Introduction

The measurement of fluid flow in industrial processes is essential to ensure efficient and safe operations. Mass flow meters are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and others. However, the accurate measurement of mass flow requires the integration of various components, including flow meters, transmitters, and flow computers. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of flow computers for mass flow meters and why they are compatible with all major makes of mass flow meters like Micro Motion, E+H, Yokogawa, and Krohne.

What is a Flow Computer?

A flow computer is an electronic device that performs complex calculations and data processing for flow measurement applications. Flow computers are designed to interface with various types of flow meters, including mass flow meters, and can accurately measure and calculate mass flow rates, density, and other process parameters.

Flow computers play a crucial role in the accuracy and reliability of mass flow measurements, as they can compensate for changes in temperature, pressure, and fluid properties that affect the flow measurement.

The Importance of Flow Computers for Mass Flow Meters

Mass flow meters measure the flow of fluids in terms of mass flow rate, which is the amount of mass flowing through a given area per unit of time. To accurately measure mass flow, mass flow meters require input from a variety of sensors and transmitters, including temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and flow sensors. However, the raw data from these sensors and transmitters requires significant processing before it can be converted into a mass flow measurement.

Flow computers play a crucial role in this processing by collecting data from sensors, compensating for changes in fluid properties, and calculating the mass flow rate. Flow computers can also perform other calculations, such as flow totalization, density measurement, and custody transfer calculations. In addition, flow computers can communicate with other devices in the process control system, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs), to provide real-time data and control.

Compatibility with Major Makes of Mass Flow Meters

Flow computers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of flow meters, including all major makes of mass flow meters like Micro Motion, E+H, Yokogawa, and Krohne. This compatibility is essential in industrial processes, where different types of flow meters are often used in different parts of the process.

Flow computers can interface with various types of mass flow meters, including Coriolis flow meters, thermal mass flow meters, and others. They can also interface with flow meters of different sizes and pressure ratings, allowing them to be used in a wide range of applications.

The compatibility of flow computers with different types of mass flow meters is achieved through the use of communication protocols. Communication protocols are standard sets of rules and procedures that enable devices to exchange information and instructions. The most common communication protocols used in flow measurement applications are Modbus, HART, and Foundation Fieldbus.

Benefits of Using Flow Computers with Mass Flow Meters

The use of flow computers with mass flow meters offers several benefits, including:

1. Improved Accuracy and Reliability: Flow computers can compensate for changes in fluid properties, temperature, and pressure, resulting in more accurate and reliable mass flow measurements. This improved accuracy and reliability can lead to better process control and increased productivity.
2. Real-time Data: Flow computers can provide real-time data on mass flow rates, density, and other process parameters, enabling operators to make informed decisions about process control.
3. Integration with Other Devices: Flow computers can communicate with other devices in the process control system, such as PLCs and DCSs, allowing for seamless integration and control.
4. Custody Transfer: Flow computers can perform custody transfer calculations, which are essential in applications where fluids are bought or sold by weight.

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