Panametrics Ultrasonic Flowmeter used to Replace Damaged Electromagnetic Flowmeter

Abstract

RS Hydro were contacted by an airport for a clamp on flowmeter to measure sewage as their current electromagnetic flowmeter was getting inconsistent readings and needed to be replaced.

Industry

Aviation

Equipment Used

Panametrics PT900 ultrasonic flowmeter and a Panametrics AT600.

Background

A major international airport was using a DN700 electromagnetic flowmeter which was giving inconsistent readings when measuring the sewage sent to their treatment station through a pipe with 10 mm wall thickness. A damaged liner was identified as the reason for poor readings mandating a replacement liner with an alternative material being fitted.

To replace the lining would have required the airport to shut down the area, pump and drain the fluid, hire lifting equipment, swap out the old meter and replace the liner and gaskets at a cost far exceeding that of the replacement meter.

The Solution

The airport had a good previous experience with the AT600 flowmeter as they already have several installed in their chiller plant, however, they were concerned that the application was water with 5% solids by volume. RS Hydro recommended that they perform a short trial using a portable clamp on PT900 to confirm the technology would be suitable for the application. The trial was successful, so an AT600 was purchased and installed without removing the failed electromagnetic meter to provide reliable, accurate flow measurement, without any down time or interruption to the line.