Chemical and Petrochemical

The unique capability of Rheotherm flow meters to measure very low flow, often combined with our FM approved intrinsic safety option, makes them useful in many types of chemical/ petrochemical applications.

Low Liquid Flow

A chemical company uses Rheotherm flow meters to measure flow of a liquified hydrocarbon.  The flanged, intrinsically safe sensor and explosion-proof electronics are located in a Class I, Div. 1, Groups CD area.  With the low pressure drop of a TU sensor, the fluid will not flash in the line.  Sensors with 1/8” flow tubes were used for this application, as the flow rates are less than 250 cc/min. 

Rheotherm advantage:  accurate low flow measurement, low pressure drop, intrinsic safety

Hydrogen Chloride

A customer at a major chemical company is using several Rheotherm flow meters to measure and control very low flow rates of HCl vapor.  Rheotherm meters were installed after a long hunt by the customer to replace very small orifice meters.  The orifice meters, while accurate, had a problem with the orifice plugging; they also did not have the necessary rangeability. 

To withstand the corrosive effects of the HCl, the wetted tubing material for the sensors is Hastelloy C-276.  The customer describes the meters as taking "probably the most critical measurement in the plant."

Rheotherm advantage:  corrosion resistance, low flow rate sensitivity

Low Flow/Low Maintenance    

Chemical companies use forms of mercaptan as an odorant, a component of polymer production, or in other processes.  Examples of the low flow rates requiring use of our 1/16” sensors are 0.27-2.7 cc/min and 0.1-2 kg/hr.  

Rheotherm advantage:  low flow rate sensitivity, intrinsically safe/explosion-proof, low maintenance

Gas with Liquid Carryover

A company is using Rheotherm insertion probe flow meters to measure the flow of nitrogen with organic solvent vapors to a vent scrubber system.  Rheotherm flow meters were selected to replace turbine meters, which were damaged by occasional liquid carryover.  The probes, with flange fittings, have all Hastelloy C-276 wetted surfaces.  Calibrated for flow rates of 2-30 ft/sec, the units have provided reliable service for many years.

Rheotherm advantage:  chemical compatibility, no mechanical parts, good rangeability