CORIMASS's easy draining solves alternative fuel problem

Problem
A silicone producer in New York uses natural gas as their primary fuel to their three newest boilers. In peak demand seasons, Niagara Mohawk can call for emergency operational procedures, and request the manufacturer to switch from gas to #2 fuel (oil) in 24 hours. The manufacturer was using a competitive meter for this demanding and unpredictable, high accuracy application. The problem was simple – since the meters took “static” readings (with no flow through it) 99% of the year, the fuel oil solidified in the meter tubes. With no way to completely drain the meter, the company attempted to clean the meter with steam but with infrequent or no success. More times than not, the meter was either damaged or sent to the scrap heap.
Solution
The KROHNE CORIMASS G+ Class Mass Flowmeter was good for 2 reasons. One, if the meter was installed in a vertical axis, the meter could drain when oil demand was not required. Second, in the event that the meter or piping did not drain and the metering tube became plugged, the meter could be easily “rodded out.” In the 6 years since it was installed, this meter has never needed to be removed for cleaning, nor has meter accuracy or repeatability shifted.
The result is substantial:
1. The manufacturer has required #2 fuel oil flow during the past 6 years. With the history of meter replacement, KROHNE saved GE the cost of 18 massmeters (3 boiler x 6 years)
2. The manufacturer has only 24 hours to respond to Niagara Mohawk’s request. Failure to comply with the request results in fines, plus substantially high gas charges. With the G-Class flowmeter, the company has been able to immediately start-up the boilers, and perform any tuning necessary to make the boilers run at peak efficiency.
3. Downtime and maintenance costs have been reduced significantly by replacing the plugging flowmeter.
4. Prior to discovering the KROHNE solution, the company maintained a stock of 3 spare meters for such emergency needs. This stock has been eliminated completely.

Key Words: Flow, Coriolis, mass, oil, natural gas

AP0013