Supercritical Cost Savings

The GFM 700 SE, an ultrasonic flowmeter specifically designed by KROHNE for use in supercritical ethylene applications has been chosen by a consortium of chemical companies in preference to a combination of turbine meters and density meters.

The consortium, which includes chemical giant DOW, is connected to the European Ethylene Pipeline, a major distribution network supplying ethylene to production sites across Europe. After extensive trials, the group has selected the GFM 700 SE for custody transfer purposes because it offers substantial cost savings and outstanding accuracy.

Ethylene, a raw material used in the petrochemical industry, needs to be kept in a supercritical state during transportation. This means it is neither a gas nor a liquid, and is therefore difficult to measure because its density changes with small fluctuations in temperature or pressure. An ultrasonic meter is ideal for this application because it does not obstruct the flow or cause a pressure drop, it is insensitive to particles and, moreover, does not require costly re-calibrations.


AP0160