3051SFA Pitot Tube Flow Meter Annubar Differential Pressure Flow Measurement for Large-Diameter Pipes

3051SFA Pitot Tube Flow Meter Annubar Differential Pressure Flow Measurement for Large-Diameter Pipes

The Rosemount 3051SFA Annubar™ Pitot Tube Flow Meter is a high-performance differential pressure flow measurement solution designed for accurate, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring of liquids, gases, and steam in large-diameter pipelines. By integrating the advanced Rosemount 3051S pressure transmitter with the Annubar averaging pitot tube, this flow meter delivers precise multi-point differential pressure readings with minimal permanent pressure loss.

Typical Applications of Rosemount 3051SFA Pitot Tube Flow Meter

1. Power Generation

• Steam flow measurement in high-pressure and high-temperature pipelines
• Boiler efficiency monitoring with minimal permanent pressure loss
• Feedwater and auxiliary system flow tracking

2. Oil & Gas Industry

• Natural gas transmission and distribution in large-diameter pipelines
• Flare gas and fuel gas monitoring with reliable accuracy
• Crude oil and refined product flow measurement in midstream operations

3. Chemical & Petrochemical Plants

• Process steam and utility flow monitoring
• Large cooling water loop measurement with low maintenance requirements
• Compressed air and inert gas distribution networks

4. Water & Wastewater Treatment

• Raw water intake and distribution in municipal systems
• Effluent discharge monitoring for compliance
• Large-scale pumping station flow measurement

5. Industrial Manufacturing

• HVAC and building utility flow monitoring in large facilities
• Flow measurement in pulp & paper, steel, and cement industries
• Energy management systems require accurate steam and gas flow data

Key Advantage Across Applications:
The 3051SFA Annubar design provides multi-point averaging, ensuring accurate flow measurement in large-diameter pipes with very low permanent pressure loss, making it ideal for energy efficiency and cost-sensitive operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Rosemount 3051SFA Flow Meter?

The Rosemount 3051SFA is an Annubar™ Pitot Tube Flow Meter that integrates a Rosemount 3051S differential pressure transmitter with an averaging pitot tube (Annubar). It provides accurate, reliable flow measurement for liquids, gases, and steam in large-diameter pipelines.

2. How does the 3051SFA measure flow?

It measures the differential pressure created by fluid velocity across the Annubar probe. The transmitter converts this pressure difference into a flow rate, with built-in compensation for temperature and pressure when required.

3. What are the advantages of using an Annubar Pitot Tube compared to an orifice plate?

• Lower permanent pressure loss → reduces energy costs
• Multi-point averaging → improves accuracy in large pipes
• Easier installation and maintenance → no need for large pipe modifications
• Scalability → suitable for very large diameters (up to 96 in / 2440 mm)

4. What industries typically use the 3051SFA?

• Power generation (steam flow, boiler efficiency)
• Oil & gas (natural gas transmission, flare gas monitoring)
• Chemical and petrochemical plants (process steam, cooling water)
• Water and wastewater treatment (intake, distribution, effluent monitoring)
• Industrial manufacturing (HVAC, compressed air, utilities)

5. What is the accuracy of the 3051SFA?

Typical accuracy is ±0.75% of flow rate, depending on installation and process conditions.

6. What pipe sizes are supported?

The 3051SFA Annubar is designed for 2–96 inch (50–2440 mm) pipelines, making it ideal for large-diameter applications.

7. What outputs are available?

The transmitter provides 4–20 mA with HART®, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, or WirelessHART® communication, depending on configuration.

8. How is the 3051SFA installed?

The Annubar probe is inserted into the pipe through a mounting fitting. It can be installed in horizontal or vertical pipelines, with options for hot-tap installation to avoid process shutdowns.

9. What maintenance is required?

Minimal. The Annubar design has no moving parts, and the transmitter includes advanced diagnostics to monitor performance and detect plugging or impulse line issues.

10. How does it compare to other Rosemount flow meters?

• 3051SFA (Annubar Pitot Tube): Best for large pipes, low pressure loss
• 3051SFC (Orifice): Compact, general-purpose
• 3051SFP (Venturi): High accuracy, low loss, but higher cost
• 3051CFP (Integral Orifice): Small line sizes, low flows