Showing posts with label Siemens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Siemens. Show all posts

Tutorial: How to Use the Push Buttons on the SIEMENS SITRANS P Family of Transmitters

The SIEMENS SITRANS P stands above the competition when it comes to easy operation. This video provides an outstanding tutorial on how the SITRANS P push buttons and display are used.

SITRANS P offer a complete family of devices that include digital pressure transmitters for measuring gauge pressure, absolute pressure, differential pressure, flow and level.

https://ivesequipment.com
(877) 768-1600

Accurate Low-Flow Measurement and High-speed Communication in Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Chromatography Systems

Low-Flow Measurement in Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Low-Flow Measurement in Supercritical Fluid Extraction
A food producer removes caffeine from coffee beans to create a decaffeinated version of its most popular blend. A manufacturer of dietary supplements extracts pesticides and organic solvents from ginseng to ensure a higher-quality end product. A crime laboratory measures the amount of morphine in a blood sample to analyze the usage habits of a drug addict.

These scenarios might not appear to share much in common – after all, what does your favorite morning beverage have to do with forensic drug testing? – but there are important similarities. In each example, a supercritical fluid can be used to carry out precise, efficient, low-toxicity chemical extraction or chromatography.

SITRANS F C MASS 2100  SITRANS FCT010
SITRANS F C MASS 2100
sensor paired with the
SITRANS FCT010
digital transmitter
Regardless of the industry or application, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and super- critical fluid chromatography (SFC) require a very specific set of operating conditions. Keeping the environment just right for SFE and SFC requires consistently accurate process measurements – all of which are made possible by incorporating a high-performance Coriolis mass flowmeter designed to measure accurately at low flow rates.

Download this Application Note Here

The Application

An analytical science corporation in the northeastern USA develops instruments for laboratory-based applications across a broad range of industrial, academic and government organizations. Among their specialties are SFE and SFC systems tailored to the specific needs of customers and designed to extract and/or measure a variety of chemical compounds.

Their systems rely on supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of organic solvents to provide selective sample extractions and/or measurement. CO2 normally behaves as a gas at standard temperature and pressure, or as dry ice when frozen. But when CO2 is held at or above its critical temperature of 31.2 °C (87.8 °F) and critical pressure of 73.8 bar (1071.6 psi), it achieves a super- critical state midway between a gas and a liquid, with liquid-like density and solvating power but a viscosity near zero. Using supercritical CO2 results in shorter completion times and purer extracts – not to mention lower operating costs in comparison to solvent-based systems.

To kick off SFE or SFC, supercritical CO2 is pumped into the system and passes through an integrated Coriolis flowmeter, which measures the incoming mass flow rate, density and temperature. This is a crucial step in both processes, as it’s the prima- ry way to ensure that all CO2 flowing into the system remains in the desired fluid state. Once conditions are verified by the flowmeter, the CO2 helps to extract the compounds (in SFE) or separate and measure them (in SFC).

The Challenge

For more than 15 years, the company has had the option to add a SITRANS F C Coriolis flowmeter from Siemens to their SFE and SFC systems, depending on customer requirements. Their meter of choice consisted of a MASS 2100 sensor in size DI 1.5 (1/16”) and a MASS 6000 transmitter. They initially selected the Siemens solution because of its capability for very accurate measurement – as high as 0.1% of flow rate – under the low-flow conditions required for chemical extraction and measurement with supercritical CO2. The robust construction of the MASS 2100 sensor also offered the reassurance of long-term durability, even in high-pressure environments.

Over time, the company recognized the need to expand into a broader market- place by ensuring that all of their super- critical fluid solutions complied with the RoHS Directive for hazardous materials, which would open the opportunity to sell into the European Union. Having come to appreciate the reliability of the SITRANS F C product line and the responsiveness of Siemens customer support, they turned to Siemens for a digitally based, RoHS-compliant Coriolis flow alternative. That’s when they were introduced to the SITRANS FCT010.

The Solution

Part of the next-generation digital flow platform from Siemens, the FCT010 is a powerful, very compact Coriolis transmitter designed especially for skids and other small-footprint assemblies – a major benefit for the SFE and SFC systems given their limited availability of space.

