Reliable Flow Measurements on the High Seas

To bring electricity from the sea to land, it must first be converted from alternating current to direct current on large offshore converter platforms. To ensure that this complex technology functions properly, a wide range of technical parameters must be monitored. Non-contact measurement systems that can be used without interrupting the process are the perfect tool for this.

Offshore work environments are characterized by confined spaces, harsh environmental conditions, and the individual mental and physical agility of their employees. A consistently high work pace defines the daily routine of offshore teams. This places corresponding demands on the durability and ease of use of the measurement technology employed. A multitude of regulations and standards ensure that only suitable measuring equipment may be used to fulfill these demanding measurement tasks. This is where proven, non-contact ultrasonic flow measurement technology with its clamp-on sensors comes into play, allowing users—without the need for time-consuming process interruptions or interventions in the process system— to easily install or relocate the equipment and to quickly and reliably generate precise measurements of flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, and thermal energy.

Because of these characteristics, TenneT TSO GmbH—a transmission system operator with a legal obligation to connect offshore wind farms to the grid—set out to find a suitable measuring instrument. The goal was to find a portable ultrasonic flowmeter that met all criteria regarding compactness, robustness, and intuitive usability. Other measurement methods were not considered due to the requirement for a non-invasive measurement method. The measurement equipment was deployed on the offshore converter platforms HelWin alpha and beta, as well as SylWin alpha, in the eastern North Sea.

Based on a recommendation, the company quickly became aware of the international measurement equipment manufacturer Katronic AG & Co. KG. After thorough consultation, a test run with a KATflow 200 portable ultrasonic flow meter was agreed upon and carried out. Olaf Koberstein, Deputy Service Group Manager at TenneT TSO GmbH, commented: “I was particularly impressed by the intuitive usability, the knowledgeable support, and, of course, the excellent measurement results.” At the same time, the Acoustic Sensor Positioning Assistant—a user aid for precise sensor placement—was particularly highlighted. Thus, nothing stood in the way of purchasing the measurement equipment.

Today, the flow meter is primarily used to monitor pumps, measurement sensors, and various control valves. The meter is also used to regularly inspect the helideck’s water sprinkler system. This allows potential faults in the system to be quickly identified and ensures the proper operation of the entire facility. The flowmeter primarily measures saltwater, fresh water, and water-glycol mixtures in various concentrations within a pipe diameter range of DN 25 mm to 450 mm.

Across a wide range of industrial sectors, it has become increasingly clear over the years that ultrasonic flow measurement technology, due to its versatility, has established a firm place in the toolkits of many engineers and technicians and continues to demonstrate its far-reaching advantages in ever-new market segments.

Image credit: TenneT