Thermal mass flowmeter measures greenhouse gas

Magnetrol International's Thermatel Model TA2 Thermal Mass Flow Meter measures greenhouse gases in accordance with the new US Environmental Protection Agency rule (EPA 40 CFR part 98). This new mandate requires companies emitting more than 25.000 tons/year of CO2 equivalent to report greenhouse gas emissions and was effective from January 1, 2010.

The Magnetrol Model TA2’s thermal dispersion technology provides an accurate and economical method to measure the amount of emitted methane or natural gas, and assesses emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), meeting the EPA requirements.

It is a direct mass flow measuring instrument and requires only a simple, single insertion point into a pipe or stack to install. The accuracy is better than ±1% of reading +0,5% of calibrated full scale and exceeds the stated acceptable accuracy within this new EPA rule. Instruments are available for installation in line sizes from 15 mm up to more than 3000 mm. It operates over a wide flow range from 0,13 to 200 Nm/s with an exceptionally wide turndown ratio up to 100:1.
The flow sensing element of the Model TA2 is manufactured with all-welded construction and available in 316/316L or Hastelloy C. There is virtually no pressure drop when using a thermal mass flow meter and it has no moving parts and is, therefore, less sensitive for clogging and fouling. The instrument measures and displays mass flow rate, totalized flow and temperature with electronic output of passive and active 4-20mA signal including HART® protocol. Actual gas calibration will be performed on each TA2, matched to the customer application and installation conditions.

There are several flow measurement technologies that can be used for the measurement of greenhouse gases. However, thermal dispersion mass flow meters provide certain advantages in terms of mass flow measurement, turndown, (low) flow sensitivity, low pressure drop, and ease in installation. In fact, the TA2 thermal mass flow meter will provide the lowest cost of ownership for facilities that are required to measure the greenhouse gas emissions from their processes to comply with this new EPA requirement.