Flexim: the innovation in non-intrusive ultrasonic measurement

In the pulp and paper industry, manufacturing processes are complex and require careful management of energy resources. Paper mills use various by-products and technologies to optimize their operations while minimizing costs and environmental impact. This article explores the importance of black liquor and steam in these plants, as well as the benefits of non-intrusive measurement technologies to improve energy efficiency and resource management.     

Modern strategies for efficient industrial process control  

Efficient management of black liquor and steam is essential for processes such as drying and heating. Black liquor, a liquid by-product rich in dissolved organic matter found in Kraft paper plants, is used as a fuel to produce the steam needed for production operations. Without adequate measures, problems such as leaks, compressor inefficiency, evaporator bottlenecks and uncontrolled steam flows can lead to significant energy losses, increasing operating costs and having a negative environmental impact. Traditional intrusive measurement methods require disruptive production downtime. 

Maximizing efficiency with Flexim clamp-on technology  

Energy efficiency and digitization rely on accurate data to drive improvements. Flexim's non-intrusive clamp-on ultrasonic measurement technology enables data to be collected without interrupting operations. This optimizes resource usage and increases efficiency. Understanding current consumption is key to making savings. Billing metrics track overall consumption, but technologies for monitoring partial flows are often inadequate. It is therefore crucial to improve sensors to provide accurate, real-time data, facilitating digitization and energy savings. 

Non-intrusive flow measurement is performed using the ultrasonic propagation time difference method: two ultrasonic transducers are attached to the pipe at a defined distance apart. They send out ultrasonic signals in the direction of flow and in the opposite direction. The flow speed results from the measured transit time difference.
  

What are the advantages of Flexim's ultrasonic technology? 

Simplified installation and maintenance 

The cost and effort involved in installing intrusive in-line measurement equipment can be considerable. Intrusive technologies require pipes to be opened, leading to production interruptions. Flexim's ultrasonic clamp-on measurement technology, with its FLUXUS® systems, uses ultrasonic transmitters mounted outside the pipe to measure flow rates without intrusion, allowing installation while operations are in progress. These systems provide accurate measurements of flow velocities, regardless of flow direction, and require little maintenance. Without requiring any piping modifications, installation of Flexim's non-intrusive ultrasonic flowmeter can save between $8,000 and $10,000 per measurement point on 4-inch piping, compared with intrusive technology.

Precision and versatility  

Clamp-on ultrasonic systems measure liquid-based thermal energy flows non-intrusively. By simultaneously recording temperature and flow at supply and return points, they provide accurate energy assessments. The FLUXUS® TE system integrates all the functions required for an energy meter: flow transmitter, temperature sensors and calculator. This calculator determines the actual heat output or total energy transported from the measured values, considering heat transfer-specific data such as enthalpy and heat coefficients. 

Superior performance and durability  

Non-intrusive ultrasonic measurement technology excels in monitoring, balancing and leakage control of compressed air networks. It is unaffected by moisture, oil or dirt particles, and operates without drift or maintenance. Its bi-directional capability enables precise balancing, even when flow direction changes. This technology also offers significant advantages for saturated steam flow measurement, enabling both low and high flow rates to be measured without reducing the pipe's cross-sectional area.  

Diversified applications - Plant water inlet and outlet flow measurement (Environment/Energy)  

Non-intrusive ultrasonic flow measurement, using the transit time difference method, is versatile and covers liquids, gases and steam. Available in fixed and portable versions, this technology enables economical energy management. Fixed devices continuously monitor the main energy flows, while portable devices temporarily measure individual consumption. In the paper industry, measuring the flow of pumped raw water is a common application. FLUXUS® flowmeters can be used on concrete pipes up to 2 meters in diameter. 

Measure corrosive liquors without intrusion with Flexim 

Measuring the flow and density of black, white and green liquors presents challenges due to their corrosive nature, sediment and tendency to foul. Intrusive technologies have their limits, but Flexim's non-intrusive ultrasonic technology offers an advantageous solution, improving both maintenance and measurement performance. 

Transparent integration and advanced verification with FLUXUS®

FLUXUS® transmitters feature interfaces for bi-directional digital communication, including Modbus, seamlessly integrating flow and energy measurements into energy management or process control systems. Flexim also offers advanced meter verification (AMV) for its measurement systems. This on-site validation does not interrupt measurements or operations and can be carried out by the user or Flexim service personnel. 

Flexim: reliable and efficient measurement solutions for the industry - available through Laurentide Controls 

Flexim provides an innovative and effective solution for optimizing energy efficiency and resource management in industries requiring accurate and reliable measurement without interrupting operations.  

Flexim's non-intrusive measurement technology has proven its reliability and cost-effectiveness in industrial installations worldwide. Now available in North America and integrated with Emerson, this technology guarantees first-class performance and support. In Eastern Canada, these solutions are available through Laurentide Controls, a full-service provider for the pulp and paper industry. Please contact us to discuss your application, and our experts will be happy to assist you.