Can a flow meter with flanges be used to measure dimethyl carbonate?
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Our factory has a unit that produces dimethyl carbonate, but this substance crystallizes at around 50 degrees Celsius, which causes blockages in the pipes. Even with heating to maintain the appropriate temperature, the problem persists. I would like to ask whether it is possible to use a flow meter with flanges in such situations. Could you please provide a brief explanation of how a flow meter with flanges works?
Is a flange a wedge flow meter? Is it a different crystal?
Of course, it can be replaced; however, with double flanges, there is significant hysteresis and poor accuracy. Replacing it will naturally result in a slight decrease in the accuracy of flow measurement.
The principle of a flow meter with flanges is the same as that of a similar flow meter without flanges; no flow meter experiences any difference in its measurement principle due to whether flange connections are used or not during installation. Without a flange, the medium crystallizes and causes blockages; does the presence of a flange prevent such crystallization and blockages? The root cause of the blockage is the low temperature of the medium; strengthening the heat tracing measures and raising the medium’s temperature is necessary to resolve the underlying issue. If adding a flange could solve the blockage caused by the medium at low temperatures, then would anyone still bother with insulating and heating the pipes?
The principle is the same. They are all differential pressure flow meters. The damping with a flange will be greater. The throttling element is generally a wedge flow meter. The flange is close to the pipe. Therefore, the temperature is not greatly affected by the environment, and since there are no pressure transfer tubes, there is no issue of crystallization in those tubes. However, it is best to provide insulation and heating at the flanges.
I heard about this method from an experienced teacher; I have some doubts, so I came to ask. Thank you for the reply; I’ve learned a lot.
Well, I guess it might be because the capillaries of the flange flow meter are filled with silicone oil, which prevents blockages; by covering the flange properly for heat insulation, there should be no issue with blockages