LNG – Liquefied Natural Gas 

At LNG plants, terminals and storage facilities natural gas is handled in liquefied form at a temperature of -163 °C.

Such extreme conditions present special challenges for most common metering principles. FLEXIM’s patented WaveInjector technology provides a non-intrusive solution for these applications and therefore overcomes typical problems associated with intrusive metering methods. The thermally separated ultrasonic transducers offer a reliable and proven way to measure LNG flow without causing any pressure drop.

Application example of flow measurement of Liquefied Natural Gas at -260°F:

When natural gas is cooled to -161°C, it becomes a clear, colorless, odorless liquid: liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Natural gas in its liquid form takes up to 600 times less space than in its gaseous state. It can thus be transported over long distances.

LNG peak-shaving facilities are used for storing surplus natural gas needed to meet the requirements of peak consumption during winter or summer. For the correct operation of the facility, reliable information about the flow of the LNG in the regasification unit is required. For this purpose, conventional measurement technologies such as rotameters are often used. These invasive devices are subject to wear and tear and thus loosing precision and reliability.

Non-invasive flow measurement with ultrasound is an elegant alternative to classical invasive measurement techniques. As the clamp-on trans

ducers are simply fixed on the outside of the pipe, no pipework and thus no process interruption is necessary for installation. With FLEXIM’s patented WaveInjector, reliable non-intrusive flow measurement is possible even under extreme conditions: from very low up to very high temperatures.

The WaveInjector separates the transducers thermally from the extreme temperatures and simultaneously guarantees their perfect acoustic coupling. FLEXIM’s patented WaveInjector technology thus allows the upgrade of existing plants without any need to interrupt the process.

Avantages of FLUXUS flow measurement:

• Reliable non-invasive measurement even under extreme conditions
• No extra costs due to special materials
• No process interruption
• Maximum flexibility: The measuring system can easily be re-used at other measuring points
• Safe equipment since non-invasive
• Maintenance free measurement due to permanent couplings between transducer and WaveInjector and between WaveInjector and pipe