Flow computer is now compatible with ultrasonic meters featuring ISO1789-1 mode

Ex-i Flow Measurement Ltd has announced a major update to its SFC3000 Flow Measurement Computer with firmware implementation of ISO17089-1 (2019 Appendix F), available in V0.50.9.0. The device has an onboard menu of manufacturer and model-specific ultrasonic meter drivers, as well as a complete 'Generic' ISO17089-1 driver.

ISO17089-1 (2019 Appendix F) standard describes a predefined set of Modbus tables to provide a generic ultrasonic meter interface. Tables 1 and 2 were previously available under the 'Generic' meter selection option in the SFC3000. V0.50.9.0 now includes tables 3 and 4, which are the virtual tag plate, pressure, and temperature write registers.

Early flow meters were typically orifice or turbine designs, which suffered from having to rely on either the venturi effect or a bladed wheel measuring techniques fitted inside the pipe to get a reading of flow. Both of these techniques can be blocked or damaged if a foreign body comes into contact with the pipe, and can wear out, thereby lessening measurement accuracy.

An ultrasonic meter does not rely on moving parts or a restriction in the pipe; instead, sound is echoed across the pipe, and a difference is measured. The difference is proportional to the flow. There is a cost implication associated with this technology, and some complex electronics are needed to process the acquired data; however, this is a trade-off for attaining accuracy and reliability.

The flow computer is a highly versatile device for measuring liquid hydrocarbon and gas flows, capable of operating in either a standalone single-stream flow measurement system or as part of a complex multi-stream system.

The device is far more than just a dedicated flow computer. It can operate on several levels, from a supervisory machine to a standalone flow computer or as a system component. With its touch-screen VGA display and extensive processing capabilities, combined with simple-to-use controls and unique operating software, it can function as a complete station supervisor integrated into a flow computer housing.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the worldwide liquid hydrocarbon and gas measurement markets, the device is intended to positively contribute to both the management and conservation of the world's dwindling energy resources by providing versatile and accurate measurement, including state-of-the-art designs and components.

The flow computer should be considered the 'brains' of a flow measurement system and requires several peripheral components to take measurements. In its simplest form, a flow measurement system will consist of:

• An SFC3000 flow computer with 1 I/O option board
• A flow meter (turbine, ultrasonic, differential pressure, or Coriolis)
• A pressure sensor (HART or 4-20mA)
• A temperature sensor (Hart, 4-20mA or PT100 Platinum Resistance Thermometer).

The SFC3000 is packaged in an industry-standard half-width 3U High 19" rack construction suitable for panel or chassis mount. It can accommodate up to six user plug-in cards and up to five measurement streams in the same chassis. Operating temperature ranges; PRT Inputs, -10C to 55C (15F to 130F), Hart and 4-20mA Inputs -25C to 55C (-15F to 130F). Operating humidity to 90% non-condensing and meets environmental classes M2/E2.