What is the turn down of an orifice plate? Is it 3:1?
Firstly, lets bust a myth pedaled by many alternative technology manufacturers. A 3:1 turndown would have been a typical turndown ratio of a single orifice plate some 30-40 years ago based on the differential pressure transmitters of that time. Modern DP transmitters can allow a 8:1 sometimes 10:1 turndown with excellent accuracy over a single plate or fixed beta.
If a client was to consider changing the orifice plate to a different beta or 1 of 5 potential betas stored within the roto-boss, this can provide a vast turndown capability upwards of 2000:1. Consider also with this the potential use of stacked DP transmitters (scaled to suit low flow and high flow) the range of turndown per plate can then be significantly increased!
So, what is the turndown of an orifice plate? Ultimately it all depends on whether you have a plate changer like a Senior Orifice meter or a Roto-boss and also what your real need for flow ranges is. One thing is for sure, with modern DP transmitters you can expect 8:1 as a minimum.
Why should I use a flow conditioner?
For certain types of intrusive flow meter, the accuracy of the measurement is fully dependent upon the profile of the flowing medium as it passes through the primary element (flow meter). Flow conditioners and flow profilers remove swirl from the flow which has likely been caused by changes in the upstream pipe geometry such as elbows, reducers, etc. To meter the flow accurately without a flow conditioner or profiler an extended upstream length would be required to allow the flow to settle into a more uniform form. By using a flow profiler such as a 19 tube bundle, the minimum upstream required length to the primary element can be shortened allowing metering streams and pipe runs to be condensed. 19 Tube Bundles however only remove the swirl effect from the flowing medium and so require a longer minimum upstream length than using a flow conditioner which removes the swirl and also corrects the flow profile. By using a flow conditioner plate, the upstream minimum requirement is optimised and allows high accuracy flow profiling within a minimum length.
Sur-Tech manufacture a variety of flow conditioner plates and 19 tube bundles for use in fiscal and allocation metering applications to suit all types of primary element/flow meters. Contact us for more details.
I have a measurement challenge but I don’t know which product is suitable?
Sur-Tech have a very experienced team who can consult with you to understand your current challenges and what you require from that measurement device. We take into account accuracy, existing infrastructure, ambient & process conditions, design codes & legislation. The result being a solution which adds value and reduces the total cost of ownership without reducing measurement confidence.
The project is at an early stage, we are not in a position to place an order at this point?
This is not a problem!
Our ethos at Sur-Tech is to support the supply chain throughout the lifecycle of the project. In fact we encourage you to involve our expert team at the early stages of the project. We are able to support the early engineering stages with P&ID checks, calculations and application support.
Whether its technical, commercial, project management or aftersales support, we are at your service to support you for the full life of the product and field.
What is Sur-Tech’s scope of supply?
Sur-Tech prides itself on solution providing. Whether you require a simple MRO (Maintenance, Repair or Operation) component or a fully instrumented skid package, Sur-Tech are delighted to support you.
Along with the product support, we are able to offer calibration equipment and re-certification, rental portfolio, engineering and training support.
We recommend allowing Sur-Tech to manage both primary device, isolation components and instrumentation, so completing the full metering responsibility.
Can Sur-tech support our project requirements?
Whether this is Documentation, Testing or Manufacturing Expediting, Sur-Tech has a specialist project management team to handle your project requirements. You will be kept up to date with Manufacturing updates and notified of any test or hold/witness points as and when they occur.
We are well versed in this manner of project communication and look forward to supporting you with your specific needs.
What Geographic area and markets are Sur-Tech involved with?
Sur-Tech is a fully international company. With its Parent Company Sur-Flo, being based in Alberta, Canada and responsible for the Canadian, North American and Mexican markets, please feel free to contact them directly for these areas. (www.sur-flo.net)
Sur-Tech are responsible for all other world areas. Either directly or via its in-country agent partners. Our supply-chain is flexible to support in-country manufacture requirements whilst maintaining full product responsibility.
We do not limit ourselves to any markets, but we have vast experience within Oil &Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical, LNG, Hydrogen/CCS, Water/Waste Water, Paper/Pulp, Power, Basic Materials and Mining.