The negative effects of measurement uncertainty have always been acknowledged, but recent increases in governmental regulation and tighter specifications makes it even more essential to find solutions that improve precision. Downgrading or reblending after the fact costs money and valuable time, making precision when initially blending product a crucial aspect of the process.
The Problem with Turbine Meters
Turbine meters have previously been considered the best available option for accuracy in product blending. But loop audits have shown frequent mechanical problems occurred with this method, and these meters also required constant maintenance and calibration to reach the necessary level of certainty. Additionally, sensitivity to two-phase flow and the common problem of vapor in the line, can cause over spinning, which damages the turbine blades.
These traditional volumetric measurements require temperature and density correction when blending with ratio control of the components, in order to reduce uncertainty. Loss of accuracy over time, due to entrained vapor in the line or two-phase flow, results in further wear and tear meter’s turndown capacity or requirements for changing fluid properties. By implementing technology that is free from many traditional constraints, a plant can experience countless domino effect improvements, all rooted in the flexibility, precision, and straightforward essentials of the Coriolis flow meter.
These issues made for a system that was far from certain and drained resources in the upkeep.
Now, Micro Motion ELITE® Coriolis flow meters have proven themselves far superior in precision and reliability, with unparallelled accuracy in plant applications with two-phase flow. A new software feature even delivers clear and concise information about the condition of the fluid as it is measured, creating more actionable data for improved performance.
Quality and Precision Confirmation
Good turndown is essential to maintain quality with the variety of different recipes and the range of flows. That’s why Coriolis meters made this a priority, achieving an accuracy as high as .10% even at 25:1 turndown. But the highest quality guarantee means nothing if that assurance cannot be confirmed at will.
Smart Meter Verification is an innovative aspect of Micro Motion Coriolis flow meters which saves time and energy, making it unnecessary to ever wonder about measurement accuracy. While these flow meters do not generally lose accuracy at all, the ability to confirm measurement precision is a valuable tool.
Of the many variables that could possibly affect product blending, accuracy in measurement should not be one. But the need for constant calibration leaves that very possibility open, as recurring attempts to calibrate just create more opportunities for error. Emerson’s Micro Motion flow meters offer unparalleled insight that can improve plant operations at every additional level.
A refiner should not be limited or penalized for a flow meter’s turndown capacity or requirements for changing fluid properties. By implementing technology that is free from many traditional constraints, a plant can experience countless domino effect improvements, all rooted in the flexibility, precision, and straightforward essentials of the Coriolis flow meter.
