Vol.2 No.10 Subject: Flow Measurement News Date: 10-5-00 From: McCrometer, "The Flow Measurement Specialists" ........ <http://www.mccrometer.com> ........ ******************************************* This newsletter is e-mailed by McCrometer monthly to subscribers worldwide. It consists of flow measurement information of interest for professionals in this field. For More information on our complete line of flowmeters go to: <http://www.mccrometer.com> ******************************************* Ask The Experts... "When is it time to Retrofit?" Here are some examples of situations when a retrofit might be needed: Your existing system is showing the signs of age and not registering the accuracy requirement anymore. There is a change in process, such as flow rate, operating temperature, operating pressure or having a different fluid running through the process. An efficiency issue arises, such as the flow rate out of a well dropping below the minimum flow capability of the existing system. When efficiency can be improved and/or costs cut by means of better measurement at the location. Finally, a retrofit can also be required if the existing system has a high maintenance cost and there are few alternatives available. Once an engineer has decided to retrofit, there are several factors needed to consider in order to get the most appropriate and cost effective flow measurement results. Return on investment is an obvious and major concern for any engineer. Savings on maintenance costs to the meter, energy usage (if the meter allows finer tuning of a utility line) or the cost of not being compliant with specific regulations are all points to consider. Space and the amount of technology that can be employed in the available area are also important considerations. In many retrofits, the available space is minimal. The McCrometer V-Cone finds a home in many of these situations where the available run length is limited by tight existing piping configurations. Another factor is the accuracy requirement versus the cost of the instrument. Applying a +/- 0.5% reading meter where a +/- 2% full scale measurement is required would not only not be cost effective, but would end up costing more in the long run of the operating system. "I need to retrofit, but what questions should I be asking my supplier?" An engineer should make sure the supplier understands the application they will be retrofitting and modifying. A clear understanding of flow rates, media, accuracy requirements, operating pressure, and temperature is a must for both the engineer and supplier when deciding the best possible retrofit. The engineer also needs to inform the supplier of the surrounding piping to and from the meter. If a supplier cannot guarantee that their meter will work in the engineer's application, such as the straight runs being adequate or a flow conditioner being provided, that should sound a warning alarm that this meter is not conducive to their project and could end up costing them more in the long term. Speaking of the long term, what is the periodic maintenance required for the meter? The supplier should be able to give the engineer an accurate estimate of the maintenance required to maintain consistent performance and accuracy of the meter. Contact McCrometer today to find out more about retrofitting with our patented V-Cone and Wafer-Cone systems. Copyright 2000 McCrometer ******************************************* Know anyone looking for a steady dose of flow measurement information? ****************************************** To subscribe send e-mail to <mailto:news-request@mccrometer.com>news-request@mccrometer.com with a keyword SUBSCRIBE in the subject field. To unsubscribe, send e-mail to <mailto:news-request@mccrometer.com>news-request@mccrometer.com with a keyword REMOVE in the subject field. ******************************************* To subscribe or unsubscribe online, please go to our website at: http://www.mccrometer.com/subscribe.htm ******************************************* Distributed by McCrometer "The Flow Measurement Specialists" http://www.mccrometer.com