Application: Industrial Steam Flow Measurement
Product: Bend Differential Pressure Flow Meter
Pipe Size: DN300 (12 Inch)
Medium: Superheated Steam
Project Status: Completed Production, Ready for Shipment
Project Background
Zero Instrument recently completed the production of a DN300 Bend Differential Pressure Flow Meter system for an industrial steam measurement application in Taiwan.
The customer required a flow measurement solution for an existing steam pipeline operating at elevated temperatures and pressures. One of the main challenges was the wide variation in steam flow, particularly during occasional low-flow operating conditions.
The measurement system was designed around the differential pressure generated as steam passes through a pipe bend.
Application Requirements
The key operating conditions provided for this project were:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring Medium | Superheated Steam |
| Pipe Diameter | DN300 |
| Flow Measurement Requirement | 3–60 t/h |
| Recommended Measurement Range | 6–60 t/h |
| Operating Temperature | 230–250°C |
| Operating Pressure | 9–9.5 kg/cm² |
| Bend Material | Carbon Steel |
| Pressure Class | Class 300 |
| Measurement Principle | Differential Pressure |
Technical Challenge: Measuring a Wide Steam Flow Range
The customer’s original flow requirement was 3–60 t/h, representing a 20:1 flow turndown ratio.
However, the standard bend differential pressure flow measurement configuration was recommended for a 10:1 operating range.
Based on the manufacturer’s engineering calculations, the recommended measuring range was therefore 6–60 t/h.
An additional concern was the occasional reduction of steam flow to approximately 3 t/h.
At such low flow rates, the differential pressure generated by the bend becomes very small, making accurate measurement more challenging.
To address this issue, the project involved technical discussions about differential pressure transmitter selection, including options for improved low-differential-pressure sensitivity.
Zero Instrument’s Solution
The project uses a DN300 carbon steel bend-type differential pressure flow measurement arrangement.
The system configuration includes the following measurement components:
Bend differential pressure flow sensing element
Differential pressure transmitter
Pressure transmitter for steam compensation
Temperature sensor
Three-valve manifold
Steam flow totalizer with instrument enclosure
Associated installation accessories
The differential pressure measurement provides the primary flow signal, while temperature and pressure measurements support steam flow compensation through the totalizing instrument.
The final measurement performance at very low flow rates depends on the selected transmitter configuration, operating conditions, and commissioning settings.
Project Delivery
The equipment has completed production and is being prepared for shipment to Taiwan.
Technical documentation and installation-related information are part of the project delivery process to support subsequent installation and commissioning.
At this stage, no on-site operating performance or measurement accuracy results have been reported.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates the application of bend differential pressure flow measurement technology to industrial superheated steam systems.
It also highlights an important engineering consideration: when selecting a differential pressure flow measurement system, the minimum operating flow should be evaluated alongside the maximum flow, differential pressure range, transmitter capability, and required accuracy.
Zero Instrument provides industrial flow measurement solutions for steam, liquids, and gases, including differential pressure flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, vortex flow meters, and Coriolis mass flow meters.
Project supplied by Zero Instrument — Industrial Flow Measurement Solutions.
