Pulping applications create challenges for flow measuring. But with WIKA‘s wide range of primary flow elements and electromagnetic flow meters, there is a flow measurement solution for practically every aspect of the pulp and paper industry.

This article is a continuation of “State of the Pulp and Paper Industry”.

Wood preparation and pulping comprise several processes where the velocity of the media should be carefully monitored and controlled. Depending on the application, the media can be multiphase and/or have a stream with solids and particles. The piping can be straight or bent, the flow can be even or disturbed, and the space for mounting flow meters is often limited.

WIKA offers a variety of differential pressure (DP) flow measurement solutions for every type of application in a pulp and paper facility.

HHR FlowPak® and ProPak™: Accuracy, energy efficiency, no need for straight pipes

FlowPak flow meter

FlowPak flow meter

The HHR FlowPak and HHR ProPak flow meters are designed to accommodate fluid disturbances and swirl effects, thanks to a combination of innovative flow-straightening and conditioning technologies that have been proven by repeated tests. Compared to other primary flow elements, these two flow meters significantly reduces permanent pressure loss, which translates into improved energy efficiency while avoiding issues like boiling and vaporization. What’s more, the FlowPak® and ProPak™ do not require a length of straight upstream and downstream piping, which add to their versatility. Not even two 90° elbows present a problem.

Wedge Flow Meter: Ideal for media with solids and particles

FLC-WG wedge flow meter

Pulp can be abrasive, viscous, and contain fragments that would get caught in the FloPak or ProPak’s inlet and outlet holes. To measure the velocity of slurries and other particulate-laden media, use the FLC-WG wedge flow meter. The wedge is positioned on one side so that solids easily pass through the restricted pipe section, and its throttle design results in much less wear and tear on the material than in orifice plates. This flow meter can be manufactured from a wide range of materials – from carbon steel to specialty alloys like Inconel 625 and Super Duplex – to handle all types of flow and process conditions. Its welded construct also ensures reliable flow measurement, even under extreme temperatures and pressure conditions.

Cone Flow Meter: High performance in limited spaces

Cone meter functional principle (click to enlarge)

In applications with limited mounting space, use the FLC-FC cone flow meter. It is well-suited for gaseous, liquid, and steam media, requires just a short length of upstream and downstream pipes, and is very resistant to common flow disturbances due to profile distribution. It has a wide turndown, which means it can measure very low as well as very high flow rates with excellent precision. In addition to being low-cost, WIKA’s cone flow meter requires very little maintenance as it is self-cleaning, even when the gas stream contains liquids or particulate.

FLC-RO-ST restriction orifice

Restriction Orifices: To reduce the pressure or flow

For certain flow measurement applications, such as for exhaust gas flow measurement or in a liquid disposal systems, a drop in pressure or the flow rate is desirable or even required. The FLC-RO-ST (single-step) and FLC-RO-MS (multi-step) restriction orifice is inserted inside a pipeline. WIKA designs and optimizes our restriction orifices for each plant’s operating conditions to avoid sonic and choke conditions, reduce the noise level, and prevent cavitation.

 

Magnet Inductive Flow Meter: High accuracy at a low cost

FLC-2300 electromagnetic flow meter

From clean water to fibrous slurry, an electromagnetic flow meter offers accurate conductive liquid measurement. Since it is not a primary flow element, which determines flow velocity using differential pressure, there is no pressure drop and zero maintenance; it is an especially economical flow measurement solution for large pipes and bi-directional flow measurement. WIKA’s portfolio of electromagnetic flow sensors are available in different body versions, mounting configurations, and lining materials (for aggressive media). These flow meters communicate with external control systems when paired with the FLC-406 battery-operated digital signal converter or the FLC-608 hybrid signal converter.

 

Flow Meters for Virtually Every Industrial Application

WIKA USA offers a wide selection of flow metering solutions for almost every aspect of the pulp and paper industry:

  • HHR FlowPak® and HHR ProPak™ flow meters – no requirement for upstream or downstream straight piping, even in disturbed flow applications
  • Cone flow meter – for applications with limited mounting space
  • Flow nozzles – for steam and high velocity applications
  • Single- and multi-step restriction orifices – for in-line pressure and flow rate reduction
  • Venturi tubes – for high pressure recovery applications such as wet gas measurement
  • Meter runs – for custody transfer applications
  • Compact orifice plates – for direct mounting of differential pressure transmitters
  • Pitot tubes – for single-phase liquid, gas, and steam

It can be challenging to know which type of flow meter to use, much less how to configure it properly for your specific plant and then mount it. Contact WIKA USA for personalized advice on the optimal flow metering solution for your pulp and paper application.

This article continues with “Temperature Monitoring Solutions for the Pulp and Paper Industry.”

 



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