Endress-Hauser's Promag electromagnetic flow meter, equipped with Heartbeat technology software and conductivity measurement, is able to control and transmit a value related to the fouling of the tube and piping upstream and downstream of the flow meter, to initiate the cleaning steering.
Fouling can occur during the process in different applications. Blockages result in unexpected downtime and additional maintenance. The result of the flow measurement is influenced by fouling (reducing the diameter of the tube). This situation can be found in the presence of sludge, sugar, oxalate (crystal crust), protein, iron oxide...
The conductivity is different between a clean, dirty tube. Thus, the flow meter detects its clogging on its own. The clogging index ranges from 0 (no fouling) to 100%, which does not mean that the tube is completely clogged (application function).
Clogging detection: trumps
The benefits of clogging detection? Less downtime (cleaning cycles can be planned accordingly), increased reliability (measurement values) and improved confidence (increased process knowledge).
Detection of fouling of the flow meter measuring tube is only possible if the fouling is homogeneous and of uniform thickness. The value is not relevant if it is a deposit on a part of the tube. To reliably use foul detection, the following conditions must be met:
- The measurement of conductivity must be activated
- Preferably vertical installation
- Device upstream of valves, T-fittings or elbows
- Maintain entries/exits
Clogging index
The clogging index does not provide direct information on the thickness of the clogging. To link the clogging index to a certain thickness, the operator should check, ideally before cleaning, the thickness of the clogging and compare it to the clogging index.
For the same fluid, the same thickness is expected for the measured value. If the thickness is known for a certain value, a switching point can be set to start a clean until the clogging index drops below another point (including hysteresis -H) to be defined by the customer.
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