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FLUIDAT, Flow Calculation Tool

FLUIDAT, Flow Calculation Tool

FLUIDAT is Bronkhorst’s online flow calculation software to calculate flow rates and conversion factors for both flow meters and control valves. FLUIDAT offers a a collection of routines to calculate physical properties of gases and liquids, which are available by the FLUIDAT on the Net website. FLUIDAT makes use of intrinsic fluid data like molecular mass, critical properties, boiling point and dipole momentum. Fluid properties can be calculated at a certain temperature and pressure. Also, properties of mixes consisting of up to 15 components can be derived.

Over 1,800 fluids are available in the FLUIDAT software, being  mainly hydrocarbons complemented with most well known inorganic fluids (gases) such as air, argon and helium. The search can be performed by chemical formula, by CAS Registry Number, or by the name of the fluid.

Description

Operators can face many challenges when working with multiple fluids and ever-changing process conditions. Especially when trying to understand fluid behavior, which is dependent on actual pressure and temperature conditions in the process. For example, how does the fluid (gas or liquid) behave in your application? What are the process requirements? Considering these factors will influence the choice of your flow meter. So, a correct selection of the flow meter is crucial, in addition to understanding how your process works. This is where using FLUIDAT can really help.

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FLUIDAT, Online Software for Flow and Physical Properties Calculations

This is where Fluidat can assist. Fluidat helps operators understand the flow instruments’ capability. When pressure or temperature conditions change, or even when the medium changes, flows must be converted to the new conditions. Fluidat can help operators decide if the flow meter is capable of the task. Sometimes, we must accept that returning the instrument for recalibration is the only option.

​Calculating Flow Rates with FLUIDAT

Traditionally, fluid data is available in technical handbooks and manuals with graphs and tables of data that mentions fluid properties along with their coefficients. However, this is very inflexible and does not allow immediate access to changing fluid behavior due to external factors.

Knowing the it can be very complex for operators for calculate low flow rate and properties, Bronkhorst offers an online flow rate calculator; Fluidat. With this tool, operators can calculate flow rates and conversion factors for flow meters and flow control valves.

Calculating Gas Conversion Factors

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Example of a gas conversion made in FLUIDAT

Thermal mass flow meters and flow controllers are very reliable devices, but accuracy depends on the temperature, pressure, and medium. In the gas conversion section of Fluidat, users must choose a gas to find the conversion factor. This gas should be different than the one the instrument was calibrated for. This gas can be a pure gas, or operators can also create a gas mixture.

With this tool, operators simply choose the “Fluid From” and “Fluid To” to find the conversion factor. Operators can also select the exact flow meter model to improve conversion accuracy. The conversion factor can then apply to the output measurement of the flow controller to know the actual flow of the new gas.

Orifice Calculation

Flow controllers and pressure controllers are equipped with control valves. The size of the control valve is based on operating conditions and requirements. For example, inlet pressure, outlet pressure, flow, temperature, and medium (gas or liquid) are the most important parameters to consider. The Orifice Calculation tool, in FLUIDAT, can recalculate the values of these parameters as necessary.

When a gas is used with a higher density than the original gas, operators can recalculate the flow rate or inlet pressure to reach the maximum flow of the instrument again. When using a thermal mass flow controller, operators should also use the Gas conversion tool in Fluidat.

Vapor Generation Calculation Tool

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Example of a CEM calculation in FLUIDAT

A Controlled Evaporation Mixing (CEM) device, from Bronkhorst, along with a a liquid flow and carrier gas, is capable of generating highly accurate and controllable vapor streams.
This can be a daunting task, however, our CEM calculation tool makes this process very easy. Operators can calculate the requirements to vaporize a liquid dependent on the carrier gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Not only are pure physics in action here, but operators can also select the best CEM model for their application. Furthermore, our all-in-one Vapor Generation Systems make it easy for operators to generate and control highly accurate, reliable, and repeatable vapor streams.

FLUIDAT Pressure Difference Calculator

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Example of a Pressure Difference Calculation in FLUIDAT

With the pressure difference calculator, operators can calculate and size ES-FLOW ultrasonic flow meters and Coriolis mass flow instrumentation such as the standard CORI-FLOW and the mini CORI-FLOW series. By selecting the instrument, FLUIDAT can calculate the pressure drop over the flow instrument. In addition, FLUIDAT will calculate the Kv value if operators select an actuator.

After the calculation, operators will receive an overview for the flow instrument along with the calculation of the total error over the complete range of the instrument. This is expressed in a trompet-curve.

FLUIDAT – Your Flow Calculation Tool

Fluidat is a very useful tool if you use Bronkhorst flow instruments, or if you are interested in the physics of flow measurement and control. With FLUIDAT, operators can also generate all kinds of gas and liquid properties. Furthermore, generating vapor and pressure lines is possible, allowing operators to see whether a medium is in the gas or liquid state at a certain pressure and/or temperature. Register at www.fluidat.com to take full advantage of this free online flow rate calculator.