Application note

Panametrics technology helps keep the engines
running on dredging shipBenefits• Portable measurement• Installation from outside the pipe
without process interruption• Excellent connectivity• Ability to work under the mostdemanding conditions• Reliability

Summary
A dredging vessel operator was looking for a portable flow measurement device
to monitor the cooling water used to keep the diesel engines running at optimal
temperatures. The water feeds a cooling circuit that can divest the flow to threedifferent coolers.
The customer tried a number of clamp-on options, but found they were all unable
to deliver a reading. So, the team subsequently approached Panametrics, whereworking in partnership, a solution was found for this challenging application.

Application
Medium:Seawater

Pipe size:

DN700 (15mm thick, ½”) 28” and DN400 16” (10mm thick 0.39”)

Pipe material:

GRE (Glass Reinforced Epoxy)

Flow rate:

150 to 1250 m3/h (660 to 5503 GPM)

Temperature:

Ambient

Requested accuracy: <±5% of reading

Challenge
To achieve the best possible efficiency of the diesel engines ensuring the coolingwater flow is appropriately distributed across the three coolers is key. Not fulfilling thisrequirement leads to increased maintenance costs due to premature bearings wear.
The previous clamp-on measurements installed for this application had failed due
to a combination of factors, such as a GRE pipe, with a high rugosity outer profile(no possibility of sanding it) as well as a very compact installation with almost nostraight run available vs. the required 10xD upstream and 5xD downstream.
Bluetooth signal transmission was a challenge, and poor connectivity required twopersons for the startup of the meter (at the meter and from the control room) andto double-check the actual readings of the unit.

Solution
A Panametrics Transport PT900 clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter
demonstration was offered. The installation and start-up wentsmoothly and the flowmeter operated flawlessly.
The Panametrics team proved that the powerful ultrasonicsignal could perform despite the difficult environment
and the pipe material. The flow measurements exhibited
consistent and stable readings with good repeatability,
despite the short available straight length, and matched thecustomer’s expectations.
The Bluetooth connectivity meant only one person wasrequired for the full start-up process, even with the Transport
PT900 tablet situated around 40 meters from the transmitterwith a lot of obstacles in-between. There was a strong signal
inside and outside the pipe!
The data logging capabilities were also deeply appreciatedby the customer and Panametrics technology is now
operational on the vessel and helping to keep the engines
running at optimal temperatures.
Indeed, one particular member of the customer team, was so
impressed with the accuracy and reliability of the PT900 that
he purchased two units for his own usage.

Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business, provides solutions in thetoughest applications and environments for moisture, oxygen, liquidand gas flow measurement.
Experts in flare management, Panametrics technology also reduces flareemissions and optimizes performance.
With a reach that extends across the globe, Panametrics’ criticalmeasurement solutions and flare emissions management are enablingcustomers to drive efficiency and achieve carbon reduction targets acrosscritical industries including: Oil & Gas; Energy; Healthcare; Water andWastewater; Chemical Processing; Food & Beverage and many others.
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Copyright 2023 Baker Hughes Company. All rights reserved.
BHCS39433 (07/2023)

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