Overview

The PanaFlow FLI is a durable ultrasonic flow meter designed for precise gas flow measurement in demanding industrial settings. It is offered in two main designs: flowcell (spoolpiece) and nozzle-only, providing installation flexibility for both new and existing pipelines.

Applications

Suitable for a wide range of gases including fuel gas, natural gas, vent gas, waste gas, shale gas, coal-seam gas, vapor recovery, biogas, flare gas, and steam.

Key Features and Benefits

• Ultrasonic technology eliminates measurement drift and the need for periodic calibration.
• No flow restriction ensures zero pressure loss.
• Wide flow rangeability from 0 to 100 m/s (328 ft/s) accommodates diverse process conditions.
• Durable titanium transducers standard, with optional materials tailored to gas composition.
• Compact insertion mechanism enables continuous 24/7 operation with easy transducer access.
• Advanced diagnostics monitor process health and flowmeter stability.

Measurement Principle

Utilizes patented Correlation Transit-Time™ technology where two ultrasonic transducers alternately send and receive acoustic pulses. The difference in upstream and downstream transit times directly correlates to gas velocity and flow direction.

Transducer Technology

Employs proven T5 and T5Max transducers designed for wet and corrosive gases, capable of reliable operation under extreme flow conditions.

Advantages for Difficult Gases

Measurement is independent of gas properties and non-intrusive to flow. Advanced signal processing ensures accurate readings even under unsteady, bidirectional, pulsating, or composition-varying gas flows.

Insertion and Retraction Mechanism

Unique design allows insertion or retraction of transducers without interrupting continuous operation, supporting 24/7 monitoring.

Enhanced Process Insights

When paired with Panametrics transmitters, the system can calculate methane content in biogas or molecular weight in fuel/waste gases, aiding energy content analysis, leak detection, and combustion optimization. Diagnostics include sound speed and signal strength monitoring.

Technical Specifications

• Fluid Type: Gases
• Measurement Method: Correlation Transit-Time™
• Meter Sizes: 3 to 24 inches (80 to 600 mm), custom sizes available
• Accuracy: ±1.5% (standard flowcell), ±1.0% (enhanced flowcell), ±1.5–2.5% (nozzle system)
• Repeatability: ±0.5%
• Flow Range: 0–100 m/s (328 ft/s)
• Temperature Ranges: Normal (-55°C to 150°C), High (-50°C to 250°C), Extreme (-50°C to 300°C)
• Pressure: Max operating pressure 285 psig (18.63 bar); retraction pressure ≤50 psig (4.46 bar)
• Transducer Materials: Titanium standard; optional Monel, Hastelloy, SS316
• Hazardous Area Certifications: Explosion-proof Class I Div 1 CD, ATEX, IECEx, others on request
• Design Standards: ASME B31.3, PED, NACE MR0103

Meter Body and Components

• Materials: Carbon steel or stainless steel standard; Hastelloy and Inconel available on request
• Flanges: ANSI 150# RF, B16.5
• Path Configurations: Single or dual path
• Insertion Mechanism: 1.5” NPT or 150# with packing gland and O-ring seals
• Optional temperature and pressure sensors

Ordering Information

Configurable options include:

• Meter body size and path count (single or dual)
• Flowcell or nozzle design
• Material choices for flowcell, nozzles, valves, and transducer holders
• O-ring types matched to temperature ratings
• Valve designs with temperature ratings
• Preamplifier gain options from none to 40X
• Junction box material: aluminum or stainless steel
• Hazardous area certifications
• Calibration levels: standard (±1.5%), enhanced (±1.0%), or special

Technical Specifications Summary

Material and Size

Example component: 1.5 inch, 150# Hastelloy C, rated for -50°C to 300°C.

Preamplifier Options

• No preamplifier (Code: 00)
• 2X gain (Code: 02)
• 10X gain (Code: 10)
• 20X gain (Code: 20)
• 40X gain (Code: 40)

Junction Box Options

• Aluminum (Code: 1)
• Stainless steel (Code: 2)

Sensor Options

• Temperature sensor: None (Code: 0)
• Pressure sensor: None (Code: 0)

Flow Calibration

• Standard flow test (Code: T)

Special Options

• None (Code: 0)
• Special options available upon factory consultation (Code: S)

Model Codes

Model identifiers range from B to R, representing various configurations or versions.

Key Points

• Configurable 1.5 inch Hastelloy C component suitable for high temperature ranges.
• Multiple preamplifier gain levels allow tailored signal amplification.
• Choice of junction box materials supports environmental customization.
• Temperature and pressure sensors are optional and can be excluded.
• Standardized flow calibration with options for enhanced or special calibrations.
• Systematic model coding facilitates identification of configurations.

Summary

The PanaFlow FLI ultrasonic flow meter provides a reliable, accurate, and flexible solution for gas flow measurement in challenging industrial environments. Its advanced ultrasonic technology, robust construction, and extensive configuration options enable precise measurement across diverse gas types and process conditions, while offering valuable diagnostics and process insights to optimize operations.