T H E D A N I E LTM

IDEAL FOR

■ CUSTODY TRANSFER

■ TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

■ UNDERGROUND STORAGE SITES

■ LARGE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

■ PIPELINE BALANCING

■ ALTERNATIVE CHECK METERING

■ NATURAL GAS POWER PLANTS

Meets AGA-9 Requirements

FEATURES & ADVANTAGESOF THE

DANIEL SENIORSONICGAS FLOW METER

Unsurpassed measurement accuracy

Field-proven reliability

Extensive diagnostic and alarm system

Unparalleled electronic interface

PC laptop interface

Modbus communications protocol

Precision machining for high dimensional accuracy

Intrinsically safe transducer design

Proven and simple path configuration

No line obstructions

Low power consumption

Sophisticated noise reduction

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

The patented Daniel SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter measures the

transit times of ultrasonic waves passing through the gas on four

parallel planes to accurately determine

the mean velocity of the gas flow

through the meter. The four planes

have been chosen to optimize the

accuracy of the measurement regard-

less of the flow profile.

The four measurement paths are

angled at 45˚ with respect to the pipe

axis. Each path has two ultrasonic

transducers acting alternately as trans-

mitter and receiver. This permits the

upstream and the downstream transit

times to be measured. The transducers

are mounted on the meter housing at

defined locations, and the distances x

and L are precisely determined during

meter fabrication. These dimensions,

along with a measurement of the elec-

tronic characteristics of each transduc-

er pair, characterize the ultrasonic flow

meter, which provides high accuracy

and repeatability without the need for

flow calibration!

The transit time for a signal travel-

ling with the flow is less than the

transit time when travelling against

the flow. The differences in these transit times are used to

calculate the flow’s mean velocity. Since the equations are

valid for gas flowing in either direction, the meter is inherently

bi-directional. The final equation contains only the physical

dimensions of the meter body and the transit times. The equa-

tion does not include the speed of sound in the flowing gas,

therefore, the measurement of gas speed is independent of the

factors which affect the speed of sound in the gas; i.e., tempera-

ture, pressure and composition.

In Daniel’s multipath design, four paths continuously monitor

four mean velocities at different elevations within the gas flow.

The result? Daniel delivers flow measurement accuracy

unmatched by single path meter

designs.

Single path meter designs are based

on the assumption that, in any fully

developed flow, the flow velocity pro-

file is symmetrical about the pipe axis.

However, velocity profiles are seldom,

if ever, symmetrical. They are affect-

ed by a broad array of pipe conditions,

including upstream pipe configura-

tions, pipe conditions and more, all of

which affect the symmetry of the actu-

al flow through the meter.

Through computer simulations of

various velocity profiles, Daniel has

determined that four paths provide the

optimum solution for measuring this

asymmetric flow. Adding more than

four paths contributes little to overall

meter accuracy. With fewer than four

paths, meter performance is signifi-

cantly degraded.

The flow rate is digitally assessed by

multiplying the measured average gas

velocity by the cross sectional area of

the meter. Therefore, the geometry of each meter body is criti-

cal. Daniel’s reputation for manufacturing excellence and

painstaking quality assurance procedures is well known. Each

meter body is subjected to rigorous testing and measurement

throughout the manufacturing process. A detailed metrology

report is produced listing the parameters used in each meter’s

flow computations.

The Daniel SeniorSonicTM Gas Flow MeterMultiple ultrasonic paths assure maximum measurement

accuracy and repeatability.

Four times better than single path meters.

Precision manufacturing

3

where:

t1 transit time from upstream transducer to downstream transducer

transit time from downstream transducer to upstream transducer

distance between upstream and downstream transducer

velocity of sound in the gas in still condition

velocity of the flowing gas

diameter of the meter bore

=

=

=

=

t2

L

C

VD

t1 =

L

C+V XL

t2 =

L

C-V XL

Q =

πD2

V

4

.

