Superior Analytics Instruments (SAI), a specialist in measurement and control of liquids and gases, selected and installed the 2580 FlowtraMag® magnetic flow meter from GF Piping Systems at a sand mine’s polymer feed line for dewatering sludge in West Texas. The full-bore magnetic flow meter is used to quantify the effectiveness of various polymers per ton of solids.
Prior to this installation, Jon Cleveland, SAI Owner, had used GF products on many other installations. During set up, irregular flows were observed on the flow meter. With the installation of the GF back pressure valve, these irregular flows were eliminated and more precise dosing achieved. These changes were easy to spot, and the backpressure adjustment optimized, using the real time data observed on the app.
“The key reason the 2580 was chosen for this dewatering application was its compact size for fitting into tight spaces,” says Cleveland. “Other factors that went into the decision were its simple installation and setup, price point and amazingly easy to use app!”
The GF Configuration Tool bluetooth app allows users to configure and calibrate the 2580 to the parameters required for their system. After customizing parameters for averaging, low flow cut off, or spanning the 4 to 20 mA output, users can then monitor and adjust performance settings in the 2580 on their Android or iOS device.
“The thing about the app,” said Cleveland, “is that it allowed us to do the installation and troubleshoot using technicians that were unfamiliar with flow meters and instrumentation but happened to be on site in the area. Having sold and installed numerous magnetic flow meters over the years, I have found some to be far easier to install and commission than others.”
By using the app, Cleveland could remotely instruct a group of field service technicians to successfully install, commission, and verify calibration of the flow meters. This gave the sand mine confidence in the measured flows. By having the app loaded on their phones, they could also do troubleshooting and diagnostics.
“For one flow meter, the app proved to be essential,” Cleveland said. “We had a pump that was failing but were unable to prove it until we did a calibration with the flow meter.”
“The technicians that did the install are skilled in their area of expertise, which is three phase pumps, DC drives and exceptionally large machinery, but they don’t normally deal with instrumentation,” Cleveland added. “Yet, they were all able to use their phones to do the set up and calibration, something none of them had ever done before. To me, the app is a way for system integrators to help with commissioning a system, even from a thousand miles away.”
For this customer in West Texas, water conservation and water reuse is essential.
About GF Piping Systems
GF Piping Systems is the global expert for the safe and reliable transportation of water, chemicals and gases. The company specializes in plastic piping systems and system solutions plus services in all project phases.
