SFC3000 now supports manufacturer specific and generic devices
If it flows in a pipe – Ex~I Flow can measure it
Sussex based Ex-i Flow Measurement Ltd announces 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 SFC3000 has an onboard menu of manufacturer and model specific ultrasonic meter drivers, as well now having 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 venturi effect or a bladed wheel measuring techniques fitted inside the pipe to get a reading of flow. Both these techniques can be blocked or damaged if a foreign body comes along the pipe, and can wear out, reducing 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 for this technology and some fairly complicated electronics are required to process the acquired data but this is a tradeoff for accuracy and reliability.
The Ex~I Flow Measurement SFC3000 flow computer is a highly versatile liquid hydrocarbon and gas flow measuring device capable of operating in a stand-alone single stream flow measurement system or as part of a highly complex multi-stream system.
The SFC3000 is far more than just a dedicated flow computer. It can operate on a number of 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 SFC3000 is intended to positively contribute to both management and conservation of the world’s dwindling energy resources by providing both versatile and accurate measurement and incorporating state of the art designs and components.
The SFC3000 flow computer should be considered the “brains” of a flow measurement system and requires a number of 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 6 user plug-in cards and up to five measurement streams in the same chassis. Operating temperature ranges; PRT Inputs, -10°C to 55°C (15°F to 130°F), Hart® and 4-20mA Inputs -25°C to 55°C (-15°F to 130°F). Operating humidity to 90% non-condensing and meets environmental classes M2/E2.
The future of gas and liquid measurement and flow control innovates through a continuous process of evolution. As leading flow computer manufacturers, Ex-i Flow Measurement specialises in researching, developing and manufacturing products for the gas and liquid measurement industry, with a focus on continuous project development and enhancement. EX-i offer customers market leading performance, quality, reliability, cost and response.