Panametrics Solution Brief

Overcoming geothermal
flow-measurement challenges
using ultrasonic flow meters
Geothermal energy production delivers low-carbon baseload
power, making it a desirable option in renewables. However,high-temperature environments and corrosive brines degrade
equipment, while remote locations increase operational
complexity and cost.
Innovative flow-measurement solutions from Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business,drive reliability and uptime for geothermal operations. They reduce maintenanceand labor costs with robust designs optimized for harsh conditions. High-precision
measurement and reliable data management systems simplify regulatorycompliance and help you make informed operational decisions. With Panametrics,
harnessing geothermal energy becomes easier, more efficient, and more profitable.

Challenges of geothermal flow measurement
Geothermal power generates energy from naturally heated groundwater andsteam, returning cooled water to the earth. Accurate measurement of steam, water
condensate, water, and brine flow throughout the cycle is critical.

With Panametrics,
harnessing geothermalenergy becomes easier,more efficient, and more
profitable.

However, geothermal plants are often located in remote areas and exposed toharsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperature fluctuations andeven seismic activity—not to mention the effects of geothermal fluids. Rapid
degradation of traditional measurement instruments increases the frequency andcost of maintenance and repairs. Retaining skilled workers to install, maintain, andreplace meters under challenging conditions creates significant costs. Consistent
service and support can also be difficult to obtain. On top of this, maintenancemay require production stoppages that decrease asset yield.
At Panametrics, we help unleash the potential of geothermal energy production
with innovative products and expert, globally available support. As your partner, wehelp enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support the safety and profitability ofyour operations.

Calpine’s Lake View U-17

Steam flow
The natural mineral content of geothermal steam canrapidly deposit matter on the measurement surfaces of
traditional meters, compromising data integrity. Proper
operation requires regular cleaning and daily pressure
bursts. The resulting flow variations can lead to inaccurate
measurements. Standard meters also necessitate timeintensive reporting and substantial labor and resources forcleaning and upkeep, resulting in higher operational costs.

Ultrasonic flow meters: A reliable alternative
Ultrasonic flow meters provide consistently accurate andreliable readings without downtime, even with dirty steam.
This is ideal for geothermal power plants seeking continuous
operation under challenging conditions and compliancerequirements. With advanced diagnostics, plant operators
can remotely detect anomalies in the flow-measurement
system to ensure trouble-free operation and reduce
maintenance costs.
Panametrics DigitalFlow meters accurately measure steam
mass flow rate with low maintenance and no pressure
drop. Compact, nonobstructive transducers, placed in thepipe, measure flow using ultrasonic pulses. The system
handles various pipe sizes and velocities in saturated andsuperheated steam.

Panametrics DigitalFlow GS868
This full-featured flow meter provides digital and analog
output options for data transmission and can handle awide range of pipe sizes and flow conditions. Installationis straightforward. The system includes transducers,
preamplifiers, and an electronics console. The DigitalFlow
GS868 offers diagnostic parameters and various output
and display options for convenient data analysis andtroubleshooting.

Panametrics DigitalFlow XGS868i
The DigitalFlow XGS868i offers a unique combination ofrangeability, ease of installation, low maintenance, andaccuracy in a cost effective transmitter. It shares the many
advantages offered by Panametrics ultrasonic flow meters,
including no pressure drop, no moving parts, and reliable,drift-free operation.

Calpine’s Ridge Line U-7/8

Brine flow
Brine—water and water condensate containing high levels of dissolved salts andminerals—fills the underground reservoirs whose heat powers geothermal energy
production. Naturally heated by the earth, it generates steam that powers turbinegenerators. Brine temperature, pressure, and flow rate are crucial to efficiency andoutput.
Traditional flow-measurement technologies, such as differential pressure andelectromagnetic flow meters, often struggle with high temperatures and abrasive
components. Brine leakages can occur when devices fail, creating environmental
hazards, generate interruptions, and added costs. In addition to maintenancecosts, repair, refurbishment, or calibration typically requires a complete process
shutdown. This interruption can lead to significant production losses.
Choosing the right flow-measurement solution for brine applications reduces
maintenance costs, increases accuracy, and provides peace of mind. Additionally,a flow meter that works with brine will deliver the same great outcomes with water
and water condensate.

Clamp-on ultrasonicflow meters arenonintrusive, requiring
no contact with thefluid and avoiding
the complications ofcorrosive solutions suchas geothermal brine.

The clamp-on advantage
Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are nonintrusive, requiring no contact with thefluid and avoiding the complications of corrosive solutions such as geothermalbrine. This dramatically increases reliability and longevity. High accuracy enables
fine optimization to drive maximum efficiency. Last but not least, they can beinstalled while the process is running.
Portable testing options enable spot checks and diagnostics in remote locations
without an external power supply. Because the clamp-on meters are nonintrusive,
they can be installed in minutes without cutting into pipelines or shutting down thesystem, reducing downtime and minimizing the impact on plant operations. With along, virtually maintenance-free service life, they reduce the total cost of ownershipover the plant’s life.

Panametrics AquaTrans AT600
The AquaTrans AT600 ultrasonic flow meter uses transit-time flowmeasurement technique, with two transducers serving alternately as
ultrasonic signal generators and receivers. Several outputs are available,
including fluid velocity, volumetric flow, and totalized flow. The device ishighly accurate, with an uncertainty of ±1% depending on pipe size andliquid velocity, making it ideal for measuring brine flow in geothermal power
generation. It is all-digital, with no moving parts and low maintenanceneeds. Its weatherproof enclosure handles outdoor use.

Panametrics PanaFlow LC
This clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter features high-quality signal
processing and is certified for hazardous areas. It is suitable for most pipe
sizes and materials and can handle a variety of liquids with one, two, or
three paths. For safety-critical applications, an optional SIL certification isavailable. A wide selection of transducers and support for digital protocols,such as HART, Modbus, and Foundation Fieldbus, provides unparalleledversatility.

Panametrics PT900
The Transport PT900 is versatile, portable, and easy to install, capable ofmaking reliable measurements in demanding applications. It features
a wide selection of transducers, wireless or wired communication froma tablet transmitter, and a user-friendly touch screen with a multiplelanguage interface. The meter can perform velocity, volume, mass,totalizer, and energy flow-rate measurements and is ideal for diagnostics
in remote locations. With a fast-responding transmitter and 8 GB of datalogging storage, the Transport PT900 makes flow-rate measurement
manageable. It can also be used to check fixed-liquid meters and run flow
surveys.

Partnering with Panametrics and Baker Hughes forgeothermal energy success
We are your partner in realizing the potential of geothermal energy.
Innovative technology driven by industry experience provides unparalleledaccuracy and reliability, enabling you to optimize production, reduce
downtime, and increase efficiency. Our products, services, and parts areglobally available, and we can create custom solutions to fit your uniquerequirements.		
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Copyright 2023 Baker Hughes Company. This material contains one or more registeredtrademarks of Baker Hughes Company and its subsidiaries in one or more countries. All
third-party product and company names are trademarks of their respective holders.
BHYA-23002
06/2023

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