Another prerequisite for selection was superior performance, and the FCT010 does not disappoint. The transmitter measures with advanced digital signal processing technology, so it produces a stronger signal-to-noise ratio than an analog transmitter for higher accuracy, improved resistance to process noise and a more stable zero point. The FCT010 can also detect and respond to even the smallest changes in flow with a best-in-class 100 Hz update rate.

The company was pleased to learn that the new transmitter could be paired seamlessly with the existing MASS 2100 sensor, which over the course of 15 years has proven to be the ideal low-flow sensor for measuring supercritical CO2. They also liked that the FCT010 is extremely simple to install as a result of its small size and easy-to-use wiring connections.

Ultimately, they placed an order for 100 FCT010 transmitters to be included with new SFE and SFC systems. Now that the enhanced Coriolis flow solutions are in place, the upgraded systems are benefit- ting from faster communication coupled with better process data – all of which adds up to higher-precision, more effi- cient extractions and measurements for laboratories.

With help from the digitally powered SITRANS F C Coriolis flow family, the corporation is equipping manufacturers and researchers with advanced tools that optimize science, commerce and their bottom lines.

For more information, call Ives Equipment at (877) 768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com.

Reprinted with permission from Siemens.

An Exceptional Clamp- on Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Solution for Any Liquid Process

SITRANS FS230 flow system
The SITRANS FS230 digital clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter is a process-optimizing solution for measuring flow in virtually any liquid application. Designed to provide both exceptional performance and outstanding cost savings, the FS230 is an ideal fit for many industries requiring high-quality liquid flow measurement – including water and wastewater, HVAC and power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, mining and pulp and paper.

The SITRANS FS230 flow system consists of a SITRANS FST030 transmitter paired with SITRANS FSS200 clamp-on ultrasonic sensors, which are available in three different models: WideBeam® (High-Precision), Universal and High-Temperature.

Download the PDF from the Ives Equipment web site here, or read the document embedded below.

For more information, contact Ives by calling 877-768-1600 or by visiting https://ivesequipment.com.

SIEMENS SITRANS LR250

SITRANS LR250
The SIEMENS SITRANS LR250 is a great choice for liquid level measurement in storage and process vessels up to 66 feet (20 meters). With a variety of antennas, the LR250 can handle a broad scope of level applications. The SITRANS LR250 flanged and hygienic encapsulated antennas mean corrosive or aggressive materials and hygienic or sanitary requirements are no challenge for this transmitter.

https://ivesequipment.com
877-768-1600


Siemens SIWAREX WT231 and WT241 Weighing Terminals

The SIWAREX WT231 and WT241  are weighing terminals for industrial use. Siemens standard components are installed in a stainless steel enclosure with numerous connection options. This ensures the tried and tested SIWAREX quality as standalone solution and is ideal for container weighers or platform scales.

SIWAREX is the optimum solution wherever strain gauge sensors, such as load cells, force sensors or torque measuring shafts, are used for measuring tasks. The typical applications of SIWAREX  are:
  • Non-automatic scales
  • Fill level monitoring of silos and bunkers
  • Measuring of crane and cable loads
  • Load measuring for industrial lifts and rolling mills
  • Force measuring, container weighers, platform scales and crane scales
SIWAREX offers the following key advantages:
  • Complete solution – no configuration in SIMATIC required
  • Fast and easy commissioning due to intuitive operating concept
  • The stainless steel enclosure permits applications in many diverse environments
  • Integrated connecting terminals for up to 4 load cells
  • Flexible connection to different systems through diverse interfaces
    • - four digital inputs
    • - four digital outputs
    • - one analog output
    • - RS 485 interface and Modbus RTU
  • High resolution of the load cell signal of up to ± 4 million parts
  • Comprehensive diagnostics functions
  • Recovery-point for the simple restoration of all parameters
  • Automatic calibration is possible without the need for calibration weights
  • All diagnostic and error messages as well as all scale parameters in plain text
  • 100-240 VAC supply range

Contact Ives Equipment by calling 877-768-1600 of by visiting https://ivesequipment.com.

