The unique capability for Bronkhorst to accurately measure and control low to ultra-low flows has increasingly been called upon for research & development within the Oil & Gas industry with even the largest of global multi-nationals becoming reliant upon their expertise and experience. Clearly the precise measuring/controlling capability is important but perhaps more so is the in-depth knowledge and collaborative approach to process improvement and cost reduction.
Despite a vast product range Bronkhorst have found that specialized solutions are more commonly required within this industry sector. One such solution is the capability to offer the world smallest flow range meter/controller using Coriolis technology in combination with dedicated pump technology to provide research establishments the flexibility to test and develop at laboratory scale whilst maintaining the pressures and conditions required by the Oil & Gas Industry. This same technology can then be up-scaled for field-test and ultimately production requirements.
Currently, researchers are either manually dosing or using such devices as syringe-drivers to deliver the smallest of quantities of liquid into vials, vessels or reaction chambers. Both methods are tried and tested and, with years of application, are known to work adequately. However, as the need for greater precision, higher repeatability and greater reproducibility has developed so the need for finer control of the flow or dose has followed. The answer is simple – Bronkhorst not only has the ability to measure the tiniest of flows but also to directly control the addition or dosing of the additive by using a proportional control valve, an electro-shut off valve or by directly controlling a suitably specified pump. The researcher therefore receives a complete solution, fully integrated and tested, ready to “plug and play”. The total solution not only gives the user the confidence that the actual flow rate required is being delivered but also provides instantaneous readout, data logging and diagnostics. Further advantages include the ability for continuous flow mapping without, for example, the need to change out a syringe once it has run empty. This improves the integrity of data, ensures longer run times and, with the programmable software, can automate the process for un-manned experimentation. Over-dosing is reduced, the need to re-run experiments is reduced whilst cost- and time-efficiency are improved.
A clear application where Bronkhorst has been successful is the dosing of performance chemicals, both within R&D and within Production. Solutions can be supplied from component level through to simple-to-use systems with the emphasis firmly based on quality, service and support. Components include the ATEX Zone 1 Coriolis Meter and Controller for gases and liquids with a flow rate capability as low as 50 milligrams per hour. More complex solutions include the Dosing Cube with programmable dosing rates, master/slave functionality and process diagnostic tooling. The use of Coriolis technology has additional benefits as the determination of density further aids process optimization.
Recent shifts within the industry have further strengthened the need for a critical review of both project costings and mid- to long-term returns and the specific expertise of Bronkhorst within low to ultra-low flow applications has, as a result, seen particular focus.
The capability to measure, and control, the smallest flows of both gas and liquid offers a great many benefits – no revenue streams are ever left un-measured, not one drop of additive is ever wasted and auto-calibration of analytical equipment can be refined to truly exceptional levels…
A further development within Bronkhorst R&D is a multi-parameter module for the measurement of properties in gases. The module uses a combination of Coriolis, pressure and thermal technologies to derive real-time continuous measurement of viscosity and heat capacity to bring new advantages for Formation Analysis and Core Sampling Techniques.
The technical specification is equally impressive, to mention but a few; accuracy is +/-0.2% of Reading, the instrument is certified to ATEX Zones 1 and 2, on-board PID control is standard, as is over-run protection and a self-learning function, the turn-down ratio is 2000:1, flow rates down to
50 milligrams per hour are easily achieved and the physical size (“the smallest Coriolis instrument in the world”) is perfect for multiple injection points within confined spaces.
Both working demonstrations and design engineers will be available at Offshore Europe and you are cordially invited to Stand 1A10 for further discussions. Alternatively please contact :
Bronkhorst UK Ltd
1 Kings Court, Willie Snaith Road
Newmarket
Suffolk, CB8 7TG
Tel: 01223 833222
E Mail: sales@bronkhorst.co.uk
