FLOWgate™: The gate to ultrasonic gas flow measuring devices

The new FLOWgate™ operating software for all FLOWSIC ultrasonic gas flow meters and ultrasonic gas flow measuring devices from SICK links diagnostic data quickly and intelligently and presents them already prepared – for consistently easy operation or for clear, needs-based process monitoring. A single software for all FLOWSIC sensors. The integrated solution wizard ensures quick help through the automated evaluation of diagnostic data. SICK developed this software for the challenging requirements of the oil and gas industry on gas measuring technology.

Innovative user management

The FLOWgate™ software consists of two modules. One is responsible for basic functions such as device administration, communication, and report generation and is identical for all FLOWSIC sensors. The other is device-specific; the user can individually define commissioning, configuration, and diagnostic functions as well as the maintenance function.

While it was enough to develop a stable and functionally appealing software a few years ago, design, user-friendliness and individualization options are essential today. The aspect of individualization was given particular attention when developing FLOWgate™. User management provides four different user groups ranging from guest to service. A scalable amount of information, data, and tools is accessible for these groups and the complexity can be adjusted according to your needs. In addition, FLOWgate™ offers the option of defining an individualized start page. This saves time when you need to get a quick overview. With FLOWgate™, several communication connections can be created for different FLOWSIC devices simultaneously. This enables monitoring of several measurement systems from a computer at a glance.

Improving gas flow measurement with integrative diagnosis

Changes to the system status are quickly detected, for example as a result of contamination, moisture in the gas or disruptive noises. The quick status function provides immediate information about the current status of the application. In order to get a quick overview or analysis, each user can put together measured values and diagnostics parameters as required in the measure value overview, and then amend or save their overview. If a user-defined warning limit is reached, e.g., if limit values are exceeded for speed of sound or turbulence, the gas flow meter reports a warning. The solution wizard developed in the framework of i-diagnostics™ helps analyze the problem at the click of a button. The assistant analyzes the current diagnostic values and compares them with past values for a trend analysis. Fault patterns are identified with integrated logistics. The user receives an interpretation of data and recommendations for action at the same time.

This support greatly simplifies the work of the measurement engineer when identifying and solving faults in the gas flow meter and in the system as well. Changes to diagnostic data of the meter can often be traced back to changes in the process and the system.