Hoffer Insertion Meters Used for Leak Detection in Pipeline

Hoffer Flow Controls continues to supply many “insertion” type turbine flowmeters to the petroleum pipeline industry. This type of meter is commonly used for leak detection and not custody transfer. Custody transfer applications are addressed with “in-line” axial flowmeters such as the Hoffer API Series turbine flow meters custody transfer or CT Series turbine flowmeters for custody transfer. Leak detection flow applications for checking the pipeline’s integrity can be addressed with the HP Series of insertion turbine flowmeters.

Insertion Type Turbine Flowmeter similar to In-line Turbine Flowmeter

The principle of operation for an insertion-type turbine flowmeter is much the same as an in-line turbine flowmeter. The insertion meter includes a rotor assembly and pickup coil. The flowmeter measures velocity at a specific point in the fluid stream. Volumetric flow can be inferred the I.D. of the line is known. Accuracies can approach ±0.25% depending on the type of transmitter specified with the flowmeter.

Insertion turbine meters provide multiple advantages compared to in-line turbine flowmeters and other types of flowmeter technologies. These advantages include low cost, negligible pressure drop, low installation costs, minimal potential points of leakage, and avoidance of high pumping costs. Additionally, the HP insertion turbine flowmeter can be specified for use in velocities up to 50 FPS. This allows pipeline companies to move a maximum amount of product in the shortest time possible.

Leak Detection and Pipeline Integrity

Leak detection and pipeline integrity are not only essential to the bottom line for the pipeline company, but it is also an environmental issue. In California, in particular, Hoffer has supplied insertion turbine flowmeters for pipeline integrity verification. Many of the petroleum products being measured include the additive MTBE. Proper selection of the flowmeter seal is essential for any application. However, it is sometimes more challenging with various additives factored into the equation. Hoffer has successfully specified and supplied the insertion turbine flowmeter for a wide cross-section of pipeline applications.

HP Series Insertion Flowmeters

The HP Series insertion flowmeters are available in both low-pressure and high-pressure versions. The unit produces a frequency pulse output. Hoffer can supply either a pulse-producing preamplifier or an analog signal converter with the HP meter. A smart signal converter allows users to take advantage of the excellent repeatability of the HP insertion flowmeter. This means that users can achieve ±0.25% linearity over a 10:1 flow turndown range when they specify a Hoffer transmitter with the HP insertion turbine flowmeter.

Whether your flow application calls for linearity of ±0.15%, ±0.25%, ±0.5%, or ±1% turbine flowmeter, call us. We design and manufacture a wide variety of turbine flowmeter solutions for gas and liquid applications. Let us put our flow expertise to work for you.

About Hoffer Flow Controls

Hoffer Flow Controls has been designing and manufacturing quality liquid turbine flowmeters and related process instrumentation for more than fifty years. Our initial experience was in the field of cryogenic flow measurement. Today our reputation in this field is synonymous with quality. Today Hoffer Flow Controls manufactures high-precision turbine flowmeters to measure clean liquids and gases throughout the processing industries. Please be sure to follow Hoffer Flow Control on Linked In

Insertion Turbine Flowmeters from Hoffer Flow Controls

Hoffer Turbine Flowmeters are available in a broad range of standard and special materials. The wide range of construction options allows for selecting the optimum combination of useful range, corrosion resistance, and operating life for a particular application. A low mass rotor design allows for a rapid dynamic response which permits the turbine flowmeter to be used in pulsating flow applications.

Also, see
NaturalGas Turbine Flowmeters | Gas Transmission Auxiliary
Petroleumflowmeters | Custody Transfer Pipelines
Industrial Star Series Turbine Flow Meters for Liquids
Lo-Co Series Turbine Flowmeters for Liquid