Flow switch/monitor for gas, liquid process sampling systems

The Model FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor features a SP76 adapter for NeSSI systems, designed to be easily incorporated into gas and liquid process sampling systems.

December 31, 2010

The Model FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor from Fluid Components International (FCI) can be easily incorporated into gas and liquid process sampling systems and features a convenient SP76 adapter that supports NeSSI compliant hardware.

FCI’s SP76 adapter for NeSSI modular manifolds allows the FS10A to be installed into a standardized mechanical platform for analyzers and sensors. The NeSSI (New Sampling/Sensor Initiative) has been evolving since 1999 as an industry-driven effort to define and promote analyzer and sensor standardization.

In NeSSI compliant devices, sample system components such as the FS10A can be mounted onto a standard fluidic interface for modular surface-mount components that features standard wiring and communications interfaces and a standard platform for microanalytics. The FS10A conforms to NeSSI Generation I and is prepped for Generation II and III compliance.  It requires only a single 1.5-x-1.5-inch SP76 base.

The breakthrough FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor represents a next-generation, lowest-cost solution for continuously verifying flows within liquid or gas process analyzer sampling systems. It is a small, lightweight instrument featuring low flow sensitivity, a choice of electronic outputs and a no-moving parts design that ensures maximum reliability, according to FCI.

Analyzer end-users and system integrators will find the FS10A’s advanced electronics and thermal dispersion flow sensing technology provide an overall solution to sampling system flow assurance. It is ideally suited for continuous monitoring of analyzer sample flows to provide the highest integrity process analysis without interruption.

Featuring a precision flow sensor element with no moving parts to foul, clog or maintain, the FS10A reportedly ensures continuous reliability and requires virtually no maintenance. The FS10A has no cavities, orifices or dead- legs that trap fluids and lead to contaminated samples, which preserves sample integrity and provides faster system sampling times. The instrument’s wetted parts are corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel with Hastelloy-C sensor tips.

The FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor can be used with nearly all types of process and emissions sampling systems, including: gas chromatographs (GCs), mass spectrometers, optical spectrometers, photometers and others. The FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch fits in a standard 0.25-in tube tee as well as the SP76 adapter (ANSI/ISA Standard 76.00.02-2002, Modular Component Interfaces for Surface-Mount Fluid Distribution Components).

Operating over a wide flow range in multiple configurations, the FS10A features a flow range in air from 0.1-SCFH to 40-SCFH (50-cc/min to 20,000-cc/min), and a flow range in water from 0.001-GPM to 0.03-GPM (4-cc/min to 100-cc/min). It accommodates wide turndowns with a ratio up to 100:1. A single model can be used for most gas and liquid applications with a simple in-field set up.

The FS10A is designed with rugged, fully-sealed aluminum housing to protect electronics in harsh plant environments.  The electronics can be integral mounted with the sensor element in a uni-body configuration or remotely mounted for easy front panel display viewing.  The FS10A features a top-mounted, ten (10) LED array and two pressure-sensitive button touch controls.  The LED display provides users visibility of flow rate trend, alarm status and power on/off.  The flow switch’s set-up and setpoint values can be changed via the two push-buttons or via its standard RS232C serial interface.

The FS10A is available with a choice of electronic outputs. The switch output can be either an open collector (transistor) or a 1A relay settable for NO or NC operation.  The switch settings are user programmable for trip control of hysteresis and time delay.  An optional 4-20-mA output is available for trending, which is field settable to represent the flow rate span.

The FS10A features multiple agency approvals including FM and FMc:  Nonincendive, Class I, Division 2 Groups A, B, C, D; Class II, Division 2 Groups E, F, G;  Class III T4(at)Ta=71ºC Type 4X.  It has also been submitted for ATEX and IEC with those approvals pending.

www.FluidComponents.com

Fluid Components International

– Edited by Amanda McLeman, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com