Product Short Description
Product Introduction
The GE GF868-1-2 is a dual-channel ultrasonic flare gas mass flow meter from the DigitalFlow product line, engineered for accurate bidirectional flow measurement of flare and process gases in oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries. It uses the patented Correlation Transit-Time™ ultrasonic technique, digital signal processing, and real-time molecular weight calculation to deliver precise velocity, volumetric, and mass flow data without moving parts, enabling maintenance-free operation in harsh industrial environments. The dual-channel (2-path) configuration enhances measurement accuracy by averaging flow across two paths, and the built-in flow computer calculates standard volumetric flow using temperature and pressure inputs. The meter features an explosion-proof epoxy – coated aluminum enclosure (IP66, Class 1, Division 1, Groups B/C/D), a backlit LCD display, and a magnetic keypad for safe operation in hazardous areas. It supports bidirectional velocity measurement from -100 m/s to +100 m/s, has a 2750:1 rangeability, and integrates with SCADA systems via RS232/RS485 (Modbus RTU), HART, or Ethernet TCP/IP protocols. The GF868-1-2 complies with IEC 61508 SIL 2, ATEX, and IECEX standards, making it the industry – standard solution for flare gas monitoring, emissions reporting, and process optimization.
Description
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | GE (DigitalFlow Series, formerly Panametrics) |
| Model | GF868-1-2 (Dual – Channel / 2 – Path Configuration) |
| Product Type | Ultrasonic Flare Gas Mass Flow Meter |
| Measurement Principle | Correlation Transit – Time™ Ultrasonic Technology |
| Flow Channels | 2 independent ultrasonic paths (dual – channel) |
| Velocity Range | Bidirectional: -100 m/s to +100 m/s (-328 ft/s to +328 ft/s); Extended Range: up to 120 m/s (394 ft/s) (unidirectional) |
| Pipe Diameter | 2 in to 120 in (76 mm to 3000 mm) NB ANSI |
| Rangeability | 2750:1 |
| Accuracy (2 – Path): | Mass Flow (hydrocarbon mixtures): 2.4%–5% of reading; Velocity: ±0.5% of reading (calibrated); Molecular Weight: 1.8% of reading (MW 2–120 g/mol) |
| Repeatability | ±1% at 0.15 m/s to 30 m/s (0.5 ft/s to 100 ft/s) |
| Power Supply | 100–265 VAC (50/60 Hz) or 12–28 VDC; Max Power Consumption: 20 W |
| Enclosure | Epoxy – coated aluminum (standard); Optional stainless steel; Explosion – proof: Class 1, Div 1, Groups B/C/D; ATEX II 2 G Ex d IIC T5; IECEX II 2 G Ex d IIC T6 Gb; IP66 |
| Display | 2 – line × 16 – character backlit LCD; Configurable to show 4 parameters sequentially |
| Keypad | Magnetic 6 – button keypad (intrinsically safe operation) |
| Analog Inputs | 2 isolated 4–20 mA inputs (121 Ω load) with 24 VDC loop power (for temperature/pressure) |
| Analog Outputs | 6 standard 4–20 mA outputs (assignable to velocity, flow, MW, sound speed); Max 1000 Ω load; Optional 3 additional boards (4 outputs each) |
| Digital Interfaces | Standard RS232; Optional RS485 (Modbus RTU), HART, Ethernet TCP/IP, Modbus TCP/IP |
| Data Logging | 43,000+ data points (linear/circular logs); Programmable update intervals |
| Operating Temperature | Transducers: -40°C to +125°C (-40°F to +257°F); Electronics: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to +140°F) |
| Humidity | 0%–100% RH (non – condensing) |
| Weight | 10 lb (4.5 kg) (standard enclosure) |
| Dimensions | 8.2 in × 6.6 in × 4.7 in (208 mm × 168 mm × 120 mm) |
| Compliance | IEC 61508 SIL 2, ATEX, IECEX, FM, CE, RoHS |
Functional Features
- Dual – Channel Accuracy: 2 ultrasonic paths average flow profiles, reducing error from flow disturbances and improving measurement precision for large – diameter pipes.
- No Moving Parts: Non – intrusive design eliminates pressure drop, wear, and clogging risks, suitable for dirty, wet, or corrosive flare gases.
- Real – Time Molecular Weight Calculation: Patented algorithm computes MW (2–120 g/mol) using temperature/pressure – corrected sound speed, ensuring accurate mass flow regardless of gas composition changes.
- Bidirectional Flow Measurement: Tracks reverse flow during process upsets or blowbacks, critical for emissions accounting and safety systems.
- Explosion – Proof Enclosure: IP66 – rated housing with Class 1, Div 1 certification enables safe deployment in flammable gas zones.
- Built – In Flow Computer: Calculates velocity, mass flow, standard volume, and totalized flow in real time, with programmable unit conversions.
- Flexible Communication: Interfaces with SCADA/PLC via Modbus RTU, HART, or Ethernet, supporting remote monitoring and data uploads.
- Large – Capacity Data Logging: Stores 43,000+ data points for operational trend analysis, emissions reporting, and predictive maintenance.
- Magnetic Keypad: Safe operation without opening the enclosure in hazardous areas, preventing gas ingress during configuration.
- Loop Power for Transmitters: 24 VDC integral power supply for temperature/pressure transmitters reduces auxiliary wiring and installation costs.
- Wide Environmental Range: Operates from -40°C to +125°C (transducers), withstanding extreme temperatures in offshore and arctic installations.
- Global Compliance: Meets ATEX, IECEX, and IEC 61508 SIL 2 standards, ensuring regulatory approval across regions.
Application Scenarios
- Flare Gas Monitoring: Measures volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, tracks gas losses from process leaks, and optimizes steam injection to minimize fuel waste in refineries and petrochemical plants.
- Offshore Platform Process Control: Monitors wellhead gas flow, emergency venting systems, and flare stack emissions, ensuring compliance with offshore safety regulations.
- Power Generation Emissions Reporting: Tracks exhaust gas flow from gas turbines and cogeneration systems, supporting carbon credit calculations and environmental compliance reporting.
- Chemical Plant Safety Systems: Triggers emergency shutdowns during abnormal flow rates, preventing overpressure events and ensuring worker safety.
- Natural Gas Processing: Measures feed gas to fractionation units, monitors pipeline transfer flow, and verifies product quality via real – time molecular weight analysis.
- Steel Mill Furnace Gas Control: Tracks blast furnace gas flow to boilers, optimizing combustion efficiency and reducing NOₓ emissions.
- Waste Incineration Emissions Tracking: Measures flue gas flow for regulatory reporting, ensuring compliance with air quality standards.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal Venting: Monitors boil – off gas (BOG) flow from storage tanks, minimizing product loss and ensuring safe venting operations.
- Oil & Gas Production Optimization: Identifies process inefficiencies by tracking gas flow from production wells, enhancing reservoir management and well productivity.






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