How to size a Coriolis mass flow meter when measuring cryogenic LNG.
With the widespread use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the energy sector, there is an increasing need for accurate measurement of LNG. As a high-precision and high-reliability flow measurement instrument, Coriolis mass flow meter has an important position in the measurement of LNG. However, due to the low-temperature nature of LNG, selecting the right Coriolis mass flow meter model becomes a critical issue. This article will discuss how to choose the right Coriolis mass flow meter when measuring cryogenic LNG.
First, we need to understand the characteristics of LNGs. The temperature of LNG is extremely low, generally around -160, which puts forward extremely high requirements for the material selection of the flow meter. The material of the Coriolis mass flow meter must be able to withstand such low temperatures, while also having good corrosion resistance to the acid gases that may be present. When choosing a material, you can consider using special stainless steel or titanium alloy and other low-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials.
Secondly, considering the fluid characteristics of LNG, such as low density, low temperature, etc., we need to choose a flow meter with high measurement accuracy and high measurement range. The design principle of the Coriolis mass flow meter gives it an advantage when measuring low-density, low-temperature fluids, enabling high-precision mass flow measurements. At the same time, in order to ensure the accuracy of the measurement, we also need to accurately calibrate and calibrate the flow meter according to the actual operating conditions.
In addition, due to the flammable and explosive nature of LNG, safety has become an important consideration in the selection of flow meters. Coriolis mass flow meters should be equipped with necessary safety protection measures, such as explosion-proof design, overload protection, etc., to ensure safety during the measurement process.
In addition to the above-mentioned considerations such as materials, precision, and safety, there are a few other factors to look out for. For example, due to the low temperature characteristics of LNG, the fluid temperature is quite different from the ambient temperature, which may lead to thermal expansion and contraction of pipelines. Therefore, when choosing a Coriolis mass flow meter, it is necessary to consider its adaptability to the thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline to reduce the measurement error.
In summary, when choosing a Coriolis mass flow meter suitable for measuring cryogenic LNG, we need to fully consider the characteristics of LNG as well as the material, accuracy, safety and adaptability of the flow meter. By taking these factors into account, we can choose a Coriolis mass flow meter that is suitable for measuring cryogenic LNG, resulting in accurate and reliable LNG flow measurement.