What Are Industrial Control Systems?

Control systems
Control system diagram (click for larger view).
Control systems are computer-based systems that are used by many infrastructures and industries to monitor and control sensitive processes and physical functions. Typically, control systems collect sensor measurements and operational data from the field, process and display this information, and relay control commands to local or remote equipment. In the electric power industry they can manage and control the transmission and delivery of electric power, for example, by opening and closing circuit breakers and setting thresholds for preventive shutdowns. Employing integrated control systems, the oil and gas industry can control the refining operations on a plant site as well as remotely monitor the pressure and flow of gas pipelines and control the flow and pathways of gas transmission. In water utilities, they can remotely monitor well levels and control the wells’ pumps; monitor flows, tank levels, or pressure in storage tanks; monitor water quality characteristics, such as pH, turbidity, and chlorine residual; and control the addition of chemicals. Control system functions vary from simple to complex; they can be used to simply monitor processes—for example, the environmental conditions in a small office building—or manage most activities in a municipal water system or even a nuclear power plant.

In certain industries such as chemical and power generation, safety systems are typically implemented to mitigate a disastrous event if control and other systems fail. In addition, to guard against both physical attack and system failure, organizations may establish back-up control centers that include uninterruptible power supplies and backup generators.

Control systems
There are two primary types of control systems. Distributed Control Systems (DCS) typically are used within a single processing or generating plant or over a small geographic area. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems typically are used for large, geographically dispersed distribution operations. A utility company may use a DCS to generate power and a SCADA system to distribute it.

Control systemsA control system typically consists of a “master” or central supervisory control and monitoring station consisting of one or more human-machine interfaces where an operator can view status information about the remote sites and issue commands directly to the system. Typically, this station is located at a main site along with application servers and an engineering workstation that is used to configure and troubleshoot the other control system components. The supervisory control and monitoring station is typically connected to local controller stations through a hard- wired network or to remote controller stations through a communications network—which could be the Internet, a public switched telephone network, or a cable or wireless (e.g. radio, microwave, or Wi-Fi) network. Each controller station has a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), DCS controller, or other controller that communicates with the supervisory control and monitoring station. The controller stations also include sensors and control equipment that connect directly with the working components of the infrastructure—for example, pipelines, water towers, and power lines. The sensor takes readings from the infrastructure equipment—such as water or pressure levels, electrical voltage or current—and sends a message to the controller. The controller may be programmed to determine a course of action and send a message to the control equipment instructing it what to do—for example, to turn off a valve or dispense a chemical. If the controller is not programmed to determine a course of action, the controller communicates with the supervisory control and monitoring station before sending a command back to the control equipment. The control system also can be programmed to issue alarms back to the operator when certain conditions are detected. Handheld devices, such as personal digital assistants, can be used to locally monitor controller stations. Experts report that technologies in controller stations are becoming more intelligent and automated and communicate with the supervisory central monitoring and control station less frequently, requiring less human intervention.

Contact Ives Equipment with any control systems question of challenge. Reach them by calling (877) 768-1600 or by visiting https://ivesequipment.com.

Increasing Safety in Chemical Waste Water Treatment Plant

Waste water treatment and location of the measurement
Waste water treatment and location of the measurement.
Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is the preferred raw material for the most common plastic products of daily life. The PTA production process generates various waste water streams which are high in organic content.

Purification of Process Waste Water

In the waste water treatment plant, the water treatment starts with aeration. The last step is an anaerobic bio reactor where the treatment is done in a controlled atmosphere. Micro organisms purify the water and produce biogas. Biogas roughly consists of 60 % methane and 40 % Carbon dioxide. This biogas is compressed and used as a fuel to reduce the net energy supply.

Although production or intrusion of oxygen into the reactors or pipes is highly unlikely, safety systems are installed. In case air enters unexpectedly into the process this first may result in a non-supporting atmosphere for the microbes and in the worst case the gas mixture may lead to an explosion.

