GE DigitalFlow™ GF868-1-1-1-2-1-0-1-4-0-0-0-RPT – Flare Gas Mass Ultrasonic Flowmeter

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: GE Panametrics (Baker Hughes)
• Model: GF868-1-1-1-2-1-0-1-4-0-0-0-RPT
• Product Series: DigitalFlow™ GF868
• Measurement Technology: Correlation Transit-Time™ ultrasonic (time-of-flight)
• Channel Configuration: Single-channel
• Operating Voltage: 100 to 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Enclosure: Aluminum, IP66/Type 4X, flameproof/explosionproof
• Certifications: Class I, Div 1, Groups BCD T6; ATEX II 2G Ex d IIB+H2 T6 Gb; IECEx Ex d IIB+H2 T6 Gb
• Outputs: Four isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs
• Communication: Modbus RTU (RS-485), RPT (Report) output enabled
• Flow Velocity Range: 0.1 to 394 ft/s (0.03 to 120 m/s)
• Pipe/Stack Diameter: Up to 120 inches (3,048 mm)
• Molecular Weight Range: 2 to 200 g/mol
• Temperature Range (Transducers): -55°C to +150°C (-67°F to +302°F) (standard)
• Pressure Range: -2 psig to 1,500 psig (87.6 to 10,300 kPa)
• Transducer Material: Titanium, Hastelloy®, or 316 SS
• Display: Backlit LCD with 2-line, 16-character alphanumeric readout
• Power Consumption: Max 30 VA
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 14.2 in × 10.2 in × 6.7 in (360 mm × 260 mm × 170 mm)
• Weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
• Operating Temperature (Electronics): -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)
• Relative Humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing)

Key Features

1. Patented Ultrasonic Measurement Technology
   • Utilizes Correlation Transit-Time™ ultrasonic technology to measure gas flow by analyzing the time difference of ultrasonic signals traveling with and against the flow.
   • Proprietary algorithm calculates average molecular weight of hydrocarbon mixtures in real time, enabling accurate mass flow measurement regardless of gas composition changes.
2. High Accuracy & Wide Turndown Ratio
   • Delivers ±1% of reading accuracy for flow velocity and ±2% of reading for mass flow rate.
   • Exceptionally wide turndown ratio of 2,750:1 measures extremely low to high flow rates without recalibration.
3. Robust & Maintenance-Free Design
   • No moving parts, orifices, or filters to wear, clog, or replace, eliminating routine maintenance and reducing operational costs.
   • Rugged aluminum enclosure with IP66/Type 4X protection withstands harsh weather, dust, and corrosive atmospheres.
4. Comprehensive I/O & Communication
   • Four isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs transmit flow velocity, volumetric flow, mass flow, and molecular weight data to control systems.
   • Modbus RTU (RS-485) communication enables seamless integration with SCADA, DCS, and PLC systems for remote monitoring and control.
   • RPT (Report) output provides formatted data logs for compliance reporting and data analysis.
5. Hazardous Area Compliance
   • Certified for Class I, Div 1, Groups BCD T6 (US/Canada), ATEX II 2G Ex d IIB+H2 T6 Gb, and IECEx Ex d IIB+H2 T6 Gb for safe operation in explosive gas environments.
6. Real-Time Diagnostics & Monitoring
   • On-board diagnostics continuously monitor transducer health, signal quality, and system status, alerting users to faults via LCD display and digital outputs.
   • Supports remote diagnostics and troubleshooting via Modbus, reducing on-site service requirements.

Application Scenarios

1. Oil & Gas Industry (Primary Application)
   • Refineries: Measures flare gas flow to track emissions, detect leaks, and ensure compliance with EPA and local environmental regulations.
   • Offshore Platforms: Monitors flare gas discharge from production platforms, reducing product loss and improving safety.
   • LNG Facilities: Measures flare gas during plant startup, shutdown, and emergency venting, ensuring safe and compliant operation.
2. Petrochemical & Chemical Plants
   • Monitors flare gas from reactors, distillation columns, and process units, detecting leaks and optimizing flare system performance.
   • Supports mass balance calculations and emissions reporting for regulatory compliance.
3. Power Generation
   • Combined-Cycle Power Plants: Measures flare gas from gas turbines and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), ensuring environmental compliance.
   • Thermal Power Stations: Monitors flare gas from coal-fired boilers and auxiliary systems, reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
4. Industrial Facilities
   • Steel Mills: Measures flare gas from coke ovens and blast furnaces, optimizing energy use and reducing emissions.
   • Pulp & Paper Mills: Monitors flare gas from recovery boilers and digesters, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
5. Environmental Compliance & Emissions Monitoring
   • Provides accurate, real-time flare gas flow data for EPA Tier 2, MACT, and LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) compliance reporting.
   • Identifies and quantifies flare system leaks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and product loss.