Instrumentation solutions and gas analysis

Steam flow converter with built-in digital display on a gray background for industrial applications

Steam flow converter with an LCD screen displaying measurements on Fuji Electric industrial equipment

Steam flow metering

In many industries, steam is a key energy source, and effective management of it is essential for optimizing performance and reducing costs. Steam metering provides accurate measurements...

In many industries, steam is a key energy source, and effective management of steam is essential for optimizing performance and reducing costs. Steam metering enables the precise measurement of steam flow and consumption in industrial processes.Thanks to technologies such as differential pressure, vortex, or ultrasonic flow meters, it is possible to obtain reliable measurements tailored to various process conditions, even in demanding environments.Accurate measurement of steam flow helps improve energy efficiency, optimize facilities, and ensure the overall performance of industrial systems that use steam.

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Flow and thermal energy calculator - ERW700
Ref: ERW700
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depending on configuration
4287,00 €
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Orifice plate flowmeter - Flow measurement with primary element
Ref: PO

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Multi-hole orifice plate flowmeter - Flow measurement with primary element
Ref: POM

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Venturi tube flow meter - Flow measurement with primary element

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Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steam - Converter - FSJ
Ref: FSJ
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depending on configuration
7321,00 €
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V-CONE flow meter - Flow measurement with primay element
Ref: VCONE

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Discontinuated products - Ultrasonic flow meters and electromagnetic flow meters
Discover Fuji Electric's new flowmeter references, combining precision, energy efficiency and durability for an optimized transition.

Steam Metering Buying Guide

Steam metering involvesmeasuring the amount of steam in industrial processes. This instrument ensuresefficiency, energy savings, and cost reduction. Technologies such as orifices with pressure transmitter , vortex flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters are used to obtain accurate measurements. Steam flow measurement is essential in power plants, refineries, and the manufacturing industry to optimize operations and prevent energy waste.

Choosing steam metering: The cornerstone of precise steam management

Industrial installation of insulated piping and steam equipment for flow measurement and control

Have you ever wondered how vital accurate steam flow measurement is to many industries?

Accurate steam flow measurement is essential to ensure optimum performance, energy savings and precision in many industries that rely on steam as the main process component.

Steam metering offers a wide range of technologies used in steam flowmeters, with nuances that differentiate each type.

A detailed explanation of steam metering

Technician inspecting a steam piping system at an industrial energy processing facility

The Importance of Accurate Steam Flow Measurement

Accurate steam flow measurement is essential for many industries such as power plants, nuclear power stations, chemical plants, refineries and manufacturing units.

As steam plays a key role in energy transfer and process operations, accurate measurements can help achieve better energy savings and optimize system performance.

Inaccurate measurements, on the other hand, can lead to wasted energy, higher costs and inefficient processes.

Fuji Electric Industrial Steam Meters and Flowmeters with Sensors and Measurement Transducers

Vapor meter technologies

Steam flowmeters, or steam meters, come in a variety of technologies, each with its own advantages and specific applications. Differential pressure steam flowmeters, vortex flowmeters, turbine flowmeters and ultrasonic steam flowmeters are among the most popular for measuring steam flow.

Differential pressure flowmeters rely on a pressure difference (often using orifice plates) to determine flow velocity and, subsequently, volumetric flow.

In contrast, vortex flowmeters use a body to generate vortices at a frequency corresponding to the flow velocity. This approach enables volumetric flow to be measured.

Similarly, ultrasonic steam flowmeters are capable of measuring steam flow. To do this, they use sound waves to determine the time difference between the ultra-high frequency signals emitted and received. To enhance their efficiency, these flowmeters generally incorporate sensors to compensate for temperature and pressure variations.

Turbine flowmeters operate on principles similar to those of vortex flowmeters. However, they use mechanical turbines instead of non-profiled bodies.

Technician inspecting an industrial steam pipe with steam escaping at a production site

Factors influencing the choice of steam flowmeters

Several factors influence the choice of steam meter.

Process conditions such as pressure and temperature, steam state (saturated or superheated steam or condensate), straight lengths and installation costs are just some of the factors to be taken into account.

In addition, the required accuracy, the presence of moving parts, and the need for pulse lines or additional components can all play a role in selecting the right steam meter for process applications.

Differences between mass flow and volume flow

Mass flow and volume flow are two essential parameters in steam metering.

Mass flow refers to the mass of steam passing through a system per unit time, and is essential for processes where the quantity of material (in this case, steam) is important.

Volumetric flow, on the other hand, refers to the volume of steam passing through a system in a given time. While volumetric flow rate is directly measured by many meters, calculating mass flow rate often requires additional measurements such astemperature and pressure, as well as aflow calculator, due tovariations in steam densityunder different conditions.

