The illustration shows intermediate steps in the manufacture of catalyst, indicating the system designed to provide automatic control of slurry flow. A centrifugal pump with variable-speed drive controls catalyst slurry flow at a rate set by the distributed control system (DCS). Slurry goes to a belt filter that removes excess liquid and feeds moist catalyst cake into a gas-fired rotary dryer. Dried catalyst powder passes on downstream for further processing.

 

The magmeter installed in the line measures the slurry flow. The magmeter’s converter/transmitter sends flow measurement signals to a flow controller in a computer-based DCS located in the plant’s central control room. The control room operator sets the desired flow rate. The rate of flow is set to keep the filtration/drying operations running smoothly and continuously at an optimum production rate.

The original meter’s flow signals were erratic and completely unpredictable. The signals could call for excessive rates of slurry flow that caused the dryer to flame out and shut down the line. The control room operator could not depend on the measured flow readings, forcing reliance on manual control.

The solution came when plant maintenance decided to substitute the new FSM4000 magmeter from ABB Instrumentation for the original magmeter. Upon installation, the new meter performed exceptionally well, producing reliable, consistent flow signals that meant permitted operation via automatic control.

The FSM4000’s success in dealing with noisy applications originates with its use of 70 Hz ac excitation of the primary’s magnetic field combined with advanced digital signal processing. The measurement signal has an accuracy of √Ǭ±0.5% of rate, and offers a high speed of response.

The result is that with dependable flow control readings, the process is now on automatic control, improving production and eliminating troublesome shutdowns.

The success with the FSM4000 on its first catalyst slurry application in the plant has led additional installations on similar slurry flow control systems. In one case, a higher temperature slurry required a double thickness of the PTFE liner in the magmeter primary, capable of withstanding fluid temperatures as high as 180°C. The standard PTFE and alternate liners of PTA and hard rubber are suitable for fluid temperatures from -40° to 130°C.

These two FSM4000 installations were followed in rapid succession by four more on other plant slurry applications.

This article was provided by ABB Instrumentation. Contact: Robert Mapleston, 215-674-6580 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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