DI G ITAL TR AN S FOR MATION
characteristic absorption wavelength. In harsh weather condi-
tions, where light visibility can be limited, this makes it more
difficult to detect the presence of gases .

The Searchline detectors use a near-band infrared (NBIR) light
source, which requires less absorption and scattering to detect the
concentration of gases. NBIR light sources are used in a variety
of applications, including thermal imaging, fiber optic commu-
nications and night vision goggles, but only recently have been
adopted for gas imaging.

The detectors also feature Bluetooth connectivity, which allow
for quicker device maintenance and calibration for rig crews.

Field personnel can also connect the detectors to Honeywell’s
Fixed Platform app from 60 ft away to run performance checks,
reducing the need for them to climb to high locations to check
devices if they are located off the ground.

Flow measurement accuracy
Achieving repeatable and accurate flow measurements at the
wellsite – for instance, measuring the flow of hydraulic fracturing
fluid as it goes downhole and the flowback that comes up from
the well at the wellhead – is a critical but challenging function.

Traditionally, turbine meters are used to measure flow rate, but
their moving parts do not mix well with grit or sand, and the sen-
sors within them can often show wear, reducing measurement
accuracy and increasing nonproductive time.

Siemens has worked to minimize durability issues in flow
measurement by designing electronic flow meters, launching
its FS230 flow meter in 2020 for hydrocarbons. At the heart of
the meter is the Sitrans FSS200 Widebeam clamp-on sensor, a
Lamb wave transit-time sensor developed for flow measurement.

Widebeam sensors use an FS-DSL (digital sensor link) electronic
module that captures ultrasonic signals generated from the fluid
flowing through pipe. Those signals are then evaluated by the
sensors and recorded as measured values. The analog values are
then digitized and sent to a transmitter, which processes, corrects
and saves the data.

“With Widebeam, we’re really looking to improve the accuracy
in liquid and gas flow measurement, even in difficult conditions,”
said Paul Limpitlaw, Head of Business Development – Oil & Gas,
Minerals Measurement Intelligence at Siemens. “We’re intelli-
gently integrating the pipe wall into the measuring system, and
that’s going to lead to significantly stronger sound waves spread
out over a broad section of the flow profile. The sensors’ ability
to transmit waves that are individually adapted to the resonance
range of the pipe for each measurement is really key to acquiring
the data needed for high-precision measurements.”
Different versions of the flow meter can measure either oil or
gas. The gas meter is applicable for things like check metering
and flow survey verifications, while the oil version can be applied
to things like process control metering and leak detection. DC
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