Trailblazing the Carbon Path | How Ultrasonic Flow Meters Optimize CCUS Operations
FLOWSIC Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Precision Measurement for Any Gas—From Hydrogen to Ethane
In recent weeks, we explored how FLOWSIC handles high-speed gases like hydrogen (H₂). Now, let’s dive into its capabilities with low-speed gases—delivering the same accuracy and reliability for CO₂, nitrogen, oxygen, ethane, and more.
1. CCUS Explained: Capturing Carbon for a Cleaner Future
CCUS: China’s Carbon Capture Breakthrough – Cutting Emissions, Boosting Energy
What is CCUS?
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a game-changing climate solution that traps CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and heavy industries—either storing it safely underground or repurposing it for industrial use.
Why China is Betting on CCUS
🔹 Boosts Oil & Cuts Carbon: China is a global leader in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)—injecting captured CO₂ into oil fields to extract more crude while permanently storing emissions. A true win-win for energy and the environment.
🔹 Scaling Fast: Since early 2022, multiple large-scale CCUS projects have launched across China, accelerating progress toward the nation’s dual-carbon goals (peak emissions by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2060).
🔹 Economic & Green: This isn’t just about climate compliance—CCUS creates value, turning waste CO₂ into a resource for industry.
The Bottom Line
CCUS is no longer experimental—it’s live, growing, and delivering results in China’s energy transition.
(Schematic diagram of CO2 injection into oil and gas fields)
01> Low Velocity Gas
Carbon dioxide is a typical low velocity gas (sound speed<300m/s), while other low velocity gas components include high CO2 content mixtures, supercritical CO2, ethylene oxide, etc.
(Phase states of CO2 at different temperatures and pressures)
02> Impact on Ultrasonic Flowmeters
How Low-Velocity Gases Challenge Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Low-velocity gases create unique measurement hurdles for ultrasonic flow meters:
• Severe signal attenuation dramatically reduces operational range
• Narrow acoustic lobes produce strong initial signals that get canceled out by high damping effects
• Real-world signal loss can reach 100 dB/m – especially problematic in low-pressure applications
Why this matters for operators:
The combination of these factors means your meter might show perfect initial readings… only to lose signal integrity when you need it most.
2.Solution and application sharing
01> Solution
Conquering Low-Velocity Gas Measurement: Endress+Hauser’s 20 Years of Ultrasonic Innovation
For over two decades, Endress+Hauser has pioneered ultrasonic flow measurement technology. Now, our FLOWSIC600-XT rises to meet the unique challenges of low-velocity gases with smart engineering solutions:
🔧 Opposed-Beam Transducer Array
→ Shorter acoustic paths minimize signal attenuation
→ Maintains measurement integrity where others fail
💡 Proprietary High-Coupling Probes
→ Patented design maximizes acoustic energy transfer
→ Delivers superior signal strength in demanding conditions
📉 Low-Frequency Transducers (80kHz/135kHz)
→ Beats 200kHz probes with reduced attenuation
→ Optimized for CO₂, O₂, and other challenging gases
⚡ High-Sensitivity Electronics
→ Advanced circuitry amplifies weak signals
→ Higher gain ratios for reliable low-flow detection
02 >Application Sharing
Participated in projects such as JGC/Super critical CO2 project in Japan, Terasen Gas/Authenticton B.C. project in Canada, Air Liquide/Lurgi NW R project in Germany, and Sierra Instruments/Sierra Instruments Gas Loop project in the United States for measuring pure CO2 or high CO2 content gases.
3.Introduction to FLOOSIC600-XT
As the successor to the previous generation of successful products, the FLOOSIC600-XT gas ultrasonic flowmeter has set a new standard in this field. The FLOOSIC600-XT offers four channel, 4+1 channel, 4+4 channel, and 8 channel options to meet all single machine or system field application needs. Can meet the requirements of Class 0.5 in OIML R137 and AGA No.9 report.
1.Product advantages
Built for Demanding Environments:
✓ Long-term stability – Consistent accuracy over years of operation
✓ Universal compatibility – Handles diverse gases and process conditions
✓ Noise-immune performance – Unaffected by plant vibrations or interference
✓ Tough where it counts – Reliable in extreme temperatures/pressures
✓ Real-time composition tracking – Continuous gas analysis via speed-of-sound measurement
✓ Self-care system – Smart diagnostics predict maintenance needs
2.Application Fields
Precision Gas Measurement for Critical Applications
✔ Natural Gas Custody Transfer – Trusted accuracy for fiscal metering and trade
✔ Gas Transmission & Storage – Reliable monitoring for pipelines and underground storage
✔ LNG Import/Export Terminals – Robust performance for both onshore and offshore operations
✔ Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas (up to 30% H₂) – Future-ready measurement for the energy transition
✔ Industrial Gas Measurement – Handles CO₂, H₂, N₂, O₂, NH₃, ethylene, helium, argon, and more
✔ H₂S-Rich Gas Applications – Designed for sour gas, biogas, and other corrosive mixtures