FCI announces 2019 version of ST51A Biogas Flow Meter

January 30, 2019 — Fluid Components International (FCI) released the 2019 version of the ST51A Biogas Flow Meter from Fluid Components International (FCI).

FCI’s thermal mass ST51A Biogas Flow Meter is designed specifically for dirty, potentially hazardous biogas processes.  It provides system operators with highly accurate and repeatable mass flow measurement to facilitate system control, log gas production data and provide mandated safety and environmental reporting information.

To survive in biogas processes, the ST51 Flow Meter comes standard with 316 stainless steel body construction and Hastelloy-C22 thermal sensors. It features a no-moving parts, non-clogging design, which eliminates the need for constant cleaning under wet, dirty biogas conditions.  The ST51A meter comes with full global Division 1, Zone 1, Ex safety approvals.

The meter’s electronics are housed in a durable NEMA 4X, IP67 dust/water ingress protected and all-metal (aluminum or 316L stainless steel) enclosure with dual conduit ports in either NPT or M20 threading.  The transmitter can be integrally mounted with the flow element (probe) or can be remote mounted for installation flexibility. The instrument comes standard with dual 4-20 mA, NAMUR NE43 compliant outputs and a 500 Hz pulse output.

The model ST51A adds digital communications via the HART, Version 7, protocol.  It provides plant staff with digital data on flow rate and temperature parameters, the instrument’s health, fault diagnostics and asset management info. It also features the capability to make field configuration changes if needed by using standard HART portable communicators.  All of FCI’s thermal mass flow meters with HART protocol communications are certified and registered with the Fieldcomm Group.

This insertion-style flow meter is available in multiple probe lengths for installation into pipe diameters from 2.5 to 24 inches (63 to 610 mm). It is easily connected into the pipe via a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch NPT compression fitting. 

The ST51A Flow Meter utilizes constant power thermal dispersion mass flow technology, which employs a slightly heated sensor that provides a subtle drying effect on condensating moisture to make it highly effective (accurate) in moist biogas applications.  Built-in temperature compensation circuitry provides correct readings under variable climate conditions—cold winters and hot summers.

The ST51A Flow Meter operates over a measurement range of 0.3 to 400 SFPS (0,08 to 122 MPS) with 100:1 turndown.  The instrument’s standard accuracy is ± 2% reading,  ±0.5% full scale, with an optional configuration to provide higher accuracy to ±1% reading, ±0.5% full scale.  

About FCI

Fluid Components International is a global company committed to meeting the needs of its customers through innovative solutions for the most challenging requirements for sensing, and measuring flow, pressure and temperature of gases.