PA, March 16, 2009 - ABB Instrumentation has cut the cost of installing orifice-plate flowmeters by up to half with the launch of its OriMaster compact orifice DP flowmeter. The latest in ABB’s new FlowMaster range, the OriMaster is a one-piece flowmeter that comes fully factory configured and pressure tested, solving many of the problems associated with sizing, selection, installation and operation of conventional orifice plate installations.

Suitable for clean liquids, gases and steam applications in line sizes from 1 to 8 inches (DN25 to DN200) and at pressures up to 1450 psi (100 bar), the OriMaster combines all the major components needed for an orifice plate installation in one assembly. This eliminates the need for users to source and install a separate manifold, transmitter and impulse piping, typically cutting the cost of installation and commissioning by up to 50%.

Recent fugitive emission legislation has placed additional responsibilities on users to minimize leakage from their processes. OriMaster's design greatly assists operators to comply. Featuring an integrated ABB DP transmitter and manifold design, OriMaster offers a number of key benefits. Its short integral impulse paths simplify installation, and by eliminating up to 80% of the potential leak points, greatly reduces both fugitive emissions (at threaded connections and compression fittings) and also the metering errors caused by such leakage.

The OriMaster’s all-in-one design also offers enhanced accuracy and a faster speed of response, with no problems caused by issues such as long or blocked impulse lines, or impaired signals due to condensation in gas system impulse lines or gas bubbles in liquid lines.

Installing the OriMaster is simplified by its wafer design orifice carrier assembly, enabling it to be fitted into an existing space between standard pipe flanges with minimal disruption to the surrounding pipework. This makes it ideal for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) applications, by enabling fast and simple replacement with no cutting or welding required.

Incorrect centralization of orifice devices can cause additional metering errors of 3%. To eliminate such errors, every OriMaster comes complete with a centering tool, ensuring that the meter is correctly positioned in the pipeline within common flange specifications.

ABB offers two orifice bores for each pipe size, simplifying the selection process. The flowmeter comes in two versions: one for volumetric readings (OriMaster V) and the other for mass flow (OriMaster M).

OriMaster V suits general purpose volume measurement, featuring a stainless steel transmitter housing and meter body. It provides an optional flow rate and total display as well as an analog output.

OriMaster M provides measurements directly in mass or corrected volume units. It uses ABB’s 267CS multivariable transmitter to measure differential pressure, temperature and pressure, and provides an optional display and analog output. In addition to its stainless steel 316L body and alloy transmitter case, (which is optionally available in 316 stainless steel), ABB can supply OriMaster M supplied complete with an optional PT100 temperature sensing assembly mounted within the flow sensor, offering both simplified and more cost-effective installation.

To further simplify the selection process, ABB supplies a free online sizing, selection and coding software tool to help users quickly turn their application into the best configuration of OriMaster for their needs.

Contact:

Rob Mapleston

ABB Instrumentation

Tel: 1-215-674-6580 or 1-800-829-6001

E-mail: robert.mapleston@us.abb.com