Flo·Point™ FAQs

1. What is the technology used in the Oil Probe?
The technology is called Time Domain Transmissometry (TDT), which is based on the rate of propagation of an RF pulse through a dielectric.

2. What pipe size is the Oil Probe?
The FloPoint is designed to fit a standard 2 inch pipe, with 4 inch models in planning. We have ANSI 150, ANSI 300 and ANSI 600 units available.

3. What mounting position is required for the Oil Probe?
The Sensor operates in any position however at low flow rates a vertical orientation is preferred.

4. What affect does the Oil Probe have on flow and line pressure?
The Sensor offers minimal line resistance and pressure drop.

5. What ancillary equipment is required for the Oil Probe operation?
The Sensor requires a flowmeter if cumulative volume calculations are required. A pulsing type flow meter is required for this function. A static mixer is recommended immediately upstream of the sensor.

6. What, if any, is the density compensation for the Oil Probe?
Corrections for oil density are entered via digital interface.

7. What, if any, is the Salinity compensation for the Oil Probe?
Salinity and salinity variations are compensated for automatically.

8. What is the format of the output data of the Oil Probe?
4-Analogue outputs-4 to 20 mA, 0 to 5 VDC,0-10VDC,0-20mA,0-24mA
1-Digital interface-RS-232,ASCII text.

9. What is the Overall measurement Range of the Oil Probe?
The overall measurement range is 0%-100% Water in Oil for light oil and is 5%-85% in very heavy oil.

10. What is the Overall accuracy of the Oil Probe?
The probe is designed to be +/- 1% accurate over the measurement range.

11. What are the operating and standby power requirements of the Oil Probe?
The unit is powered from a nominal 12 VDC supply. It requires 650mA at this input voltage.

12. What are the wiring/cabling requirements for the Oil Probe?
The Sensor requires shielded, 5 conductor cable in a conduit suitable for use in a hazardous location, a 3 metre harness is provided as standard, a 9 metre harness is an available option.

13. What, if any, communication features does the Oil Probe have?
The Sensor uses 1 Digital interface-RS232 and 4 analogue outputs.

14. What must we do to winterize the Oil Probe?
The Sensor will operate to -40C. Fluid should be prevented from freezing. Insulation Snakes and heat tapes are sufficient protection.

15. What Operator functions are required to maintain daily operation of the Oil Probe?
No daily maintenance is required for the system.

16. What must be done to temperature compensate the Oil Probe?
The Sensor is internally compensated for electronics and fluid variations.

17. What portion of the flow is sampled by the Oil Probe?
The Sensor measures the entire volume of fluid through the Sensor body.

18. What effect do bubbles in the oil have on the sensor?
Bubbles in the oil flow will depress the water cut reading while in the sensor, no damage will be done to the sensor and the instrument will read normally after the bubbles have passed through it.

19. How do sand and/or other mechanical particles affect sensor performance?
The sensor identifies water and oil, readings will show water and everything else as oil. Sand abrasion is a consideration but under test conditions the abrasion has been shown to be minimal.

20. What is the maximum operating pressure of the sensor?
The maximum operating pressure is 1480 psi using the ANSI 600 standards, the CSA tests to 2175 psi. for 1 min with no rupture. ESI tests for CRN to 5800 psi for Boiler Certification (CRN-issued provincially in Canada but valid nationally).

21. What certificates of conformity and safety apply to the sensor and what bodies have evaluated the sensor?
The sensor is certified by the Canadian Standards Association-CSA and has been accepted as an Oil Fitting by the Boiler Branch safety departments of the appropriate authorities in the provinces of Canada for Class 1, Div 1 conditions. CSA certification will lead directly to US certification (FM) and European certification (CE) through reciprocity agreements and some additional testing.

22. Does sulphur affect sensor performance?
The sensor is not rated for sour oil, however a test unit has been installed in sour service and investigation is ongoing.

[ back to top ]