=

t1 t2. t1 t2

V =

L2

2x

t1 t2. t1 t2

THE MEASURING PRINCIPLE

FLOW

X

L➛➛

➛➛

➛➛

➛➛

➛➛

➛➛

=

=

=

πD2

4

L2

2x

X axial distance separating transducers

Measurement is independent of sound velocity,temperature, or gas conditions.

EXTRACTABLE TRANSDUCER

Extractable transducers are available onall meters, in all pressure ratings. Theextractable “T-Slot” design allows eachultrasonic transducer to be individuallyisolated and removed without interrupt-ing meter operations or gas flow!

Patented spoolpiece design incorporates ultrasonic measurement paths in four parallel

planes across the bore.

The plan view shows transducers are arranged toform an “X” for better performance under

“swirl” conditions.

In 1985, British Gas granted Daniel exclusive license to develop the

meter commercially. To date, hundreds of meters have been supplied

throughout the world. Daniel continues to work closely within both the

European and North American gas communities to further the develop-

ment of ultrasonic metering.

Today, Daniel’s continuing efforts to improve meter performance and

reliability have resulted in this totally digital version, expanding the

meter’s measurement capability while reducing the need for operator

adjustment.

Meter Configuration

A Daniel SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter is comprised of the following:

Meter body

Eight intrinsically safe, piezo-electric transducers

Fully digitalelectronics unit

Today’s ultrasonic meter

has been engineered for

maximum application flexi-

bility and ease of ordering.

The meter also features an

improved electronics module

which is now mounted directly on to the

meter body and no longer requires “safe

area” installation. 110Vac, 250 Vac and

24Vdc power options are available.

The electronics module communicates

using industry standard ASCII or RTU

modbus protocol through an RS 485 seri-

al port. All components are either intrin-

sically safe or housed in an explosion-

proof enclosure. Meter operator commu-

nications are either via a flow computer

or other computer device. Temperature/

pressure transmitters may be attached to

the flow computer if required for stan-

dard volume unit corrections.

All meters may now also employ the Daniel Diagnostic and Frequency

Interface Card (DFI) for expanded diagnostic and I/O capability. Daniel’s

Service Department is also available to handle transducer

extraction / insertion, if required.

A high degree of noise immunity

One of the most significant developments in the Daniel

SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter is the use of new digital tech-

niques to process the signals from the meter’s four pairs of

transducers.

Automatic gain-control circuitry compensates for the wide

variation in signal amplitude caused by flow conditions such as

pressure and flow rate.

After the signal has been digitized, special signal processing

techniques are applied to provide

accurate measurement of transit

times. A multitude of checks

are performed to verify signal

quality. Part of the simplified

system setup allows selec-

tion of the most suitable

signal-enhancement soft-

ware in the system for spe-

cific conditions. For

example, using digital

processing techniques, the

meter can be configured to handle

flow-generated noise in which amplitude

is comparable to the measurement signal.

The four-path method also provides

additional measurement reliability.

Should one path fail, the meter will con-

tinue measuring three paths and substi-

tute values for the failed path. An alarm

alerts you to the malfunction however,

and the meter remains accurate.

The history of the Daniel Four-Path SeniorSonic

Gas Flow Meter

The prototypes for Daniel’s Four-Path

SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter were initial-

ly developed during nine years of

research and development by British Gas. Their goal was to

develop an accurate and reliable meter for custody transfer

applications which would not require flow calibration or pro-

duce a pressure drop.

Successful testing and evaluation were performed on meters

in the 100mm to 1050mm (4”to 42”) sizes in actual operational

sites.

▼▼

▼

5

The electronics module is mounted directly on the meter bodyand no longer requires a separate “safe area”

mounting location.

