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Sophisticated Integral Batch Control With FlexCOR Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Supports High Accuracy Food/Beverage Liquid Flow Measurement

In the food and beverage industry, complex recipes often require extremely accurate process control that necessitates multi-parameter measurement, inline mixing and adaptive batching at high speed. Coriolis mass flow monitoring offers a number of advantages in such applications. The new FlexCOR Mass Flowmeter Series from FCI pushes development forward in Coriolis measurement technology.

In the food and beverage industry, complex recipes often require extremely accurate process control that necessitates multi-parameter measurement, inline mixing and adaptive batching at high speed. Coriolis mass flow monitoring offers a number of advantages in such applications.

The new FlexCOR Mass Flowmeter Series from FCI pushes development forward in Coriolis measurement technology. It features exceptional accuracy - 0.1% of actual flow typical, and repeatability of 0.05%. This accuracy is supplemented with a wide dynamic range (better than 500:1), covering flows of nearly all ranges. The result is superior performance stressing safety, reliability and quality.

The operating principle in Coriolis mass flowmeters requires fluid flowing through a vibrating flow tube that causes a deflection of the flow tube proportional to mass flow rate. They are unaffected by pressure or temperature and can measure the mass flow rate of liquids, slurries, gases, or vapors. Coriolis meters can monitor product quality continuously using inline measurement because they also measure the density of a liquid to within 0.002 gr/cm3. The FlexCOR Series processes multi-parameter information that includes: mass flow, volumetric flow, density, temperature and fraction-flow.

With its dedicated Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) design, the new FlexCOR Series Flowmeter supports high-speed integral batch control with a unique "adaptive" control feature that assures consistent results despite subtle changes in system characteristics. It facilitates accurate dosing of various additives and ingredients - from a few grams/hour to tons/hour. The control of additives often makes the difference between high quality products or process yield losses that affect a company's costs and profits.

The super low flow capability of the FlexCOR Series now provides a solution to monitoring extremely low flow rates. The need to monitor flow at such low levels is often required in the food and beverage industry. This advanced instrument measures liquid flow down to the tiniest droplets. When adding preservatives or colors in the food and beverage industry, accuracy is essential not only for high quality, but also to reduce the consumption of such costly additives.

Based on a modular design, the state-of-the-art FlexCOR Series is fully configurable. Both software and hardware can be easily converted. A universal signal module platform allows individual functions to be retrofitted via an "add-on" module containing optional functions. After installation, the module is automatically detected and programmed to factory settings through a SENSORPROM flow memory unit. This platform also accommodates a wide variety of communications protocols, including HART, Profibus, Fieldbus, Can-Open and more. Hardware modularity is made possible with a standardized interface between the sensor and the signal transmitter. Plug connectors are identical for all sensors and transmitters. The result is a streamlined product range, simplified ordering, flexible spares management and substitution simplification.

     Designed with a continuous, seamless tube that is the thickest in the industry, the FlexCOR Series withstands high-pressure loads of up to 6760 psig (460 bar). All sensors are intrinsically safe to Ex ia IIC, meeting the industry's toughest challenges. Connections available are NPT, ANSI Flanged, tri-clamp and others upon request.

The FlexCOR Series comes with a wetted flow tube of all 316 stainless steel or optional Hastelloy C-22. There is a version with an intrinsically safe keypad that allows the flowmeter and transmitter to operate directly in hazardous areas. For rugged environments, the FlexCOR Series meets IP67 weatherproof and watertight specifications.

The FlexCOR Series comes in five flow sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 2 inches with a choice of three transmitter configurations. Measuring range can be under 0.001 lbs./min with the FlexCOR Model CMF-A to over 1,900 lbs./min. with the Model CMF-F. Fluid temperature range is -58°F to 356°F.

Accurate density measurement and temperature measurement may also be generated with the FlexCOR. Brix and other fraction flow outputs are also available. Temperature error is 0.5°C, and Brix error is as low as 0.1 Brix depending on model configuration.

The FlexCOR Series mass flowmeter is virtually plug and play. It can be installed and commissioned in less than 10 minutes. The meter is installed with a single multi-plug connector that makes it fast and cost effective.

Featuring a single pipe design, the FlexCOR Series mass flowmeter ensures optimum hygiene and safety. All sensors consist of one single tube without any seams or welds, making it compatible with steam or CIP-cleaning that can be carried out with confidence.

The design of the FlexCOR Series flowmeter provides maximum immunity to noise. Configured with a center block concept together with balanced pipe loops offers dependable long-term stability, eliminating the influences from process conditions. Maintenance is reduced, and so is total cost of instrument ownership over its lifetime.

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