With so many different technologies in the industry, choosing flow meters and dry gas seals to work with your equipment can be quite daunting. Ultimately, what fits your needs may not work for another business in the same industry. You have to look at the entire system that you are trying to monitor and improve.
Fortunately, technology is changing to make the right improvements to your system, to help you understand flow rate and to keep your compressor operating at its best. Engineers want your system to meet the needs of your business and help your bottom line. It might be an investment to make changes in your current system, but in the long run, you could save money through efficiency and constant production times.
Do You Need a Flow Meter?
Every gas and liquid behaves differently when moving through a pipeline. Temperature and resistance can affect flow, which in turn affects your bottom line. The flow meter needs to be able to measure how the fluid is moving through the pipeline. Flow meters have different profiles for measuring the conditions of the application. You should work with the engineers to make sure you have the right one.
You should not select your parts, flow meters or dry gas seals based on cost. Look at the most cost-effective installation of your product, from the time it is installed to the back-up and track record of the part. When the flow meter is not calibrated right, you might be shut down while the part gets repaired.
Pay attention to where the flow meter is installed. Joints and bends in the pipeline can affect the flow of the fluid, which in turn causes distortions in the measure. Always check the manufacture’s installation recommendations for installing a flow meter. What is it you need to know or want to measure and why? This allows you to choose what suits your needs.
Be aware of the calibration claims. You will never achieve 100 percent accurate calibration. Typically, the best you can hope for is +/- 0.1 percent. Note how often the flow meter needs to be re-calibrated to achieve the most accuracy. Some recommend using the same supplier for all your equipment, to get a fully matched system. You want all the parts manufactured to the same quality and standards.
Dry Gas Seals
Dry gas seal systems keep your compressor running more efficiently. The dry gas seals operate at high speeds and pressures, which prevents compressor failure. The reliability of dry gas seals is affected by many different factors, including:
- The seal
- Seal selection
- The dry gas seal panel
- Auxiliary systems
- Separation and process seals
Having a more reliable compressor keeps your production on target. It makes a big difference to your bottom line.
Saving Money by Increasing Reliability
Technology is always improving. Even small advancements can provide for higher reliability. Today’s systems have been carefully created to better match the entire system, which makes the flow meters and dry gas seals keep your system operating more efficiently and prevent unnecessary shutdowns. Work with professionals who know and industry flow meters and dry gas seals to help you find the right parts to fit your goals.
