Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steam in food factories / EMS

basic information

■Overview of Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Steam The clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter for steam enables the visualization of steam flow in factories and facilities where installation has previously been challenging. It can be easily installed without the need for piping work, and there is no need to stop operating equipment when installing the flow meter. Since it is installed externally on the piping, there are no steam leaks or pressure losses, allowing for effective utilization of steam energy. Additionally, with no moving parts, it is not affected by water hammer, which helps reduce maintenance costs. By contributing to the visualization of steam flow and collaborating with Energy Management Systems (EMS), it supports the identification of waste, energy conservation in factories, and optimization of energy management. ■Main Features - No construction required. Installation can be done without cutting the piping. - Zero pressure loss. As it is an external type, there is no pressure loss. - No moving parts, which reduces costs for regular maintenance such as cleaning. - Capable of measuring flow rates from zero, which cannot be measured by other types of steam flow meters. - Mass flow rate conversion is possible.

Price information

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Applications/Examples of results

■Application Example 1: Heat Balance Analysis of Steam Used in Sterilization Equipment A heat balance analysis was conducted on the steam used in the sterilization equipment at a certain factory A, utilizing a steam ultrasonic flow meter, and a field test for energy-saving diagnosis was carried out. The results of this test revealed that the product outlet temperature was more than 5°C higher than the design value, and approximately 30 kW of flash steam was generated from the discharge hot water, indicating that there was heat input from the steam even during equipment downtime. Upon analyzing the causes of these phenomena, it was found that the heat recovery amount had decreased below the design value due to the aging deterioration of the heat exchanger. Additionally, the flash steam was generated as it flowed from high-pressure water at 0.3 MPa (G) to piping at 0.0 MPa (G), so it was determined that it could be separated and recovered for use in a flash tank, and the waste hot water could be utilized for heat recovery with heat pumps, etc. ■Application Example 2: Real-Time Remote Monitoring System for Steam Flow A real-time remote monitoring system for the amount of steam flowing into the sterilization equipment at the factory was established using a clamp-on steam flow meter. During field tests conducted with this system, it was found that steam was still flowing even when the sterilization equipment was stopped, allowing for the visualization of unnecessary energy consumption.

Detailed information

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  ■Visualization of Steam Energy Loss Enables Energy Saving Measures To promote energy-saving measures, it is necessary to understand where waste occurs and where there is potential for energy savings. While energy-saving measures for electricity are advancing in food factories, the measurement of steam and heat is difficult, leading to delays in energy-saving initiatives. Ultrasonic flow meters for steam are easy to install and can measure even small flow rates, making it possible to visualize steam energy loss.

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  ■ Can be installed while equipment is operating, with no impact from water hammer. External steam flow meters do not require piping work and can be installed without stopping the operating equipment. When introducing conventional vortex or differential pressure flow meters, it is impossible to completely prevent steam leakage from the piping connection points. In the case of clamp-on type, the flow meter can be installed on the outside of the piping, eliminating concerns about pressure loss or damage from water hammer.

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  ■From Partial Optimization of Energy to Overall Energy Management of the Factory In the industrial sector, thermal utilization accounts for the largest share of energy consumption, and efforts to reduce consumption and optimize usage are gaining attention. In the manufacturing industry, initiatives for energy conservation, CO2 reduction, and carbon neutrality are essential, requiring not only the optimal use of electricity but also of heat. By starting energy management with the visualization of steam energy, it becomes possible to achieve energy conservation and optimal energy use throughout the entire factory.

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  ■Energy Management System for Achieving Energy Savings and Optimal Operation Across the Entire Factory By implementing an Energy Management System (EMS), it becomes possible to measure the energy used in the factory, such as electricity, water, air, and steam, by system type. This allows for a clear understanding of the actual energy consumption and enables energy savings through optimal operation. To promote the reduction of energy loss, energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and efforts toward carbon neutrality in food factories, it is essential to "visualize," "understand," and "optimize" energy usage. This can lead to benefits such as energy savings through improvements in equipment operation, adjustments to equipment operating settings, heat recovery and utilization, and reductions in waste heat volume.