"How They Made it Work" is a column that features some of the latest technological advancements in the chemical process industry. Here, Chemical Processing asks experts from various technology providers to provide insight into their innovations and how they're helping chemical manufacturers operate their plants more efficiently and effectively.
Company
Emerson
Technology
In the chemical industry, mass flow is often the required measurement instead of volumetric flow. The Micro Motion G-Series Coriolis flow and density meter provides the desired mass flow measurement, and it has been designed to meet the quality and reliability seen in standard designs, but in a much smaller and lighter form factor. It also provides immunity to process temperature/pressure changes, along with advanced process and health diagnostics.
Coriolis mass meters measure a variety of liquid and gas flows. They also provide density measurements, critical in many applications. But some Coriolis meters are quite large and heavy, making installation and maintenance difficult. In the past, these types of meters have been quite expensive as compared to other flow measurement technologies, and selection and configuration has often been complex. Micro Motion G-Series Flow Meters address these and other issues.
Significance in chemical plants
Although Coriolis meters don’t require upstream or downstream straight pipe runs like many other flow-measurement technologies, some models have a larger footprint, limiting their use in confined spaces. Emerson’s new meters address this issue with a face-to-face dimension of less than 12 in. for the 1-in. line-size model. The compact form factor is complemented by a significant reduction in weight, providing potential benefits for transportation, installation and safety.
Micro Motion G-Series flow meters are available with pressure equipment directive and SIL 2 and SIL3 certification, and they are designed to meet NAMUR NE 132 guidelines.
Unique features
Connection to host systems is available via a combination of discrete and 4-20mA HART signals; digital connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth technology, power over Ethernet solutions, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP and Profinet. Each of these digital connections enables two-way communication of a variety of data, including process variables, diagnostics, status, configuration and calibration.
Direct laser-etch tagging provides enhanced durability in harsh conditions, and it eliminates the need for adhesive labels and spot-welded tags. MyEmerson digital specification tools are accessible through a QR code, providing a faster method for storing and accessing information related to each flow meter.
Success story
A process skid builder OEM developed technology capable of improving the energy efficiency and thermal capacity of heating and cooling systems for chemical and other industrial facilities. The OEM needed compact, lightweight Coriolis sensors to minimize the size and shipping cost of their process skids, which are shipped to their customers worldwide. The OEM previously used larger Coriolis meters, but they were able to improve the skid design with smaller G-Series Coriolis sensors, while maintaining the required performance and reliability. The sensor also provided the required certifications for use in hazardous areas, and for safety-related purposes.