Safety Guaranteed Using Siemens LDS 6

To ensure that oxygen never exceeds the maximum accepted concentration, the customer chose an in-situ measurement with the Siemens Laser Diode Spectrometer LDS 6. LDS 6 performs a continuous monitoring of the oxygen concentration in the biogas produced.
Measurement path and the two LDS 6 sensor heads
Measurement path and the
two LDS 6 sensor heads.

The response of the system is in three levels:
  1. In case the oxygen level exceeds 5 % an alarm is triggered.
  2. The threshold of 7 % causes an automatic nitrogen injection and the closure of a valve preventing the gas mixture from entering into the compressor.
  3. When the limit of 9 % is exceeded, this automatically shuts down the compressor.
The in-situ measurement leads to a fast and reliable measurement.

The stability and availability of the LDS 6 system is ensured by the integrated reference cell which provides a lifetime calibration. To be absolutely on the safe side, the customer operates a weekly safety check which involves opening a valve that allows a controlled air intake into the LDS 6 sensor heads. As the sensor heads are physically separated from the process by process windows, no oxygen may enter into the process. The reaction of the system shows in any of these tests once more the reliability of the measurement method used.

For more information about this application, or for any analytical instrument requirement, contact Ives Equipment by calling (877) 768-1600 or visiting https://www.ivesequipment.com.

Reprinted with permission from Siemens Case Study.

Siemens Ultrasonic Level - How it Works

Ultrasonic level measurement
Ultrasonic level measurement is a highly cost-effective solution for short- and long-range measurement, even under difficult environmental conditions such as vibrations and dust. Ultrasonic level measurement is a non-contacting technology used in numerous industrial areas to monitor and control the level of liquids, slurries and solids.

Watch the video below for a better understanding of how this technology works.



For more information on Siemens ultrasonic level measurement, contact Ives Equipment by calling (877) 768-1600 or visiting http://www.ivesequipment.com.

Use of Process Analyzers in Fossil Fuel Plants

Steam Power Plant
Steam Power Plant
In spite of all efforts concerning energy savings and efficiency, the growing world population and the aspired higher 'standard of living' will lead to a further in- crease of world energy demand. In this context, almost half of the primary energy demand will continue to be covered by solid fuels, particularly by coal, until 2020 and many years beyond.

This results in the challenge to power plant engineering to implement this increasing energy demand by using new technologies and applying the highest possible conservation of the limited resources of raw materials and the environment.

This includes new materials for higher operating temperatures and, therefore, higher efficien- cies of the power plants, as well as combined power plants that drastically reduce the share of unused waste heat or improved methods for reducing emissions.

Optimizing processes without delay, designing flexible operating conditions, improved use of the load factor of new materials and safely controlling emissions of toxic substances are all tasks that require the use of powerful measurement techniques. For this purpose, devices and systems of process analytics per- form indispensable services at many locations in a power plant.

In spite of all the alternatives, the undiminished increasing world energy demand also makes the expansion of energy recovery from fossil fuels necessary. However, the use of new materials and technologies further increases the efficiency of power plants and further reduces environmental pollution from the emission of toxic substances.

In this context, process analytics plays an important role: It determines reliable and exact data from the processes and thereby allows for their optimization.

Take a moment to review the document below, or if you prefer,  download the "Use of Process Analyzers in Fossil Fuel Plants" PDF file here.

Differential Pressure Transmitters and Inferential Measurement

Differential Pressure Transmitter
Differential Pressure Transmitter
(Siemens)
Differential pressure transmitters are utilized in the process control industry to represent the difference between two pressure measurements. One of the ways in which differential pressure (DP) transmitters accomplish this goal of evaluating and communicating differential pressure is by a process called inferential measurement. Inferential measurement calculates the value of a particular process variable through measurement of other variables which may be easier to evaluate. Pressure itself is technically measured inferentially. Thanks to the fact numerous variables are relatable to pressure measurements, there are multiple ways for DP transmitters to be useful in processes not solely related to pressure and vacuum.

