Large Coriolis flowmeters use four tubes

High-flow, high-accuracy design from E+H aims at pipeline and custody transfer applications.

May 10, 2011

With its 14-in. diameter and accuracy up to ±0.05%, the Promass 83X/84X four-tube Coriolis mass flowmeter from Endress+Hauser is designed for pipeline custody transfer and other high flow rate applications requiring reliability and low maintenance.

The company says this new design represents the first commercially available large four-tube Coriolis flowmeter in the world, and is ideal for measuring the mass flow, density, and temperature of oil, gas, and other fluids in large pipes at rates up to 4,100 metric tons/hr (4,520 short tons/hr) with high accuracy and precision.

The 83X model comes standard with fully traceable ±0.1% flow accuracy, and optionally with a flow accuracy of ±0.05%. The 84X is suitable for custody transfer applications, featuring MID (OIML R117) and PTB approvals.

When working with flow rates of this magnitude it can be helpful to put the situation in context: 4,520 tons of crude oil per hour is about 700,000 to 750,000 barrels per day depending on the specific product, so the value of what is passing through the flowmeter could easily be worth several million dollars per hour. That being the case, accuracy is very critical. “It has always been difficult to measure flow with accuracy in large pipelines,” says Michael Nuber, head of product management, Coriolis flowmeters, for E+H. “The Promass X, with its 0.05% accuracy – calibrated on an accredited and traceable rig – provides the best accuracy of any flowmeter for custody transfer on oil and gas lines up to 16 in. dia., ensuring that both the buyer and the seller know exactly how much is changing hands.”

For both models, accuracy of the density measurement is 0.01 g/cm3 (0.001 g/cm3 optional), while accuracy of the temperature measurement is ±0.5 °C. Both models also have a balanced measuring system with high immunity to external pipe vibrations and process influences, and both work in applications with entrained air. All 316L stainless steel construction resists corrosion even in offshore applications.

Available with 12, 14, and 16-in. flanges, it accommodates most large pipelines worldwide. It operates in process temperatures of -58 to 356 °F (-50 to 180 °C), and in process pressures up to 1,440 psi (100 bar). Communication options include 4-20mA, HART, Profibus DP/PA, Foundation fieldbus, or Modbus. Units have a NEMA 4X/IP 67 rating and ATEX, FM, CSA, and IECEx approvals. The Promass 83X/84X fulfills EMC requirements according to IEC/EN 61326 and NAMUR NE21. It also conforms to the requirements of the EU and ACMA directives and thus carries the CE and √ marks.

Flow, level, liquid analysis, optical analysis, pressure, temperature measurement, software and system products | Endress+Hauser

Visit the Control Engineering Process Control channel.

Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com