Sierra`s Multiparameter Vortex Meter Performs Under Pressure

An Oil and Gas Company in the United States is producing high pressure natural gas from multiple wells on the high plateau of Colorado. Prior to entering the processing plant, the company had a need to remove slugs of oil and water from the natural gas in order to prevent them from causing damage to the processing plant’s equipment. A device called a "slug catcher" is the standard instrument used in the industry for this purpose. A basic slug catcher design contains the buffer volume for gas and liquid. A control system is used for controlled outflow of gas and liquid to the downstream processing facilities. The inlet section is designed to promote the separation of gas and liquid. The company required an economical means of measuring this outflow in order to balance the flow (and thus the wear and tear) on these slug catchers.

The company looked at multiple path ultrasonics, but realized the high price of these units (designed to measure custody transfer of natural gas) was not required in this particular application. Instead, they turned to Sierra’s economical Series 241 Multiparameter Vortex meter as a solution. In the application, the main feed line enters the plant carrying 1200 psig natural gas. This line is then split into four branch lines that feed four slug catchers; typically two of which are in operation at any time. A Sierra Model 241 Insertion Vortex Mass Flow Meter is installed in each branch line and used to balance the flow to the operating slug catchers.

The Innova-Mass® Model 241 Insertion Multiparameter Flow Meter is a unique solution for mass flow of gases and steam in large pipes. This meter features innovative benefits to customers including a patented low mass sensor and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP). The low mass sensor makes the meter very sensitive to the vortices formed and less sensitive to heavy vibration, while the DSP conditions and filters the signal.

The Model 241 measures three process variables (velocity, temperature, and pressure- VTP) through one process connection. This allows for the real-time calculation of true mass flow. Since everything is calibrated together, system accuracy is very high. Because VTP is directly measured, the Reynolds number can be dynamically calculated and the flow profile effects in large pipes calculated in real time. This allows for reliable measurements in large pipes (up to 72 inches) where using an in-line meter would be cost prohibitive.

Even with all the above powerful abilities, the Innova-Mass® is loop-powered, with power in, programmable four to 20 mA out and a superimposed HART signal riding on the same two wires. The Innova-Mass® is also low maintenance, has easy installation, and great configuration flexibility. Product mass flow measurement accuracy is ± 1.5% of rate for liquids and 2% of rate for gases and steam over a 30:1 range.

Visit the Innova-Mass® Model 241 Product Page.
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