Thanks to state-of-the-art drilling technology, tremendous gas reserves are still being discovered and tapped into.

It is expected that the demand for natural gas as a fuel or energy source, for example, will continue to increase in the future.

Whether natural gas, process gas or gas mixtures, either in the offshore or onshore sector, the new robust ultrasonic gas flowmeter, Prosonic Flow G from Endress+Hauser is the ideal flowmeter for demanding applications.

This flowmeter combines tried-and-tested ultrasonic flow measuring technology with decades of experience in the oil and gas as well as chemical industries. Apurva Sharma, Industry Manager - Oil & Gas, Prasanth Sreekumar, Global Industry Development Manager - Gas, deliberate the technical superiority and the benefits of this robust flowmeter.

Speaking about the technical advantages, Apurva points out that Prosonic Flow G can measure both dry and wet gases with high reliability. Together with the extensive functionality of the Proline 300/500 transmitters, this opens new options for process control and monitoring.

Prosonic Flow G ensures precise measured values (±0.5 per cent) with unmatched repeatability, even when process and ambient conditions fluctuate significantly. The robust industrial design makes it possible to operate the device over a long term without maintenance, thus saving time and money for the user.

Prosonic Flow G operates at process temperatures up to 150 °C (302 °F) and pressures up to 100 bar (1,450 psi). It can also be ordered with built-in temperature and pressure sensors. The input from these sensors can be combined with the measured sound velocity to calculate a great number of additional gas properties that are important for process control.

Prasanth further elaborates the various benefits of how this gas flowmeter adds value to the process gas measurement in every gas application.

Comprehensive process monitoring

Prosonic Flow G 300/500 can be supplied with an 'Extended Gas Analysis' function package, for example, for special applications or for increased process control requirements. Depending on the selected gas type (pure gases, gas mixtures, coal gas, natural gas, customer-specific gases, etc), this function enables the calculation of additional parameters and process variables. Some examples are volume flow, corrected volume flow, mass flow, energy flow, calorific value, Wobbe index, gas type, molar mass, methane content (per cent), density or viscosity.

Robust and industry-optimized

Prosonic Flow G 300/500 stands out for its very high degree of robustness. All wetted parts are made of stainless steel and are compliance to the stringent requirements of NACE MR0175/MR0103. The ultrasound transducers are even available in titanium Grade 2. As a result, the measuring system features high corrosion resistance and is ideally suited for applications in the oil and gas and chemical industries. Since the entire sensor housing surface consists of corrosion-resistant stainless steel as well, Prosonic Flow G is especially suited for harsh ambient conditions in the offshore and onshore sectors.

The Prosonic Flow G also features maximum robustness when measuring moist or wet gases. The innovative sensor concept is equipped with a special drainage system that immediately dissipates any condensate that forms in the sensor pocket area. The ultrasonic measurement, therefore, remains unimpeded, i.e. without any negative effects on the signal quality.

Process reliability around the clock

Since the Prosonic Flow G measuring system has been developed in accordance with IEC 61508 (SIL), it is also preferred for use in safety-related applications. Additional security is provided thanks to a permanently installed rupture disk for controlled discharge of excess pressure in the event of potential leakage. Any device or process errors that may occur are clearly categorised and indicated in accordance with NAMUR NE107. This makes it possible to take fast and targeted corrective actions.

Heartbeat Technology

Heartbeat Technology is another highlight. This testing function is integrated into all Proline measuring devices and enables permanent self-diagnostics with the highest diagnostic coverage (>95 per cent) as well as a TÜV-certified, metrologically traceable device verification without process interruption. All of this reduces complexity and hazards in a plant and increases its reliability as well as availability.

Both Sharma and Sreekumar reiterate that product monitoring is becoming more demanding and the need for maximum product quality is steadily increasing. Therefore, Endress+Hauser continues to provide industry specific flow measurement solutions optimised for future technology requirements. More info can be obtained at https://eh.digital/2SFOSK3/