First Integrated Flowmeter For Steam Applications

Spirax Sarco has launched DIVA, the first spring-loaded variable area (SLVA) flowmeter to integrate a flow sensing device, temperature sensor, connection accessories and flow computer.

This stand-alone meter provides accurate mass flowrates for saturated steam without the need for additional external equipment.

Eliminating components, such as impulse lines and differential pressure transmitters, reduces purchasing and installation costs.

With DIVA, Spirax Sarco is offering a steam flowmeter with costs similar to those of vortex flowmeters, but with much better performance.

Unlike all other SLVA meters, the DIVA does not calculate flow by using a differential pressure transmitter to measure pressure drop across the flowmeter.

Instead, DIVA is fitted with strain gauges to measure the force caused by the deflection of an internal cone against the resistance of a spring.

The higher the flow of steam, the greater the force.

An internal temperature sensor provides full density compensation.

DIVA's internal electronics convert the measured strain into a density compensated mass flowrate, which is shown on the in-built digital display.

DIVA has a turndown of 50:1, far exceeding the turndown of 12:1 that is typical of most steam vortex meters.

Turndown is the ratio of the minimum flow that can be measured accurately, to the maximum flow.

Usually when a flowmeter is selected, the range of flows that need to be measured will be unknown.

A meter with a large turndown will be more likely to cover the actual flowrates.

Not only is the integrated design of DIVA compact but, being an SLVA meter, it requires only six diameters of clear pipe length upstream and three diameters downstream to maintain quoted accuracy.

This enables DIVA to be installed in locations that have inadequate space for other meter types.

For simple commissioning, DIVA is 4-20mA loop powered and is fitted with a five-button control panel that can directly interface with a building or energy management system via a 4-20mA or pulse output.

If the meter is installed in an inaccessible location, a separate local display can be used, such as the Spirax Sarco M700, which can also provide power for the DIVA flowmeter.

DIVA is available in sizes DN50, DN80 and DN100 for saturated steam flowrates up to 9,544 kg/hr at 32 bar g.

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