On July 18, 2023, the Dubai Team of Coltraco Ultrasonics, consisting of Ms. Leah Joyce Lucmayon, Technical Sales Engineer, and Marc Camasura, Customer Success Manager, had the pleasure of assisting Voyage Marine, UAE.
They conducted an onsite demonstration and live tests of Coltraco’s Portasonic® 2.FL0 ultrasonic flow meter at the Sewage Treatment Plant. As part of our commitment to providing lifetime technical support to all our valued customers, we are frequently invited to perform actual tests and applications of our products. This ensures the success of our customers and instills confidence in the fact that we offer product-based solutions that truly meet their requirements for success.
The primary objective of the case study was to perform an onsite demonstration and live tests of the Portasonic® 2.FL0 on two distinct pipelines:
- The Treated Water Inlet line, which is equipped with two different flow meters (1 analog flow meter and 1 digital inline flow meter).
- The RO Water line, also featuring an inline flow meter.
This study was carried out at the Government Sewage Treatment Plant in Al Ghail Gate, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The purpose was to validate the accuracy of the existing inline and analog flow meters in comparison to the Portasonic® 2.FL0. This comparison was conducted while measuring the flow rate of liquid in both the Treated Water Inlet line and the RO Water line.
Upon configuring the settings correctly and ensuring proper sensor installation, the Portasonic® 2.FL0 demonstrated its capability to accurately and consistently measure flow rates in both the Treated Water Inlet line and RO Water line. The accuracy ranged between 0.5% and 1%, as evidenced by the images from the three trials/tests below:
1st Trial: Pipeline 1 – Treated Water Inlet Line
In the initial trial test conducted on Pipeline 1, excessive fluctuations and vibrations were observed when the pump was activated. To address this issue, we took measures to securely install the sensors using chain clamps and positioned them away from bends.
RESULTS: As depicted in the photograph, the results from the analog and inline flow meters indicated an actual flow rate of 73.760 m3/h (with 4 pumps operating), while the Portasonic® 2.FL0 provided a measured flow rate within the range of 68-77 m3/h.
2nd Trial: Pipeline 1 – Treated Water Inlet Line
Based on the findings from the first trial conducted in Pipeline 1, for our second trial, we opted to make adjustments to the user scaling factor and the Damping time. These modifications were aimed at enhancing the stability of the flow values and reducing the fluctuations in the readings.
RESULTS: After conducting several tests using these updated settings and parameters, coupled with precise sensor positioning, we successfully fine-tuned the configuration of the Portasonic® 2.FL0. Consequently, we achieved stabilized measured flow rates with the Portasonic® 2.FL0 that were consistent with those from the analog and digital inline flow meters.
*Actual flow rate value from Analog & Digital Inline: 60.33 m3/h (with only 3 pumps operational, not 4)
*Measured value from Portasonic® 2.FL0: 60.89 m3/hr
3rd Trial: Pipeline 2 – RO Water Line
During the third and concluding trial, we conducted a test in pipeline 2, which possesses a slightly distinct structure and layout. Unlike pipeline 1, this pipeline experiences minimal vibrations. Moreover, it is noteworthy that pipeline 2 lacks an analog flow meter, featuring only an inline flow transmitter. From the outset, we encountered no challenges in achieving favorable Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Arrival Time Amplitude/Echo Time Amplitude (ATA/ETA) values.
RESULTS:
*Flow rate value from Signet: 19 m3/h
*Measured value from Portasonic® 2.FL0: 18.10 m3/hr
Conclusion:
The onsite demonstration and live tests of the Portasonic® 2.FL0 at the Government Sewage Treatment Plant were resoundingly successful, highlighting its remarkable accuracy (0.5 – 1%) and unwavering reliability, even under challenging conditions. The device demonstrated its effectiveness across two distinct pipelines, each with unique characteristics.
The Plant General Manager of the Sewage Treatment Plant expressed both satisfaction and confidence in the performance of the Portasonic® 2.FL0.