An example of inferential measurement via DP transmitter is the way in which the height of a vertical liquid column will be proportional to the pressure generated by gravitational force on the vertical column. The differential pressure transmitter measures the pressure exerted by the contained liquid. That pressure is related to the height of the liquid in the vessel and can be used to calculate the liquid depth, mass, and volume. The gravitational constant allows the pressure transmitter to serve as a liquid level sensor for liquids with a known density. A true differential pressure transmitter also enables liquid level calculations in vessels that may be pressurized.

Gas and liquid flow are two common elements maintained and measured in process control. Fluid flow rate through a pipe can be measured with a differential pressure transmitter and the inclusion of a restricting device that creates a change in fluid static pressure. In this case, the pressure in the pipe is directly related to the flow rate when fluid density is constant. A carefully machined metal plate called an orifice plate serves as the restricting device in the pipe. The fluid in the pipe flows through the opening in the orifice plate and experiences an increase in velocity and decrease in pressure. The two input ports of the DP transmitter measure static pressure upstream and downstream of the orifice plate. The change in pressure across the orifice plate, combined with other fluid characteristics, can be used to calculate the flow rate.

Process environments use pressure measurement to inferentially determine level, volume, mass, and flow rate. Using one measurable element as a surrogate for another is a useful application, so long as the relationship between the measured property (differential pressure) and the inferred measurement (flow rate, liquid level) is not disrupted by changes in process conditions or by unmeasured disturbances. Industries with suitably stable processes - food and beverage, chemical, water treatment - are able to apply inferential measurement related to pressure and a variable such as flow rate with no detectable impact on the ability to measure important process variables.

Level Instrumentation for Your Entire Industrial Plant

Siemens level switches
Siemens level controls.
Whether you are measuring liquids, slurries or bulk solids, Siemens provides the ideal level measuring instruments for every job. Siemens level measurement devices set the standard in their respective disciplines for water, cement, mining, chemical, petrochemicals, food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries.



Point Level

Siemens level switches for point level measurement are distinguished by their outstanding performance. Their robust design ensures reduced cost of maintenance, spare parts, and downtime. Siemens level measurement instruments offer easy commissioning, connection to alarm or control systems, long service life, and low operating costs. Technologies include capacitance, rotary paddle, ultrasonic and vibrating.


Continuous

The product portfolio for continuous level measurement covers both contacting and non-contacting measurement. Radar, ultrasonic and gravimetric technologies are available for the non-contacting applications. Capacitance, guided wave radar and hydrostatic technologies are available for the contacting applications. As well, don’t forget that the safest engineered level measurement solution includes switches for back-up, overfill, low level and dry run protection. Technologies include radar, guided wave radar, ultrasonic, gravimetric, capacitance, and hydrostatic.


Interface

Siemens broad portfolio includes a large number of devices for many interface measurement applications, and includes the following products. SITRANS LC500, Pointek CLS 100, CLS 200, CLS 300 and CLS 500 are capacitance instruments for a wide range of tasks. The SITRANS LG uses guided wave radar technology.

Watch the entertaining video below to get a better idea of what level solutions Siemens (and Ives) has to offer.

Principles of Ultrasonic Flow in Industrial Clamp On Flow Meters

Ultrasonic Flow in Industrial Clamp On Flow Meters
The video below demonstrate the principles applied to industrial clamp on flow meters using the SITRANS FS as an example.

The ultrasonic technology of the SITRANS clamp on flow meter provides highly accurate measurement of liquids and gases. With no pressure drop or energy loss, a wide turn-down ratio and no need to cut the pipe or stop the flow, installation is easy and maintenance is minimal.

For more information about ultrasonic flow meters, contact Ives Equipment at 877-768-1600 or visit http://www.ivesequipment.com.

An Industrial Valve Positioner that Offers Decisive Advantages

SIPART ® PS2 electro-pneumatic valve positioner
The SIPART ® PS2 electro-pneumatic valve positioner is used to control the final control element of pneumatic linear or part-turn valve actuators. The electro-pneumatic valve positioner moves the actuator to a valve position corresponding to the setpoint. Additional function inputs can be used to block the valve or to set a safety position. A binary input is present as standard in the basic device for this purpose.