The DFI Card is a new optional accessory to the SeniorSonic

Gas Flow Meter. This option allows the user two important

benefits not formerly available. The DFI Card provides addi-

tional volumetric flowrate output capability including four

frequency outputs (two forward and two reverse), a 4-20 mA

current output, and a contact direction indicator. In combina-

tion with the temperature and pressure input capabilities, the

card may be configured to output a volumetric flowrate to a

user-specified base temperature/pressure condition. The DFI

Card also expands the diagnostic capabilities of the Mark II

Electronics Module by providing both a validity contact clo-

sure and a dedicated diagnostic serial port.

Dedicated Diagnostic Serial Port

Dual Frequency Outputs

Temperature and Pressure Inputs

Discrete Direction Indicator

Analog Volumetric Flowrate Output

Data Quality Alarm

The additional dedicated diagnostic port allows the userto interface from a laptop computer directly or remotelyvia a modem to the SeniorSonic meter without interrupt-ing service from the on-line flow computer or withoutloss of measurement flow rates and totals.

The Diagnostic and Frequency Interface Card

6

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

Laptop Computer

Calibration/ Data Collection &

Configuration

12" UFM10" UFM 8" UFM 6" UFM

TM

Flow Computer

RS-232/485 (Modbus)

Temperature

Pressure

Input Power

Frequency 1

Frequency 2

Flow Direction

Data Quality Alarm

Analog Out 1

RS-232/485 (Modbus)

Daniel Ultrasonic Interface Program

DFI

SeniorSonic Ultrasonic Flow Meter with Frequency Interface Digital Flow Measurement System for AGA-9 Compatibility

Outline and Dimensional Information

The following outline and dimensional information is suppliedto aid in the design of metering systems and are correct as ofthe printing date of this brochure. Designers are cautioned to

The Daniel “T-Slot” Extractable Transducer

The T-Slot trans-ducer is one compo-nent of an advancedisolation systemwhich provides aconvenient and safemethod for on-linetransducer extrac-tion. The electricalcomponents of thetransducer haveretained their intrin-sic safety propertiesand are even moreefficient than previ-ous versions of

Daniel transducers because of added acoustical isolation.Safety interlocks prevent the transducer port from being open-

ed prior to proper seating of the threaded transducer holder and

7

Mechanicalinterlockprevents cover-plate installa-tion untilpressure sealis in place andproperly seat-ed. Interlockmay then berotated to allowaccess to themounting bolts.

METER SIZE(inches)

FLANGEDIAMETER

(inches)

OVERALLEND-TO-END*

(inches)

APPROX.WEIGHT

(lbs.)68

10121620243036

29.50031.50034.00035.43047.25050.63058.62067.00073.500

400550800

1,0501,9003,1004,0005,0006,400

14.00016.50020.00022.00027.00032.00037.00044.50051.750

*Note: End-to-end dimensions are for ANSI #600 flanges. This dimension can be used to calculate ANSI #300 end-to-end dimensions by subtracting twice the difference in flange thicknesses.

all insertion and extraction movements are performed in a pres-sure balanced condition. The combination of all these featuresmake the T-Slot the most advanced and efficient ultrasonictransducer in the gas industry.

consult the latest Daniel engineering drawings prior to con-struction since these dimensions sometimes change.

The tables on this page can be used to determine the flow

range at reference conditions for meters of 6" to 24". Larger

sizes are available. All calculations are based on velocity

ranges from 1 ft./sec., 3 ft./sec., and the appropriate maxi-

mum recommended velocity. These recommended ranges

may be extended. Call to discuss a particular application.

