Ultrasonic flowmeter operates through thick and thin

New design M-Pulse multi-path ultrasonic flowmeter from Thermo Fisher Scientific allows the user to change viscosities measured without having to recalibrate. With a working viscosity range of 0.06 to 1500 cSt, this flowmeter can handle a huge variety of products.

By Control Engineering Staff May 21, 2009

If a wide range of products or difficult viscosities make finding a good flowmeter a challenge, a new design from Thermo Fisher Scientific may give you a new option. You can change viscosities without having to recalibrate.

The M-Pulse multi-path ultrasonic flowmeter can measure flow of products from 0.06-1500 cSt, based on testing with multi-product hydrocarbon pipelines. Pipeline operators can now run thick crude followed by gasoline with no recalibration required between hydrocarbons.

To fulfill large pipe requirements, the M-pulse now features an extended spool size range to include 500 mm (20 in.) and 600 mm (24 in.) spools along with the standard 100 mm (4 in.) to 400 mm (16 in.) spools. The company says all spool sizes measure as low as 1 ft/s and as high as 50 ft/s to provide a turndown ratio of 50:1. Budget minded customers can select an economical carbon steel model in addition to standard stainless steel. The flowmeter has no moving parts and does not require calibration following replacement of a transducer.

“We are constantly evaluating market conditions to ensure our products offer capabilities and options that align with our customer’s needs. With the greater viscosity range of the M-Pulse, less manpower is necessary while the product yield is significantly enhanced,” said Soovo Sen, product manager for Thermo Fisher. “The system also features a patented four-path, out of plane design that allows accurate measurement of

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—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Control Engineering Process Instrumentation & Sensors Monthly Register here to select your choice of free eNewsletters .