High Pressure

Mode-Meter AG has consistently focused on the extremes of metering, specifically low flows and high pressures. The VFF range has numerous applications within the oil and gas industry, meeting the stringent specifications required. Beyond oil and gas, we have successfully deployed 2,500 bar flow meters. A few years ago, the trend toward 20,000 psi ratings in the Gulf of Mexico saw our flow meters installed in various projects in the region.

A breakthrough in our design philosophy came with the separation of fluid measurement from pressure containment. We engineered a measurement chamber that floats within the pressure vessel, ensuring accurate, pressure-independent flow metering from 10 psi to 20,000 psi.

What is a Pressure Balance Chamber?

Extensive testing conducted by Mode-Meter AG in 2005 demonstrated that leaks occur over the rotor at higher pressures due to minute distortions of the cap. For instance, at 700 bar, the cap may move by just 0.02mm at the center. Increasing the cap's bulk still results in this movement, creating a leak path for fluid that bypasses the positive displacement of the rotor. This phenomenon can lead to approximately 3% inaccuracy at 700 bar.

In response, we designed a Pressure Balance Chamber for our VFF flow meters, enabling them to operate effectively at extreme pressures and low flow rates. This chamber acts as a barrier, shielding the internal measurement components from high-pressure conditions, thus preventing expansion and contraction that can distort measurements. The absence of distortion ensures accurate readings at any pressure, and all VFF meters are equipped with this technology, marked by the letters PBC in the calibration certificate.

Fluids and Ranges

The VFF flow meter has effectively metered various fluids, including oils, hydraulic fluids, corrosion inhibitors, waxes, demulsifiers, pour point depressants, scale inhibitors, hydrate inhibitors, biocides, and oxygen scavengers for nearly 40 years. Our flow meter bodies are constructed from a variety of high-grade materials that offer excellent chemical and environmental resistance.

We have successfully measured flow rates as low as 0.00013 liters/min (0.19 liters/day) within the offshore oil industry. The VFF flow meter provides exceptional rangeability, with potential turndowns of up to 3,000:1, depending on operating viscosity.

Our meters range from the smallest standard stock size, LF03—max flow of 18 L/hr—to the largest HF40, capable of 40 L/min. Higher flow-rate meters are available upon special order. We offer an extensive range of flow meter designs and materials with pressure ratings up to 20,000 psi (1,380 bar), and we can provide higher pressure rating designs up to 2,500 bar (36,000 psi). The 20,000 psi designs can measure flow rates up to 40 L/min, with special designs available for even higher flow rates.

All VFF flow meters are custom calibrated to the customer's specified minimum and maximum flow conditions and working viscosity. We offer meters that range from 0.005 L/hr to 3,600 L/hr at 20 ksi pressures, ensuring we can best suit your applications while providing exceptional turndowns.