Fuji Electric electronic control unit for measuring mass flow and volumetric flow in industrial environments — Fuji Electric electronic converter used for measuring and analyzing industrial steam flow rates.

Diving into the world of flowmeters using differential pressure measurement and depressors

Differential pressure flowmeter with flanged sensors for industrial steam measurement

Differential pressure flowmeters are a mainstay of steam flow measurement. By creating a pressure difference using a depressurizing device such as an orifice plate, venturi tube or nozzle, a V-Cone flowmeter, Pitot tube and differentialpressure transmitter , this class of steam meter determines the flow velocity and then calculates the flow velocity. The linear relationship between pressure difference and flow rate makes these devices reliable and widely used. However, they require impulse lines and may present a certain loss of energy due to the presence of the orifice plate.

The simplicity of their design, combined with the absence of moving parts, makes them a reliable choice for many applications, guaranteeing longevity and consistent performance over time.

Vortex flowmeters for steam flow measurement

Vortex flow meters operate on theprinciple of vortices created bya non-streamlined bodyplaced in the flow stream,generating alternating vortices downstream.The frequency of these vortices is directly proportional to the flow velocity of the steam.

Vortex flow meters are therefore effective at measuring flow velocity with good accuracy. One of the distinctive features of vortex flow meters is their ability to handle a wide range of flow rates, from low to high, without compromising measurement accuracy.

Understanding ultrasonic steam flowmeters and their advantages

Non-intrusive ultrasonic flowmeter with transducer for measuring industrial saturated steam

Ultrasonic flowmeters for steam use sound waves to measure the velocity of saturated steam flows in a pipe, thus determining the volumetric flow rate.

Thanks to their innovative technology, these steam meters offer several advantages over traditional measurement methods.

Firstly, they are non-invasive, which means they can be attached to the outside of pipes without intrusive installations or process interruptions.

Secondly, because they have no moving parts, these steam meters require little maintenance and wear less over time. What's more, their ability to measure saturated steam conditions and their high accuracy under various flow conditions make them versatile for a wide range of applications. The absence of obstructions in steam lines ensures minimal pressure drop, which helps to save energy in many industries.

Steam metering in the energy and process industries

Technician inspecting steam pipes at an industrial facility equipped with tanks and process networks

In the world of steam flow measurement, there are many subtleties: from the different measurement techniques to the nuanced decisions underlying the choice of a specific steam meter, it's vital to have a fundamental understanding of this critical field.

Keep in mind that accurate steam flow measurement is about more than just numbers; it’sabout improving efficiency, saving energy, optimizing performance, and ultimately reducing costs acrosscountless industries.

FAQ

What's the best flowmeter for steam?

Different applications may require different types of flowmeter. However, differential pressure flowmeters and vortex flowmeters are among the most commonly used for steam applications and other fluids such as liquids and gases. That said, theemergence of ultrasonic steam flowmeters and the advantages they offer make them an essential choice for many modern applications, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

Can the clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter be used for steam metering?

Absolutely! Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters are a revolutionary innovation in steam flow measurement. They can be used in steam applications, offering an efficient, non-intrusive measurement method. Fuji Electric steam flowmeters are suitable for measuring saturated steam, including volumetric flow and mass flow at temperatures up to 180°C. By harnessing the power of ultrasonic waves and advanced sensor technology, these steam meters provide accurate measurements without the need to penetrate or modify the piping system. This not only simplifies the installation process, but also minimizes potential maintenance problems, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership. The innovation behind this technology is truly remarkable, making it an increasingly popular choice for industries seeking precision combined with ease of use.

How do I calculate steam flow?

Steam flow can be calculated from the measured flow velocity and pipe cross-section. Additional sensors, such as a temperature probe and pressure transmitter , as well as a corrected flow calculator, may be required to calculate mass flow.

What is the steam flow rate?

Steam flow rates may vary according to system and application. It's best to refer to specific system data or measuring devices for accurate values. Using a steam flow meter is the most reliable method of accurately determining steam flow. The steam meter accurately measures speed, pressure and temperature to calculate steam flow.

Ensure efficiency, save energy, and reduce costs with steam metering instruments!

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Steam flow metering

Flow and thermal energy calculator - ERW700

Orifice plate flowmeter - Flow measurement with primary element

Multi-hole orifice plate flowmeter - Flow measurement with primary element

Venturi tube flow meter - Flow measurement with primary element

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steam - Converter - FSJ

V-CONE flow meter - Flow measurement with primay element

Discontinuated products - Ultrasonic flow meters and electromagnetic flow meters