The SIPART PS2 smart valve positioner is characterized by significant advantages compared to conventional devices, such as:
  • Only one device version for linear and part-turn valve actuators
  • Simple operation and programming using three keys and a two-line LCD
  • Automatic startup function with self-adjustment of zero and span
  • Manual operation without additional equipment
  • Selectable or freely-programmable characteristics
  • Minimum air consumption
  • Selectable setpoint and manipulated variable limiting
  • Programmable "tight shut-off function"
For more information about the Siemens SIPART 2 positioner download the detailed product brochure from this link,  or visit http://www.ivesequipment.com.

Vibrating Point Level Switch Operating Principles and Use

vibrating point level switch
Vibrating point level switches (SIEMENS)
When asked the primary reason to remember the year 1711, the event probably not on the minds of many is the invention of a device called the tuning fork. The tuning fork has been used as an source of resonating pitch for over three hundred years, and is still used to tune musical instruments today. While the tuning fork was initially applied to tune musical instruments, the concept of resonant frequency of a material or object has been utilized in numerous commercial, scientific, and industrial applications to provide feedback or insight into a process or operation. The vibrating fork level switch is one such industrial application where resonant frequency is used to deliver a data point or provide a control output for process operation.

The operating principle of the vibrating fork is based on the oscillating fork resonating at a known frequency in air when it is set in motion. Upon contacting a medium other than air, the resonant frequency is shifted, depending on the medium contacting or immersing the fork. Typically, fork-type level switches are installed on either the side or the top of a liquid process tank. An exciter keeps the fork oscillating, and a detector circuit monitors fork vibrating frequency, providing a change in the output signal when the frequency changes. Contact or immersion of the fork in liquid will change the fork vibrating frequency sufficiently to produce a change in output signal. Depending on the configuration of the level switch, it can function as a liquid level alarm, or provide a control output for a pump, valve, or other device. Sensor response, the change in fork vibration frequency, is a function of liquid density. Liquids with greater density will generally produce a larger frequency shift in the vibrating fork.

The wide use of vibrating level switches across various process industries is a testament to the reliability of the technology. The devices protect against overfill, indicate high and low points inside tanks, and are useful over a wide range of temperatures. A sturdy design, coupled with product variants that include a variety of sensor materials, selectable probe length, and specialized output features make vibrating fork switches applicable in many operations where level indication is needed. Chemical processing, mining, food and beverage, plastics, and other industries utilize the switches, thanks to their customizable designs and consistent performance. An advantage offered by vibrating fork level switches is a resistance to factors that sometimes confound other technologies employed for level indication. The devices will reliably function despite flow, bubbles, foam, vibration, and coating complexities related to the subject liquids. Additionally, vibrating fork switches are reliable in both high level and low level indication scenarios.

Highly viscous liquids are generally not good candidates for the application of a vibrating fork level switch. Some liquids present the potential for material accumulation between the forks, possibly resulting in poor performance. Both of these limitations are addressed by various design features incorporated by different manufacturers.

The SIEMENS SITRANS LVS200 is a vibrating point level switch for high or low levels of bulk solids. The standard LVS200 detects high, low or demand levels of dry bulk solids in bins, silos or hoppers. The liquid/solid interface version can also detect settled solids within liquids or solids within confined spaces such as feed pipes. It is designed to ignore liquids in order to detect the interface between a solid and a liquid. Additionally, the SITRANS LVS200 has an optional 4 to 20 mA output for monitoring buildup on the fork to determine when preventative maintenance should be performed in sticky applications.

For more information on any level sensing application, contact Ives Equipment by visiting http://www.ivesequipment.com of calling 877-768-1600.

Introduction to Flowmeters

magnetic flowmeters
Magnetic flowmeters
(courtesy of Siemens)
Flowmeters measure the rate or quantity of moving fluids, in most cases liquid or gas, in an open channel or closed conduit. There are two basic flow measuring systems: those which produce volumetric flow measurements and those delivering a weight or mass based measurement. These two systems, required in many industries such as power, chemical, and water, can be integrated into existing or new installations.

