Compressed air mass flowmeter can help cut plant energy costs

The new FlexMASSter ST98B-CA flowmeter from Fluid Components International can alert maintenance staff to excessive use or line leaks in various plant systems or zones.

In large plants, batteries of compressors can be analysed during peak and off-peak time with the help of air flow data provided by the flowmeter. Sophisticated controllers can then run the most efficient compressors at certain loads based on the feedback provided by the ST98B-CA. The result is a more efficient plant and a longer life span for compressors.

Flow detection capability for the new ST98B-CA ranges from 1.8 to 180 SMPS in air or nitrogen. By inputting the pipe I.D., the ST98B-CA will provide selectable mass flow units such as SCFM, lbs/hr and Nm3/h. Accuracy is +1% of reading +0.5% full scale, with a repeatability of +0.5% of reading.

The 4-20mA output is range adjustable from a 10:1 to 100:1 turndown. Voltage output is also available and selectable in 0-10Vdc, 0-5Vdc, or 1-5Vdc. A new package design allows easy access to the ST98B-CA Series termination points and communication ports.

The flowmeter comes in integral and remote configurations. The ST98B Series comes in a weather-resistant NEMA 4X enclosure rated for Division 2 areas. An RS-232C serial port interfaces with the optional FC88 Communicator, a computer, or any ASCII terminal.

The ST98B-CA’s sensing element is made up of two all-welded 316 stainless steel thermowells that protect its platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). One RTD is heated relative to the reference RTD, and the temperature difference between the two is related to the process mass flow rate. The standard flow elements have adjustable insertion lengths of 25 to 300mm. The process connection is a three-quarter inch male NPT with a Teflon ferrule rated to 10 bar (g), 93°C. Designed for rigorous environments, the ST98B-CA is calibrated for use over a pressure range of 2.5 to 10 bar (g) and a temperature range of 5 to 80°C. The ST98B-AN is calibrated for use over a pressure range of 0.7 to 3.5 bar (a), with the same temperature range as the ST98B-CA.

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