August 9, 2008. - GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies has received a significant order for the supply of flare gas flow metering systems for the Pearl GTL project in Qatar. The order for GF868 digital ultrasonic flowmetering systems, comprising flare transmitters, transducers and flowcells, was placed by MW Kellogg, on behalf of Qatar Shell GTL Ltd. This order follows a similar order placed for another section of Qatar'sNorth Field.
Sponsored by Qatar Petroleum and Shell, the Pearl GTL (Gas to Liquids) project includes the development of offshore natural gas resources in Qatar's North Field, transporting and processing the gas to extract natural gas liquids and ethane and the conversion of the remaining gas into clean liquid hydrocarbon products through the construction of the world's largest integrated GTL complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar.
Gas flaring, both on offshore platforms and in refineries, is carried out to burn off unwanted gases under both routine and emergency conditions. However, it is important to measure the amount of gas being flared, to comply with environmental regulations, to identify leaks, to reconcile plant mass balances, to conserve energy by eliminating unnecessary flaring and for basic flare burner control.
Ultrasonic flowmeters have proved themselves superior to other types of flowmeters in the arduous task of flare gas flow measurement. The GF868 flowmetering system has consistently demonstrated that it operates reliably even under unsteady flow, pulsating pressure, varying gas compositions and temperatures, harsh environments and wide flow ranges. Flow measurement is independent of gas properties and the flowmeter uses a proprietary algorithm for instant determination of molecular weight and mass flow rate of the flare gas.
The project engineer at MW Kellogg commented, "We had no hesitation in specifying the GF868 for the project, as it is a complete flow metering system, ideally suited to this application."
About GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is part of GE Enterprise Solutions, a $5 billion business helping customers compete and win in a changing global environment by combining the power of GE's unique expertise and intelligent technology to drive customers' productivity and profitability. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is a leading innovator in advanced measurement, sensor-based and inspection solutions that deliver accuracy, productivity and safety to its customers. The company designs and manufactures sensing instruments that measure temperature, pressure, moisture, gas and flow rate for demanding customer applications. It also designs, manufactures and services inspection equipment, including radiographic, ultrasonic, remote visual and eddy current, that monitors and tests materials without disassembly, deforming or damaging them. GE Sensing & Inspection's products are used in a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. The company has 4,700 employees at more than 40 facilities in 25 countries worldwide.
