Revolutionary Air/Gas Flow Meter Obtains Full HART Certification

The breakthrough ST100 Series Thermal Mass Air/Gas Flow Meter from Fluid Components International (USA) has obtained full certification from the HART Foundation for its hardware and DD files, indicating full compliance with the HART Communication Protocol. The certification and DD file are available for download from the HART Foundation web site.

The field-proven, easy-to-use HART Communication Protocol represents the global standard for instrumentation communications, providing reliable two-way digital communication between intelligent field instruments and host systems without disturbing the integrity of the 4-20mA analog signal. HART communications permit remote process variable interrogation, cyclical access to process data, parameter setting and diagnostics. Unlike other technologies, HART provides a unique communication solution that is backward compatible with the installed base of instrumentation in use today.

In addition to the HART Communication Protocol, the ST100 is available with 4-20 mA analogue, frequency/pulse, alarm relays and additional digital bus communications including Fieldbus, Profibus and Modbus. Should a plant’s needs change over time or an upgrade be desirable, the ST100 Flow Meter adapts as necessary with a plug-in card replacement that can be changed out by plant technicians in the field.

Highly user-friendly, the ST100 stores up to five unique calibration groups to accommodate broad flow ranges, differing mixtures of the same gas and multiple gases, and obtains up to 1000:1 turndown. An optional, patent-pending SpectraCal Gas Equivalency calibration method lets users select and switch between 10 common gases. Also standard is an on-board data logger with an easily accessible, removable 2-GB micro-SD memory card capable of storing 21 million readings.

The ST100 Flow Meter features a unique graphical, multivariable, backlit LCD display/readout. It provides the industry’s most comprehensive information with continuous display of all process
measurements and alarm status, and the ability to interrogate for service diagnostics.

The fast-response FPC-style is a fast response features an integral flow conditioner and protective shroud optimised for compressed air and clean gas applications. The fast-response, general purpose FP-style features a protective shroud and is the sensor used with FCI’s VeriCal in-situ calibration option. For wet or dirty gases, or erratic flows, the unshrouded S-style facilitates easy cleaning and provides a smoothed response.

The ST100 is the world’s first triple-variable thermal flow meter. The ST100 Series is comprised of two core model families: ST and STP. ST meters measure both mass flow and temperature, and the exclusive STP family adds a third parameter, pressure. Both families include single-point and dual-element models as configurations outfitted with FCI’s exclusive in-situ calibration option, VeriCal.

The ST100 can be calibrated to measure virtually any process gas, including wet gas, mixed gases and dirty gases. The basic insertion style air/gas meter features a thermal flow sensing element that measures flow from 0.25 to 1000 SFPS (0.07 NMPS to 305 NMPS) with accuracy of ±0.75 percent of reading, ±0.5 percent of full scale.

Designed for rugged industrial processes and plants, ST100 Flow Meters include service up to 850ºF (454ºC) and are available with both integral and remote (up to 1000 feet [300 meters]) electronics versions. The ST100 is agency approved for hazardous environments, including the entire instrument, the transmitter and the rugged, NEMA 4X/IP67 rated enclosure. Instrument approvals (submitted and pending) in addition to FM and FMc include ATEX and IECEx: Zone 1, II 2 GD Ex d IIC T4.