Application note

Clamp on application for high pressure ethylene
for EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) production
Benefits• Low Maintenance• No Pressure drop
• No Interruption to operations• Safe measurement• Long term stability anddrift free characteristics

Summary
Panametrics’ customer, Jiangsu Sierbang Petrochemical Co. Ltd in China, produces
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a copolymer resin used for its lightweight and excellent
foamability performance. This process is part of the polyethylene plant and requires ahigh pressure of ethylene from reciprocating compressors.
On this line the customer has to measure the flowrate to ensure that the EVA
produced remains within specifications for use across various applications. If the flowrate is too low, it will lead to incomplete reaction.
The pressure inside the pipeline reaches up to 200 MPa. Flow measuring instrumentsthat require the pipe to be cut are not suitable here for safety reasons.
The customer knew how difficult these measurements can be and was not overly
confident that a clamp on solution would deliver the required accuracy. So they
requested a field demonstration by the Panametrics team.

ChallengeThe application was for a DN100 (4”) line with 35 mm wall thickness. This presenteda challenge – it was the first time that a Panametrics clamp-on flow meter had
been used in such thick 4” gas lines. There was a concern that the signal strengthand SNR would be too weak due to the acoustic signal dissipation outside of thepipe, leading to potential measurement losses.
However, the team pulled out all the stops and demonstrated the quality ofPanametrics technology.

Solution
After sharing site specific process parameters, the calculation and subsequent
meter and transducer recommendations were confirmed.

At these working conditions, ethylene is in a supercritical state with a sound speed
approaching 1700m/s. As a result, Panametrics recommended its Transport PT900 withCRS 401 transducer for the demonstration – a liquid meter! Only the clamping fixture
was for gas measurement – CFG – to ensure the accurate positioning of transducers.
On-site installation went smoothly and the testing was very successful. The
flowmeter displayed 1679 m/s sound speed which equated to the same ethylene
theoretical sound speed at 20°C and 200MPa. The customer was impressed andvery satisfied with the end solution.
Jiangsu Sierbang Petrochemical has now adopted Panametrics clamp on
flowmeter technology.
Fig. 1: Clamp on installation on highpressure hydrogen line

Ater having successfully demonstrated that Panametrics technology is effective
across thick 4” gas lines, a number of other customers are requesting demos witha view to implemeting this solution!

Specifications (OPT)• Fluid: Ethylene gas• Pipe: 121mm x 35mm (4”¾ x 1.38”)• Pipe material: Carbon steel• Process temperature: 20°C (68°F)• Process pressure: 195 MPa (28,282 psi)
• Fluid density: 586kg/m3 (36.58 lb/ft3)• Fluid sound speed: 1679 m/s• More than enough straight runs up and downstream

Fig. 2: Good flowmeter readings

Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business, provides solutions in the toughest
applications and environments for moisture, oxygen, liquid and 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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BHCS39427		

(06/2023)

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