Krohne launches Optiflux

Krohne has launched Optiflux, an 'all-in-one' electromagnetic flowmeter. The instrument uniquely incorporates three levels of diagnostics and sets new industry standards of metrological performance and accuracy.

Drift or deterioration in flow measurement is not uncommon in industry, often caused by changes to the consistency or throughput of measured materials or contamination or corrosion of components. This can go undetected, resulting in sub-standard products and excessive material costs.

Traditionally, diagnostic analyses within electromagnetic flowmeters have been limited to checking the device's microcontroller or memory. Krohne's Optiflux incorporates revolutionary 3x100% diagnostics. These provide engineers with comprehensive data that makes it possible to anticipate and rectify potential problems before they affect production. This unique feature gives companies greater control of product quality and material costs.

The 3x100% diagnostics include 100% sensor and converter diagnostics, which test the microprocessor, memory and software plus the temperature of the electronics as well as the output. The instrument also carries out internal accuracy checks (100% out of spec) to determine that it is operating within specification. 100% application diagnostics, which exceed SIL 2 and NAMUR standards, are also carried out and displayed. Optiflux overcomes many of the drawbacks of SIL2 certified meters. It is capable of detecting errors undetectable or unrecognisable under SIL2, such as those caused by gas bubbles or by errors in accuracy or linearity.

The Optiflux is available with a range of flow sensors that can be used for all measurement applications. Krohne has also developed one single converter, which can be used across the whole range of sensors. Companies can now standardise on the measurement technology used and reduce the amount and cost of spares held to support different magmeters. Engineering time can also be saved by eliminating the need to support a variety of instruments.

The Optiflux magmeter provides precise measurement across a wide and demanding range of applications. It can achieve an industry-leading accuracy of 0.15% and reproducibility of 0.06%, even when measuring materials with high solid content or that have turbulent flow.

Features incorporated into the Optiflux make it suitable for use in custody transfer applications. The instrument is also capable of measuring conductivity and temperature, which can be output if required. This allows the meter to be used in applications where a magmeter would not normally be suitable, such as for detecting subtle changes in a product composition or determining the quality of cleaning processes. In many cases it will eliminate the need to install a separate conductivity meter.

New applications have also emerged as a result of the improved measurement accuracy of the Optiflux. Profiles of substances can be programmed into the instrument for comparison with the actual material passing through it. This can then be used to warn operators or stop production if the material goes out of specification. Additionally, quality checks of in-line cleaning processes can be carried out to verify that substances have been thoroughly flushed out of internal pipe work.

The Optiflux has already attracted acclaim from industry-leading organisations. Dr Armin Brucker, head of flow portfolio at BASF AG, said: 'The new Optiflux family has set a new standard for electromagnetic flowmeters.' Commenting on its diagnostic features, Brucker concluded that the instrument 'offers a level of reliability in operation that has never been experienced anywhere before.'