Engineers responsible for biogas production involving municipal wastewater treatment will appreciate the fact that the ST51A Biogas Flow Meter from FCI - Fluid Components International combines superior measurement accuracy with high reliability and dependability.

Biogas from sewage treatment plants is often digested under anaerobic conditions in reactor tanks. This potent mixture of combustible methane, carbon dioxide, water and trace levels of corrosive hydrogen sulfide is problematic for many flow-measuring technologies, as the sticky nature of hydrogen sulfide particles can affect the performance and can clog many flow sensors, leading to frequent, labor-intensive cleanings.

The genesis of the product design came from customers seeking a highly accurate, reliable, rugged, low-maintenance flow-measurement solution, according to the company. It has been on the market for a few years and is now building momentum as sustainable, green energy is becoming a greater focus in municipal wastewater treatment operations seeking to protect the environment and reduce operational costs simultaneously.

To survive in biogas processes, the ST51 comes standard with 316 stainless steel body construction and Hastelloy-C22 thermal sensors. It features a no-moving-parts, nonclogging design that eliminates the need for constant cleaning under wet, dirty biogas conditions. It comes with full global Division 1, Zone 1, Ex safety approvals. The meter’s electronics are housed in a durable NEMA 4X, IP67 dust/water ingress protected and rugged, all-metal (aluminum or 316L stainless steel) enclosure with dual conduit ports in either NPT or M20 threading. The transmitter can be integrally mounted with the flow element (probe) or can be remote mounted for installation flexibility. The instrument comes standard with dual 4-20mA, NAMUR NE43 compliant outputs and a 500 Hz pulse output.

In biogas cogeneration systems, the meter is helping provide green energy that reduces dependence on more expensive, conventional electric utility power generation systems, according to the company. The meter is also helping municipal plants reduce their carbon footprints and meet increasingly stringent mandated pollution reporting and reduction regulations while saving money.

This insertion-style flowmeter is available in multiple probe lengths for installation into pipe diameters from 2.5 to 24 inches. It is easily connected into the pipe via a 1/2- or 3/4-inch NPT compression fitting. Its insertion-style design requires only a simple, single point tap into the process piping that requires minimal technician time. 800-854-1993; www.fluidcomponents.com