FMC Technologies' SONARtrac™ VF-100 Surveillance Technology clamps to the outside of existing process pipes to provide real-time, all-the-time volumetric flow measurement of single- and multiphase streams. Unlike ultrasonic devices, SONARtrac™ VF-100 employs patented sonar array processing technology to detect and interpret the acoustic pressure fields generated by flow disturbances present in virtually all production processes and pipeline flows. The SONARtrac™ VF-100's passive listening technique enables flow rate measurement with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.
A New Class of Technology
SONARtrac™ VF-100 flow measurement technology works by characterizing the speed of coherent vertical pressure fluctuations (turbulent eddies), which are inherent in turbulent flows, as they pass an array of clamp-on strain-based sensors. Because these fluctuations convect at approximately the average fluid velocity within the pipe, the VF-100 is able to provide an accurate volumetric measurement of single or multiphase flow streams in the 0 to 20% or 95 to 100% GVF range.
Accurate Gas Flow Rate and Entrained Liquid Information
SONARtrac™ VF-100 enables accurate measurement of separator outlet flows in the presence of liquid carry over to monitor the effects of process changes and improve separator performance.
Deployed on the gas leg of production, SONARtrac™ VF-100 accurately measures gas flow rate (independent of wetness). Used in combination with a DP flowmeter, SONARtrac™ VF-100 delivers accurate measurement of gas flow rate and entrained liquid information. It also provides feedback regarding the effectiveness of defoamer chemicals.
Applications:
- Separator optimization
- Wet gas measurement
- Allocation metering
Benefits:
- Installation without process shutdown
- No piping reconfiguration
- No pressure drop
- No potential for leaks
- No wetted parts to corrode or fail
- No flow obstruction, no clogging
- No moving parts
- Accurate and reliable operation over a wide range of single-phase and multiphase process flows, including high-consistency/abrasive slurries and viscous fluids like los-API crude oil