Flowmeters are precise on slurry distribution

Krohne Optiflux electromagnetic flowmeters are being used by agricultural systems developer Precise Solutions to improve precision farming techniques

The Krohne Optiflux electromagnetic flowmeters are being used by agricultural systems developer Precise Solutions to improve precision farming techniques.

The instruments are being used to measure accurately the volume of slurry distributed across a field to enable farmers to comply with EU legislation to reduce water pollution.

The Optiflux is used in conjunction with a GPS (global positioning system), a visual display and computer controller.

The system is installed on a tractor when spreading slurry and provides farmers with a precise map of its distribution across a field, so they can meet the requirements of the European Nitrates Directive.

The EU Directive aims to reduce water pollution by eliminating inappropriate use of inorganic (chemical) fertilisers and organic manure which can result in an increase in nitrate pollution of surface and ground waters.

Part of meeting the requirements of this legislation involves farmers keeping records for at least five years on how much slurry is spread on a field.

The slurry is pumped from the storage tank to the distribution pipe by a centrifugal pump.

Because the viscosity of slurry can vary considerably, the flow rate can fluctuate by as much as 50%.

The Optiflux incorporates advanced measurement technology, which is highly accurate even when measuring substances with high bubble or solid content or where there is turbulent flow.

The instrument is installed on the distribution pipe from the main storage tank and measures precisely the volume of slurry pumped onto the fields.

Each second the GPS system records the location and speed of the tractor.

This is then used in conjunction with the measurement data provided by the Optiflux to provide a printed map of the precise distribution of the slurry across a field.

'There is increasing pressure on farmers to provide accurate field data on how they farm', said Derek Johnston of Precise Solutions.

'Our system, which incorporates the advanced measurement technology of the Optiflux combined with the accuracy of GPS, provides farmers with a cost effective way of recording information'.

The Krohne Optiflux is a pioneering 'all-in-one' electromagnetic flowmeter.

The instrument uniquely incorporates three levels of diagnostics and sets new industry standards of metrological performance and accuracy.

Drift or deterioration in flow measurement is not uncommon in industry, often caused by changes to the consistency or throughput of measured materials or contamination or corrosion of components.

This can go undetected, resulting in substandard products and excessive material costs.

Traditionally, diagnostic analyses within electromagnetic flowmeters have been limited to checking the device microcontroller or memory.

The Krohne Optiflux incorporates revolutionary 3 x 100% diagnostics.

These provide engineers with comprehensive data that makes it possible to anticipate and rectify potential problems before they affect production.

This unique feature gives companies greater control of product quality and material costs.

The Optiflux magmeter provides precise measurement across a wide and demanding range of applications.

It can achieve an industry-leading accuracy of 0.15% and reproducibility of 0.06%, even when measuring materials with high solid content or that have turbulent flow.

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