, and similar variable gas applications, for regulatory emissions monitoring and reporting, continuous and event flow volume measurement, process leak detection/isolation and reduction, tributary and vent gas monitoring, loss control, material balancing and pilot/purge gas monitoring.

Flow measurement with the GF03 Flowmeter helps improve process efficiency and plant safety, as well as reporting the gas flow rate and the totalisation of gas emissions to remain compliant with all current air quality regulations.

Its advanced single-sensing element, single-insertion point design provides significant cost reduction advantages in purchase price, installation labour and maintenance.

To match the capabilities of a single GF03 Flowmeter, alternative technologies such as time-of-flight ultrasonic systems require inserting four sensors (two flow sensors plus a pressure transmitter and a temperature sensor) with precision alignment of the two flow sensors in the piping - all at a significantly higher cost.

Other flow sensing technologies, such as orifice plates and Venturi tubes, do not meet today's emission reporting regulations, are difficult to install and prone to excessive maintenance.

The GF03 Flowmeter temperature-compensated thermal mass flow and gas composition sensor assembly continuously measures mixed gas and applies a special flow correction technique (FCI patent pending) to report flow rate and total flow.

The flow sensor is housed in an all-welded 316L stainless steel enclosure - so there are no holes to leak, clog, or foul-requiring little maintenance.

Its single-insertion probe simplifies installation with only one device placed in the flow stream and reduces tap points to the fewest possible, which minimises pressure drop and the potential for leaking.

Highly precise and dependable, the GF03 Flowmeter meets or exceeds regulatory agency specifications for +5% accuracy, with repeatability of +0.5% of reading over a wide flow range from 0.50 to 275 SFPS.

Its performance and programmable outputs mean it is equally effective for reading and reporting both low flows, such as those occurring during a leak, as well as the high flow rates that occur with a major flaring event.

The GF03 display and transmitter unit features a large LCD digital readout, rugged keyboard, fully user scaleable and programmable 4-20 mA outputs, a RS232C digital I/O communications port and two user programmable 10 A relays.

The enclosure is NEMA Type 4X (IP66) rated for weather-proof outdoor installation and can be integrally mounted to the flow element, or can be panel or wall mounted up to 1000 feet (300 meters) away.

Options include a NEMA 7 explosion-proof housing, in-situ calibration prover and communication buses, such as Modbus, Profibus, HART and Ethernet.

Designed for tough plant environments, the GF03 sensor element operates in temperatures from -40 to +350degF (-40 to +177C), pressures to 100 psig (1000 psig upset) and meets FM Class 1, Div 1, Groups B, C and D requirements.

Pipe connections available include male NPT, ANSI flange, low and medium pressure packing glands and hot tap.

It is ideal for refineries, petrochemical plants, wastewater/sewage treatment, landfills, biogas, offshore platforms, wellheads, tank farms, fossil-fuel power plants, ship-to-shore offloading.

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