Exact Flow Introduces Dual-rotor Turbine Flow Meter For Subsea Hydraulic and Topside Flow Applications

Meter is designed for high-pressure manifold system with built-in redundancy

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 15, 2009 — Exact Flow, a supplier of precision flow measurement instrumentation for the world’s most demanding applications, has introduced the Exact Dual-rotor Subsea Turbine Flow Meter. Providing a robust bearing diagnostic capability and wide flow range performance, the meter is an ideal solution for subsea hydraulic pod valve actuation and topside flow applications in the offshore oil industry. In hydraulic fluid applications, it is packaged in a high-pressure, manifold-mounted system with built-in redundancy.

The Exact Dual-rotor Subsea Turbine Flow Meter provides enhanced performance not obtainable with traditional single-rotor turbine meters. Its unique design enhances Universal Viscosity Curves (UVCs) and extends the usable flow measurement range. The meter offers other significant benefits such as bearing diagnostics, improved accuracy, pressure compensation, long-life ceramic bearings and high-shock internals.

Subjected to low pressures, hydraulic fluids are often estimated to be incompressible. However, when subjected to high pressures, hydraulic fluid properties vary greatly and have a substantial effect on turbine flow meter accuracy. The Exact Dual-rotor Subsea Flow Meter is calibrated to account for the entire range of temperature and pressure conditions. It includes internal temperature and pressure sensors to correct for these effects and provide the best possible system accuracy.

With the Exact Dual-rotor Subsea Flow Meter, bearing diagnostics can be determined by monitoring the ratio of the rotors to detect wear or cleanliness. Improved accuracy is a result of the clamped internal mounting design eliminating movement in the support system. Pressure compensation contributes to the accuracy of the flow rate, as pressure does affect the viscosity of the fluid. Extended flow range speaks for itself, but hidden in this ability is the advantage of having wider UVC capability. The ceramic bearings are robust and more forgiving to particulates as evidenced by particulate life testing as compared to 440C stainless steel.

Additional Exact Flow benefits are found in the use of helical rotors, which optimize energy transfer over the entire surface of the blade, enhancing speed of response to step changes in flow rate. Helical rotors also produce less pressure drop across the flow meter, as compared with the traditional flat-bladed rotor design. This reduction, translated into force, reduces bearing wear, which allows the meter to maintain its original calibration over a longer period of time.

Exact Flow also offers a unique embedded pickoff system that is impervious to vibration and minimizes space, allowing for direct coupling of electronics. Both water-tight embedded and remote electronics are available to process the signal output, including the ExactComp IFC15 flow computer.

Exact Flow Dual-rotor Turbine Flow Meters have a repeatable flow range of up to 500:1 and a UVC turndown range of 60:1, in contrast to 100:1 and 10:1, respectively, for many single-rotor turbine meters. This allows the user to deploy fewer flowmeters to cover a wide range of flow. It also lowers the initial purchase cost, as well as simplifying system integration and future maintenance.

All Exact Flow turbine flowmeters are calibrated at Flow Dynamics, Inc., in a NVLAP accredited facility, obtaining uncertainties of ≤0.05% of rate and ±0.012% repeatability. Calibrations are offered in 1.2 cSt solvent, blended oils and water with 10, 20 or 30 calibration data points. UVCs are developed over the min/max temperature range of the process fluid.

For more information, visit http://www.exactflow.com, e-mail sales@exactflow.com, or call (480) 948-3789.

About Exact Flow

Exact Flow, based in Scottsdale, Arizona USA, is the only supplier of innovative dual-rotor turbine flowmeter technology, delivering unique designs to meet the application requirements of the aerospace, industrial, automotive and OEM markets. Exact Flow’s primary focus is to enhance customer value by specializing in advanced embedded electronics, multiple process variable measurements and unique packaging, which minimizes the need for additional sensors and installation expense. Learn more at http://www.exactflow.com.

Contact Information

Mike McCoy

Product Manager

Exact Flow

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