1. Project Background

Located in a chemical plant in Jiangsu Province, China, this project involves a methanol refining and transfer system. Crude methanol from storage tanks passes through a degassing tower to remove dissolved gases, producing pure liquid methanol, which is then delivered to downstream reaction processes.

To avoid damaging the pipeline and reduce leakage risks (methanol is flammable and volatile), the engineering team installed a KUF100B ultrasonic flow meter for non-contact flow measurement. The customer added an explosion-proof enclosure to ensure safe operation in a flammable environment. Flow signals are transmitted via RS485 (Modbus RTU) to the automation system for continuous process monitoring and control.

KUF100B Ultrasonic Flow Meter in Methanol Refining and Transfer System (3)

2. Site Conditions

  • Pipe size: DN150 carbon steel
  • Medium: Degassed pure methanol
  • Installation: External clamping, no pipe cutting
  • Environment: Flammable and volatile medium, equipped with explosion-proof enclosure
  • Purpose: Process flow monitoring and automation system data acquisition

Measured data example:

  • Average flow: 3.2 m³/h, peak flow: up to 4.5 m³/h

The system continuously monitors methanol flow to track pump performance, recirculation, and transport stability.

3. System Configuration and Advantages

  • Model: KUF100B
  • Measurement principle: Ultrasonic transit-time, non-contact
  • Output: RS485 (Modbus RTU)
  • Installation advantage: External clamping, no pipeline modification required
  • Safety: Explosion-proof enclosure ensures safe operation in flammable environments
  • Accuracy: ±1%, sufficient for process control and trend monitoring

4. Installation and Commissioning

  1. Mount the ultrasonic sensor on the external pipe wall with proper acoustic coupling
  2. Test signal stability and RS485 communication with automation system
  3. Verify explosion-proof enclosure functionality
  4. Commission and start continuous monitoring without disrupting production
KUF100B Ultrasonic Flow Meter in Methanol Refining and Transfer System (2)
KUF100B Ultrasonic Flow Meter in Methanol Refining and Transfer System (1)

5. Performance

  • Stable data: Flow readings consistent with pump operation
  • Safety ensured: Non-contact installation plus explosion-proof enclosure
  • Effective process control: Supports automation feedback and trend analysis
  • Low maintenance: Easy installation, long-term operation requires minimal maintenance

Statistics after 6 months of operation: Flow measurements matched pump records closely, ±1% accuracy met process control requirements, with no abnormal alarms or leaks.

6. Summary

The KUF100B ultrasonic flow meter in the methanol refining system demonstrates safety, continuity, and reliability. Non-contact installation preserves pipeline integrity, explosion-proof enclosure ensures safe operation in flammable environments, RS485 output integrates with automation systems, and ±1% accuracy is adequate for process control and trend monitoring, making it a practical and reliable solution for hazardous liquid transfer systems.

For more technical details, wiring diagrams, or model selection guidance, please click here to learn more or contact our technical team.