Turbine flow meter
Turbine flow meter
internal view
(courtesy of Niagara)
For successful integration, the flow measurement systems can be installed in one of several methods, depending upon the technology employed by the instrument. For inline installation, fittings that create upstream and downstream connections that allow for flowmeter installation as an integral part of the piping system. Another configuration, direct insertion, will have a probe or assembly that extends into the piping cross section. There are also non-contact instruments that clamp on the exterior surface of the piping add gather measurements through the pipe wall without any contact with the flowing media.

Because they are needed for a variety of uses and industries, there are multiple types of flowmeters classified generally into four main groups: mechanical, inferential, electrical, and other.
Variable Area Flowmeters
Variable Area Flowmeters
(courtesy of Siemens)

Quantity meters, more commonly known as positive displacement meters, mass flowmeters, and fixed restriction variable head type flowmeters all fall beneath the mechanical category. Fixed restriction variable head type flowmeters use different sensors and tubes, such as orifice plates, flow nozzles, and venturi and pitot tubes.

Inferential flowmeters include turbine and target flowmeters, as well as variable area flowmeters also known as rotameters.

Laser doppler anemometers, ultrasonic flowmeters, and electromagnetic flowmeters are all electrical-type flowmeters.

For any flowmeter application or question, visit Ives Equipment at www.ivesequipment.com or call (877) 768-1600.

SITRANS FC430 Coriolis Flowmeter Wins Control Engineering’s 2017 Engineers’ Choice Award

SITRANS FC430 Coriolis flow meter
SITRANS FC430 Coriolis Flow Meter
The Siemens SITRANS FC430 Coriolis flow meter, with National Type Evaluation Program custody transfer approval, for volume and mass liquid flow,  is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

The Siemens SITRANS FC Coriolis flow sensor delivers mass flow, volume flow, density, fraction and temperature measurement of both liquids and gases with exceptionally high accuracy and low pressure drop.

Siemens Coriolis flow meters are user-friendly to set up and use day-to-day. The meters stand up to the most demanding process industry conditions and continue to operate in the noisiest of environments – from hazardous chemicals to fiscal metering, custody transfer to compressed natural gas fuel dispensing. Its compact design makes installation easy even in the tightest spaces.

For more information on Siemens products, visit Ives Equipment here or call (877) 768-1600.

An Extremely Thin, Multipoint, Temperature Measuring System

SITRANS TO500
Example of use (click for larger view)
Do you want to install a very large number of measuring points in the smallest possible space with a low thermal mass?

Recognizing temperature profiles and detailed understanding of the process are great challenges to plant operators. A fiber-optic based multipoint measuring system by SIEMENS enables you to determine a large number of temperature measuring points along a single sensor fiber and read out a temperature profile in a matter of seconds.

For example, you can quickly and precisely identify points overheating to help avoid or counteract potential damage to your product and/or equipment. Measured values are transmitted through an extremely thin sensor measuring lance. The diameter of the sensor measuring lance is independent of the number of measuring points. The response times of the sensors are also reduced because of the low thermal mass of the fiber optic.

Operation:

A continuously tunable laser generates light in the transmitter with a wavelength between 1500 and 1600 nm, which is output to the sensor measuring lances. The transmitter evaluates the reflected light component. Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) are inscribed at defined points on the sensor measuring lances, that reflect a defined wavelength. The wavelength reflected by the grating changes as a function of temperature and so indicates the temperature at the relevant measuring point. A gas cell with a fixed absorption line serves as a reference in the device, against which the determined wavelength is continuously calibrated.
SITRANS TO500
Design of fiber measuring sensor (click for larger view)


SITRANS TO500
In use measuring catalytic conversion
of gases in tube and tube-bundle reactors.
Typical applications:
  • Tube and tube-bundle reactors
  • Capillary and microreactors
  • Distillation
  • Rectifications
For more information in the SITRANS TO500 visit Ives Equipment or call (877) 768-1600.

