Panametrics Technology Improves Flow Measurement Reliability and Accuracy for the Semiconductor Industry
Summary
To help optimize, track and measure its raw water usage, a South Korean chip manufacturer turned to Panametrics for solutions. The customer faced challenges with the accuracy and reliability of traditional electromagnetic flow meters from competing manufacturers, leading to difficulties reporting water usage and disparities with the national water supply company over the volumes of water used at the semiconductor site. This led to the opportunity for Panametrics to evaluate the application for a clamp-on installation.
| Fluid | Raw water |
|---|---|
| Pipe Size and Material | DN600 (24″) Carbon Steel |
| Flow Rate | 0 – 1,500 m³/h (0 – 6,604 GPM) |
| Process Temperature | 2 – 25 °C (35 – 77 °F) |
| Requested Accuracy | <±1% of reading |
Benefits:
- Easy to set up and program
- No process interruption
- Strong reputation and local support
- Reliability and accuracy
- Various communication options available
Challenge
The customer required precision measurements but could not allow any process disruption, since the plant operates 24/7. Panametrics provided KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) calibration and verification documents to meet the customer’s required accuracy and performance ahead of commissioning. Because wifi and bluetooth use were prohibited at the site, Panametrics’ engineers carried out a field demonstration at the measurement point using a handheld TransPort PT878 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter. The accurate and reliable readings recorded during the demonstration matched the customer’s expectations and convinced them that Panametrics’ technology was the right choice.
Solution
For the permanent installation, the customer selected Panametrics’ AquaTrans AT600 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter with CRS 402 transducers, communicating via RS-485 Modbus to the national water company and providing an analog output to the customer’s SCADA system. Since installation, the flow meter has delivered accurate and reliable readings, resolving the reporting discrepancies for both the customer and the national water company. Pleased with the results and seeing further opportunities to optimize operations using Panametrics’ flow technology, the customer has since ordered an additional 30 AT600 flow meters for the site in South Korea.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Liquids Panametrics AquaTrans AT600
Datasheet (PDF) Panametrics AquaTrans AT600Source: Panametrics Application Note PANA092AN (panametrics.com) — © Panametrics LLC. Localized and prepared in cooperation with INTECH CONTROL, official Panametrics representative for Slovakia and Hungary.