Thermal Mass Flow Meters from Fox Thermal solve the problems of monitoring flared gas in oil and gas applications such as well drilling operations, oil refineries, chemical process plants, gas distribution infrastructure, and more. Flow meters solve issues with:
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Flow meters from Fox Thermal allow you to meet the regular emissions reporting requirements for flare stacks and enclosed combustors. Our flow meters meet and exceed the accuracy requirements of the EPA, have extensive approvals, and have an in-situ calibration validation feature to ensure your meter is functioning properly.
Thermal mass flow technology is a proven and reliable technology used widely in the oil and gas industry. Its direct mass flow measurement technology requires no temperature or pressure compensation. This cost effective solution is easy to install, has a short lead time, and can be configured for your unique process conditions.
Due to the potential for large changes in flow rates, density, pressure, and gas composition, flare gas measurement is one of the most difficult and demanding flow applications. Fox Thermal mass flow meters maintain repeatability and accuracy over an exceptionally broad measurement range of up to 1000:1 (100:1 typical).
A flow meter from Fox Thermal is specially equipped for flare applications. Flare stacks and enclosed combustors (or vapor combustors) are used to burn waste gases from oil production, natural gas processing facilities, dehydration facilities, tank batteries, tank farms, and industrial plants. Some processes also use relief valves to vent flammable gases to the flare stack during upset conditions.
Flares and combustors are subject to stringent regulations, requiring operators to measure, record, and report the amount of flared gases. Thermal mass flow measurement systems from Fox Thermal have demonstrated their ability to measure the low flow rates typical of normal flare conditions, and also the high velocities found in upset conditions. Fluid composition and installation anomalies can also affect flare meter performance. Fox Thermal’s Calibration Lab employs a wide range of gases, gas mixtures, temperatures, pressures, and line sizes to simulate actual fluid and process conditions while calibrating our flow meters. This real-world approach improves installed accuracy and minimizes measurement uncertainty.
Flaring of methane and natural gas is a common part of oil and gas drilling and natural gas production and processing to maintain safe production facilities and comply with environmental regulations. Under 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOO (Quad-O) applicable flares and combustors must improve their combustion efficiency to 95%.
Flare stacks and combustors are used at oil and gas well sites to burn off methane from the drilling, collection, and storage of the gases produced in the process. Any storage tanks must decrease emissions through closed loop systems like VRUs and only flared in certain exceptions, like emergency flaring.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and methane are the primary emissions applicable under Quad-O. The reduction of these emissions is regulated by the US EPA as they are considered hazardous air pollutants.
When hydrocarbon gas is extracted, especially from hydraulic fracking, it is necessary to process it further to separate it from the water and other hydrocarbons. A VRU (vapor recovery unit) may be used to capture gas for delivery to a pipeline.
Oil producers are tasked to reduce flaring and emissions with gas recovery systems or closed loop systems like Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs). Traditionally, these have been combusted using a flare system or combustors to cut down on the loss of these gases to the atmosphere. As part of this requirement, flares or combustors used to reduce emissions must include monitoring instruments that have an accuracy of ±2% or better.
Fox Thermal flow meters meet and exceed these requirements with high accuracy, a digital Calibration Validation feature, and an advanced data logger (offered on the Model FT4X). With exceptional low-flow sensitivity, fast response, and low maintenance requirements, Fox Thermal flow meters are virtually immune to changes in temperature and pressure and deliver repeatable, accurate mass flow measurement under a wide range of loads.
Help Me Choose A Flow MeterIf you’re not sure which meter is right for your application, our Help Me Choose app walks you through a short series of questions to help you choose the ideal meter.
Next, enter your process data and flow meter requirements into our automated product configurator. Drop-down menus and Help icons will guide you to answer each question.
Save the data you entered into the configurator to create a PDF with a model code and AppID. When you're ready, submit your application to Fox Thermal for a quote.
This versatile gas flow meter is available with CAL-V™ Calibration Validation, DDC-Sensor™, and Gas-SelectX® allowing it to be programmed to measure any combination of up to 10 gases in 0.1% increments to create a custom gas mix.
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The FT3 can operate over higher temperatures and measure a wide range of dry pure gases and gas mixes. Comes with CAL-V™ and Zero CAL-CHECK®. An optional Data Logger is available.
Features include:
The FT4X features CAL-V™ Calibration Validation, DDC-Sensor™, and Gas-SelectX®. It has a built-in data logger for advanced record-keeping and data retention.
Features include:
Find out more about the features and benefits of our range of advanced thermal flow meters and how they can help your flow measurement application.
This technical white paper provides operators in the Oil & Gas industry with an easy-to-follow method of finding the right flow meter technology for flare and combustor gas flow measurement.
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