Ultrasonic flow measurement in refueling systems

Task

When handling petroleum products with low conductivity, there is a risk of electrostatic charging. To prevent ignition or even explosion, such media are treated with special additives to increase their conductivity.

High flow rates can also contribute to electrostatic charging in pipeline-based media of this type. This must be considered during planning and operation of transport and storage facilities.

Solution

In the specific application, the DUC was used for the design of a refueling system for aviation fuels. As a result of a measurement program, the optimum balance between flow rate on one hand and minimal electrostatic charging on the other was determined.

The following process parameters are relevant:

Medium: Aviation gasoline (AvGas) at 20°C
Sound velocity of the medium: 1350 m/s
Transducer: DUC-WP10, 1 MHz for nominal diameters DN 80 and DN 100