Selection of Meter Size

8

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900100011001200

Pressure (psi) 6"

SeniorSonic Minimum FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M

0.410.771.151.541.932.342.763.193.644.084.545.00

8"

0.701.341.992.663.344.054.795.526.307.077.868.66

10"

1.112.113.134.195.266.387.548.699.9311.1412.3813.65

12"

1.573.004.445.957.479.0610.7112.3414.1015.8117.5819.38

16"

2.48 4.74 7.02 9.4011.7914.3116.9119.4922.2624.9727.7530.60

24"

5.6510.7815.9621.3826.8232.5438.4744.3350.6356.8063.1369.61

20"

3.91 7.4511.0414.7818.5422.5026.6030.6535.0139.2843.6548.13

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900100011001200

Pressure (psi) 6"

SeniorSonic Extended Minimum FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M

0.140.260.380.510.640.780.921.061.211.361.511.67

8"

0.230.450.660.891.111.351.601.842.102.362.622.89

10"

0.370.701.041.401.752.132.512.903.313.714.134.55

12"

0.521.001.481.982.493.023.574.114.705.275.866.46

16"

0.83 1.58 2.34 3.13 3.93 4.77 5.64 6.50 7.42 8.32 9.2510.20

24"

1.88 3.59 5.32 7.13 8.9410.8512.8214.7816.8818.9321.0423.20

20"

1.30 2.48 3.68 4.93 6.18 7.50 8.8710.2211.6713.0914.5516.04

Flowrates in MMSCFD at 3ft/sec, based onstandard compressibility at 70 degrees

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 90010001100120013001400150016001700180019002000

Pressure (psi)6"/110 ft/s

SeniorSonic Maximum FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M

14.77 28.03 41.68 55.68 70.07 84.84100.01115.60131.53147.84164.50181.50198.76216.24233.94251.73269.56287.41305.15322.75

8"/100 ft/s

23.26 44.13 65.61 87.67110.32133.56157.45181.99207.07232.75258.98285.75312.92340.44368.30396.31424.38452.49480.41508.12

10"/90 ft/s

32.97 62.57 93.03124.30156.41189.37223.24258.03293.59330.00367.18405.14443.66482.68522.18561.90601.69641.55681.13720.42

12"/90 ft/s

46.82 88.85 132.10 176.50 222.10 268.90 317.00 366.40 416.90 468.60 521.40 575.30 630.00 685.40 741.50 797.90 854.40 911.00 967.201023.00

16"/85 ft/s

69.82 132.50 197.00 263.21 331.21 401.00 472.74 546.40 621.71 698.81 777.55 857.93 939.511022.121105.781189.891274.151358.551442.361525.58

24"/75 ft/s

140.15 265.96 395.42 528.32 664.82 804.91 948.891096.761247.921402.681560.721722.061885.802051.632219.562388.382557.502726.932895.153062.18

20"/85 ft/s

109.80 208.36 309.78 413.90 520.84 630.59 743.38 859.23 977.651098.891222.711349.111477.391607.301738.861871.122003.622136.352268.142398.99

Meter Size (inches)/Velocity (feet per second)

Flowrates in MMSCFD at 1ft/sec, based onstandard compressibility at 70 degrees

Flowrates in MMSCFD at stated maximum velocity,based on standard compressibility at 70 degrees

The SeniorSonic meter is designed to operate with a velocity

range from a few feet per second to a maximum velocity

which depends on meter size. These charts translate the

appropriate maximum velocity for a given meter size into a

maximum flowrate, as a function of pressure. Thus, if the

flowrate and pressure of a potential measurement location

are known, it is very easy to determine if the maximum

velocity is exceeded. Simply locate the pressure and

flowrate coordinate on the chart and determine if that point

lies beneath the limit shown for the corresponding line size.

Sizing Charts for Daniel SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter

MAXIMUM FLOWRATES Schedule 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M

9

200

400

1000

Flow

rate

(MM

SCFD

)

0

800

600

1200

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

6"

8"

10"

12"

Pressure (psi)

500

1000

2500

Flow

rate

(MM

SCFD

)

0

2000

1500

3000

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

3500

16"

20"

24"

Pressure (psi)

The tables on this page can be used to determine the flow

range at reference conditions for meters of 150mm to

600mm. Larger sizes are available. All calculations are

based on velocity ranges from 0.4 mm/sec., 1mm/sec., and

the appropriate maximum recommended velocity. These rec-

ommended ranges may be extended. Contact Daniel to dis-

cuss a particular application.