Basics of Variable Area Flowmeters (Rotameters)

variable area flowmeter
Rotameter
(variable area flowmeter
courtesy of SIEMENS)
Rotameters (variable area flowmeters) can be used to measure many different types of liquids and gases passing through closed piping. The robust design means that it can also be used in harsh conditions. The various types of flange connections, linings and float materials satisfy the requirements of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Flow measurement is performed according to the float principle. The flowing medium lifts the conical float in the measuring ring. This increases the ring gap until an equilibrium is established between the buoyant force of the medium and the weight of the float. The height of the float is directly proportional to the flow rate. The movement of the float is transmitted from one magnet to another magnet in the display unit outside of the measuring tube.

The devices are particularly suitable for measuring:
  • Water
  • Liquids
  • Anti-corrosives and lubricants
  • Solvents
  • Saturated and superheated steam • Food and beverages
  • Industrial gases
The video below provides and excellent understanding of how rotameters operate.

Flow Meter for Efficient and Cost-effective Use of Water for Irrigation

Irrigation flow meter in the field
Irrigation flow meter in the field (courtesy of SIEMENS)
Water is necessary to sustain life, but in many parts of the world it is becoming increasingly scarce. As governments enact stricter legislation in an effort to preserve this vital resource for future generations, the irrigation industry faces a formidable challenge: more carefully managing water consumption and waste prevention while still remaining profitable.

Few resources are as vital to the human population, and the global economy as water. To ensure the continuous preservation of this valuable commodity, the water industry has
On-site testing and validation via SIMATIC PDM tool. 
come to rely on accurate and reliable of battery-operated electromagnetic flow meters is part of ideal water metering solution.

Features to be considered for irrigation flow meters:
  • Battery-powered for greater flexibility in the field 
  • Accuracy
  • Maintenance-free operation 
  • Tamper-proof and robust 
  • Flexible communication 
  • Qualification certificate
  • Wireless solution
The manufacturer SIEMENS produces the SITRANS F M MAG 8000 family of battery-operated water meters providing the flexibility to install a reliable water flow meter virtually anywhere without sacrificing accuracy or performance. No main power is required. MAG 8000 complies with the custody transfer approvals MID and OIML R49 water meter standards and is specially engineered for stand-alone water applications such as abstraction, distribution network, revenue metering and irrigation.

Benefit of the SITRANS F M MAG 8000
  • Simple meter placement - floating chamber IP 68 (NEMA 6P) design ensures continuous filterless performance regardless of position or in-line piping stresses, even when buried underground 
  • Low pressure loss - unrestricted flow tube ensures minimal pressure loss even at high flow rates and reduces overall network system pressure, helping to prevent leakage from burst pipes and excess stress placed on pumping stations 
  • Zero maintenance – no moving parts and 10-year battery life 
  • Bi-directional measurement - only one meter required for measurement in both directions
  • Installation requires 0D inlet to and outlet from the sensor - eliminating concerns about where the meter is installed 
  • Intelligent meter – capable of leak detection, data logging and error self-detection 
  • Remote capabilities – stay up-to-date on measurement data without having to visit the site through optional GSM/GPRS Wireless Communication Module
For more information, contact Ives Equipment by visiting http://www.ivesequipment.com or calling (877) 768-1600.

A Proven Ultrasonic Level Transmitter for Environmental, Water/Wastewater, and Energy Management Industries

SIEMENS SITRANS LU150
Reliable level control for
environmental applications
SITRANS LU150/180
The SIEMENS SITRANS LU150 is a short-range general purpose, 2 wire, 4 to 20 mA loop powered transmitter ideal for liquids, slurries, and bulk materials in open or closed vessels to 5 m (16.4 ft). The SITRANS LU180 is the intrinsically safe model.

Designed primarily for liquid applications in the environmental, water/wastewater, and energy management industries, the device is ideal for non-contact continuous level measurement of liquids and slurries in open or closed vessels.

The reliability of the level readings are based on Sonic Intelligence echo processing algorithms that Siemens has been refining for decades. These algorithms differentiate the true material level echoes from the false ones that can result from acoustic or electrical noises, as well as from agitator blades in motion. It's effective, accurate, unique, and it's exclusively Siemens.

Key Applications
  • Chemical storage vessels 
  • Filter beds
  • Mud pits
  • Liquid storage vessels 
  • Food applications
For more detailed information, check out the brochure below: