Rosemount 8800 provides better control, reliability, and safety in today's demanding steam operations | Multi Variable Vortex Flow Meter

Rosemount vortex flow measurement exhibits unique adaptability in handling challenging applications. Leveraging its scientific nature and utilizing the von Karman effect, these instruments are accurate across a wide range of operations and effective in withstanding high process pressures and temperatures. In this article, we will focus on introducing the latest product in the Rosemount 8800 flowmeter portfolio - the multivariable vortex flowmeter. Our design takes into account the application of superheated steam, integrating proven temperature and flow measurement technology into a robust device. With this multivariable instrument option, we can provide better control, reliability, and safety in today's demanding steam operations.

Let's talk about steam

We previously discussed the unique challenges of measuring steam applications and how Rosemount vortex flowmeters are particularly well-suited for measuring saturated and superheated steam applications. Another challenge in steam applications is how its density fluctuates with process temperature and pressure. Volumetric flow rate is a measurement of the space occupied by a liquid as it flows. For steam, due to its constantly changing density, volumetric flow rate cannot represent the most accurate measurement of its flow. A more precise representation of steam applications is mass flow rate, which measures the mass of fluid flowing. Operators benefit from flowmeters with multivariable capabilities, which can provide them with compensated mass flow rate readings as process temperature and pressure change.

Our Rosemount multivariable vortex flowmeter features an integrated temperature sensor within the flowmeter body. This thermocouple well is installed inside the vortex flowmeter's discharge stem to collect process temperature without adding additional leak points to the fully welded instrument body design. It eliminates the need to install and maintain a separate temperature measurement point. We can now account for density fluctuations to provide operators with highly accurate mass flow in demanding steam applications.

The issue of integrating pressure sensors

We designed the Rosemount Multivariable Vortex Flowmeter to measure temperature and volumetric flow, providing the most reliable flow measurement for steam applications. It is designed to be paired with a separate transmitter that receives pressure data through a HART pressure device, such as the industry-leading Rosemount 3051S pressure transmitter. These instruments together ensure reliable compensated mass flow measurement.

When Rosemount pressure sensors are integrated into vortex flowmeters along with temperature sensors, additional process piping and instrument body penetrations are required to support the integrated pressure sensors. This poses a risk of process pipeline blockage and potential safety hazards due to additional leakage points for end users. It also complicates the new vortex devices, potentially leading to improper process sealing, seal damage, and liquid leakage when flange connections are opened. If the pressure module is directly integrated into the instrument body, due to its proximity to the process pipeline, the electronic components of the pressure sensor are more prone to failure due to high temperatures. We have found that these instrument designs introduce too many installation issues, measurement errors, and potential for overall inconsistency.

Advantages of installing Rosemount 8800 Multivariable Vortex Flowmeter

Emerson's multivariable flowmeters utilize external pressure measurement, fully leveraging the advantages of vortex technology. The fully cast and fully welded valve body eliminates ports, cracks, and gaskets, achieving a non-clogging function. The internal electronics of the Rosemount transmitter measure or receive real-time temperature and pressure measurements to perform the calculations required for compensating flow measurement. The integrated removable temperature sensor is isolated from the process and separated from the vortex sensor, which helps to independently verify or replace each sensor without breaking the process seal.

Today's steam operations require more reliable instrumentation to meet high temperature and high pressure requirements, while maintaining the highest level of plant safety. We have designed solutions to meet these critical needs and provide customers with the insights necessary to continuously improve their optimization and energy balance strategies.