Selection of Meter Size: Metric

10

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90100

Pressure (barg) 150mm

SeniorSonic Minimum Metric FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M:, FLOWRATES IN THOUSANDS NCMH

0.741.452.212.983.754.645.476.397.358.26

200mm

1.29 2.51 3.82 5.17 6.50 8.04 9.4711.0612.7314.30

250mm

2.03 3.96 6.02 8.1410.2412.6714.9217.4320.0622.54

300mm

2.88 5.62 8.5511.5614.5417.9921.1824.7428.4731.99

400mm

4.55 8.8713.5018.2622.9528.4133.4539.0744.9650.52

600mm

10.35 20.18 30.71 41.53 52.21 64.62 76.09 88.87102.28114.91

500mm

7.1613.9521.2328.7136.1044.6852.6161.4570.7179.45

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90100

Pressure (barg) 150mm

SeniorSonic Extended Minimum Metric FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M:, FLOWRATES IN THOUSANDS NCMH

0.300.580.881.191.501.862.192.552.943.30

200mm

0.521.001.532.072.603.223.794.425.095.72

250mm

0.811.582.413.264.105.075.976.978.029.01

300mm

1.15 2.25 3.42 4.62 5.81 7.20 8.47 9.9011.3912.80

400mm

1.82 3.55 5.40 7.30 9.1811.3613.3815.6317.9820.21

600mm

4.14 8.0712.2816.6120.8925.8530.4335.5540.9145.97

500mm

2.86 5.58 8.4911.4914.4417.8721.0424.5828.2931.78

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90100

Pressure (barg)150mm/35m/s

SeniorSonic Maximum Metric FlowratesSCHEDULE 40, ANSI/ASME B36.10M:, FLOWRATES IN THOUSANDS NCMH

26.04 50.75 77.25104.46131.33162.55191.38223.54257.25289.04

200mm/30m/s

38.66 75.34114.68155.08194.97241.31284.11331.86381.91429.10

250mm/27m/s

54.82106.84162.63219.91276.49342.20402.89470.61541.57608.50

300mm/27m/s

77.83151.67230.86312.18392.49485.77571.93668.06768.80863.81

400mm/25m/s

113.78 221.74 337.53 456.41 573.83 710.21 836.17 976.721,124.001,262.91

600mm/23m/s

238.13 464.07 706.39 955.181,200.931,486.351,749.962,044.102,352.332,643.04

500mm/25m/s

178.96 348.76 530.87 717.85 902.541,117.041,315.161,536.211,767.861,986.34

Meter Size (mm)/Velocity (meters per second)

Calculated at 0.4 m/s flow velocity

Calculated at 1 m/s flow velocity

Accuracy Limits

Typical meter baseline accuracy is within 0.5% of reference

without flow calibration. For higher accuracy, flow calibration

can be provided at an additional charge.

The measurement range and accuracy of any ultrasonic meter

are dependent on meter size and application, and should be dis-

cussed with Daniel prior to final selection. See Daniel Sales

Application Note, “Accuracy and Range of Daniel

SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meters” for additional information.

Electronic Unit Specifications

Input/Output:RS232/485 serial portsForward Frequency Output

(0-5000 hz)Reverse Frequency Output

(0-5000 hz)Analog Output - 4/20 mAData Quality Alarm - DigitalTemp. & Pressure Input - 4/20 mA

Electrical Power:AC Version:

115/230 Volts ±10%

47 to 63 HZ, 15 Watt max

DC Version:

20 to 28 Volts, 15 Watt max

Environmental:Operating Temperature:

-40˚F to 140˚F (-40˚C to 60˚C)

Operating Relative Humidity:

Up to 95% non-condensing

Storage Temperature:

-40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Installation

The meter requires only 10 diameters of straight matchingpipe upstream and 3 diameters downstream to achieve specifi-fied accuracy. When an application requires measurement ofbi-directional flow, 10 diameters of straight pipe must be pre-sent in each direction. As previously stated, gas temperatureand pressure should be measured when flow rates and volumethroughputs at reference conditions are required.

