Application note

Demineralize water production in a powerplant
Benefits:• Easy to set up and program• No process interruption• Strong reputation in clamp on
measurement• Reliability and accuracy• Strong local support

Summary
HEP is the national power company in Croatia and operates 26 hydroelectric, 4thermal and 3 cogenerating plants. This application relates to a powerstation in oneof those 3 cogeneration plants, which supplies both heat and energy to a nearby city.
Due to rising demand over the years, HEP added a new facility to the plant producing
demineralized water to feed the powerplant. However, during the start-up the waterflow was unstable and the plant operator reached out to a Panametrics’ Channel
Partner seeking a solution.

Application
Process details:
Media: demineralized water (non-conductive)
Pressure: 0 - 3 barg (0 – 43.5 psig)
Flow: between 34 - 100m3/h (150 – 440 GPM)
Temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Pipe material: PVC
Pipe size: From 225x20.5mm (8.9”x 0.8”)
Accuracy: ±2% of reading

Challenge
An in-line ultrasonic flowmeter (supplied by a competitor) had been installed when
the plant was originally constructed. However, its results were unstable, jumping from100 to 140 to 80m3/h.
The customer was concerned! The team could not control the production and had
to stop the pump, which meant halting operations. They immediately contacted
Panametrics’ Channel Partner.
It was soon established that it was crucial to ensure the demineralized water flow
range stayed within a pre-defined threshold in order to safely start up the energy
production process. The other critical factor was to have a 1 second refresh rate toimprove pump control.

Solution
Panametrics has enjoyed a strong relationship with HEP thanks to a total of 16
Aquatrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters providing the customer withaccurate and reliable data.
Familiar with HEP’s set up, the Panametrics Channel Partner was able to securestable and reliable measurements in less than 1 hour using the AT600.
The meter was positioned downstream of the existing inline meter. Theteam was able to determine that the inline meter was too close to the 90°
bend leading to a non-fully developed flow profile despite the mid-radiustransducers’ position. However, some issues were experienced there too (asshown in the picture). So the team opted for another location along the line.
With Panametrics technology installed further downstream (not shown)with much more straight runs upstream and downstream, the resulting
measurements were accurate and stable.

Inline and clamp on meters

The customer was impressed by Panametrics technology and the Channel
Partners’ hands-on approach. Most importantly HEP was extremely happy it
could continue the startup process without further interruptions.

Inline and clamp on electronics

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.
Join the conversation and follow us on LinkedIn
linkedin.com/company/panametricscompanyCopyright 2023 Baker Hughes Company. All rights reserved.
BHCS39368		

(04/2023)

panametrics.com