Development of a Variable Density Flowmeter for an Industrial Application

R. Deloughry 1 , M. Young 2 , E. Pickup 3 and L. Barratt 4

1. Electronic Instrumentation Group, Manchester Metropolitan University, R.Deloughry@mmu.ac.uk

2. Solartron, Farnbrough, myoung@solartron.com

3. Newbridge Networks, Maidenhead, ejpickup@newbridge.com

4. Montell UK, Carrington, Manchester, lwbarratt@aol.com

Abstract - Montell Carrington Limited produces polyethylene and polypropylene nibs, which are sold in bulk form to companies who use them to make products for the consumer market.

Work has been undertaken at the Manchester Metropolitan University, in collaboration with Montell, to develop a Variable Density Flowmeter using Process Tomography that will enable the mass flow of nibs to be measured with an accuracy of ±2%. The nibs are stored in 30 storage bunkers, each with a capacity of 500 tonnes. The external distribution of nibs is achieved using 40 tonne road tankers that are filled from each of the bunkers using a gravity feed. The flowmeter was situated between bunker discharge outlet valve and the tanker. Measurement of the density distribution across the pipe, using Process Tomography, enabled the mass flow into the road tankers to be determined.

Keywords: Tomography, Massflow, Capacitance, Sensor