Consult Daniel Sales Application Note, “Installation of TheDaniel SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter” for more information.

Meter Specifications

Application:Pipeline quality natural gas

Available Sizes:6" to 36" (150mm to 900mm)For larger sizes, up to 42”, consult Daniel

Gas Temperature Range:-4˚F to 140˚F (-20˚C to 60˚C up to120˚C - extended range)

Pressure Range:Designs up to ANSI #2500 available

Transducer Protection:IP Rating of the coupled connector is

IP65 to DIN 40050

Recommended Maximum Flow Velocity:

Minimum: 3 ft/sec (0.9 m/s)Extended: 1 ft/sec (0.3 m/s)

Repeatability:< = 0.2% of reading in specified velocity range

Safety Classification

UL listed for use in Class I, Groups C and D hazardouslocations in both the U.S. and Canada. Transducers are alsocertified Eex d ia IIA T4 to CENELEC standards EN50014,EN50018, and EN50020.

11

METER SIZE(inches)

METER SIZE(mm)

MAX(ft/s)

METRIC MAX(m/s)

68

10121620243036

11010090908585757070

353027272525232121

150200250300400500600750900

Precise dimensional control is essentialfor accurate ultrasonic flow measurement.

Daniel’s manufacturing processes and qualityassurance procedures are your guarantee of

superior meter performance.

Daniel endorses its meters for fiscal measurement andensures the construction of its meters to the exacting

specifications defined by AGA Report No. 9 -

OPTION SELECTION FOR THE DANIEL SENIORSONIC GAS FLOW METER

ELECTRONICS:115/230 VAC/ 3/4" NPT115/230 VAC/ 20mm NPT24 VDC/ 3/4" NPT24 VDC/ 20mm NPT115/230 VAC/ 3/4" NPT24 VDC/ 3/4" NPT

EXAMPLE: 3400-1700-451-0-11375Denotes a 12” Daniel SeniorSonic Gas Flow Meter with raised face flanges, ANSI 600, 115 VAC input, with

T-Slot Extractable Transducers, WCC/WCC material, and with a bore of 11.375”.

ANSI CLASS:300600900

15002500

1

2

3

5

In addition to the manufacturing plants shown here in Falkirk, Scotland, (above) and Houston, Texas, Daniel also has plants,offices, and representatives around the world to serve customers in over fifty countries.

3

--3400 -SIZE:

6”8”

10”12”16”20”24”30”36”42”

1

2

FLANGE TYPE:RAISED FACE (RF)RING TYPE (RTJ)

1

4

MATERIAL(Body/Flange):

WCC/WCCWCC A 105LCC/LCCLCC/LF2A 516/A 105LF2/LF2A 105/A 105

3

4

5

3

4

5

0 0 -

4

6

7

8

9

10

6

78

0

1

2

6

ACTUALMETER BORE:State Actual MeterBore In Inches

Daniel Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co., and part of the Fisher-Rosemount group.

Daniel Division Headquarters • Houston, Texas, USA • Telephone: (713) 467-6000 • Fax: (713) 827-3880Calgary, Alberta, Canada • Telephone: (403) 279-1879 • Fax: (403) 236-1337

Swinton Grange, England • Telephone: + 44 -1653-695551 • Fax: + 44 -1653-600425Singapore • Telephone: + 65-777-8211 • Fax: + 65-770-8031

O F F I C E S A N D R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S W O R L D W I D E

w w w . d a n i e l i n d . c o m

© 2000, Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc. DMC-1832-10M-4/00All specifications are subject to change without notice as part of a continuing program of product improvement.

5

6

7