Chapter XII - Flow in Plant Applications

Abstract

All process plants, including batch processes and most of most manufacturing plants, require flow measurement. This chapter discusses the application of flow measurements in various plants. A few common issues, like dust handling installation issues and flow meter-specific issues have been covered separately. Major difficulties of coal flow measurement with solutions and alternative means of steam flow computation (to avoid loss) for thermal power plants are discussed at length. Reactor coolant measurement and standards for measurements in nuclear plants are also covered. All kinds of fluid flow meters, including slurry as well as multiphase meters used at different stages in oil and gas industries, have been discussed at length, including discussions on separators, pipeline leak detections, and various standards used, are also discussed at length. Major challenges in paper industries including corrosion and the abrasive nature of slurry and air flow in paper machines have been covered in detail to aid meter selection. Specialties of pharmaceutical and food industries, including batch processing, e.g., Digmesa, are also discussed. Metallurgical and mining flow metering, including red mud handling, are covered at length. Issues related to cement plant solid handling problems are also discussed at length. The chapter also covers the ethanol process, brewery, and other plants covering specific issues related to these industries.