iSeries Next Generation Vortex Flow Meters

The iSeries Vortex Has Arrived.

In 1997, Sierra was the first to introduce a combination volumetric vortex and multivariable mass flow meter. Today, Sierra’s completely redesigned InnovaMass® iSeries™ 240i/241i builds on two decades of success measuring five process variables for gas, liquid, and steam with one connection. 

• Ideal for pipes and ducts up to 72 inches (2M)
• Enhanced low flow capability with Sierra's proprietary FloPro™ app
• Can measure air up to 67000 scfm and saturated steam up to 380,000 pounds/hour
• Improved  hot tap probe insertion retractor

iSeries Introduces Comprehensive Flow Energy Management

Under what is called the iSeries platform, the all new InnovaMass 241i is now a platform for massive innovation. The reinvented InnovaMass 241i delivers a revolution in flow energy management by maximizing measurement precision and realizing this goal with the following new iSeries features:

• Flow Energy Calculations: AGA8 natural gas, steam enthalpy, thermal energy/BTU
• Raptor II OS microprocessor is 10x faster to run robust software applications
• Field diagnostics, validation, and adjustment through onboard Smart Interface Portal
• Rapid update of latest features with field firmware upgrade capability
• FloPro™ software application improves point-velocity accuracy for insertion version
• Complete suite of digital communications for turnkey networking & automation
• Patented MassBalance™ sensor in tandem with Raptor II for mechanical and digital signal processing breakthroughs

Raptor II OS: The Flow Engine Behind It All

Originally developed as the operating system for our QuadraTherm thermal mass flow meter, Raptor II OS is the “flow-engine” programing inside every InnovaMass iSeries vortex meter. Raptor II uses advanced digital signal processing and proprietary mathematical algorithms to enhance the flow signal, while also calculating the thermodynamic properties of the gas, liquid or steam being measured in real-time. Raptor II OS:

• Easily manages all five process variables in real time
• Offers apps like FloPro™ , Dial-A-Pipe™ , Dial-A-Fluid™ ,ValidCal Diagnostics, and Meter Settings.
• Allows for field firmware upgrades
• Enables creation of unique fluid mixtures with qMix™
• Enhances velocity signal for greater sensitivity at low flows
• Interfaces with the Smart Interface Portal software to read and adjust the meter in the field
• Includes a fluid database with nearly all liquids, gases, and complete steam tables

Raptor II OS Enhances Accuracy with FloPro™

Driven by Raptor II OS, the 241i insertion has a vastly improved flow profile calculation using a proprietary application called FloPro. With all insertion point velocity flow meters, knowing the flow profile inside the pipe or duct is key to stable and reliable accuracy. Traditional insertion meters use a simple formula from Miller’s Handbook that calculates flow profile assuming the flow is always turbulent.

FloPro makes no assumptions. It applies a sophisticated mathematical algorithm for higher resolution and understanding of flow profile. In addition to turbulent flow, FloPro calculates laminar and transitional flow in real-time as they would occur inside the pipe or duct (Figure B). FloPro improves upon previous methods by providing a much more accurate calculation of the flow profile in the transitional flow regime that occurs between laminar flow and turbulent flow. This results in increased accuracy, particularly at low flow rates with a Reynolds Number in the range of 4,000 to 10,000.

World-Class Flow Calibration Facility

Every flow meter is only as good as its calibration. Each InnovaMass is calibrated by Sierra’s new calibration facility in Monterey, California, to assure the highest level of quality. Flow standards with accuracies of 0.2% of reading are used to assure the highest accuracy possible. All calibrations follow the guidelines of ISO 17025 and are directly traceable to national standards such as NIST (United States National Institute of Standards and Technology).

Inspired by Formula One Racing

In 2014, Sierra’s Automotive Test Division completed a state-of-the-art F1 engine testing facility for Honda. Sierra’s CADET test automation software was installed to manage all aspects of engine testing. Sierra’s flow division immediately saw the potential to deliver this same level of excellence to InnovaMass calibration. Today, the same CADET software that tunes those F1 engines now runs pumps, reads calibration standards, performs high-speed data acquisition and performance analysis, and even sounds alarms if anything goes wrong. Every unit we calibrate adds data to Sierra’s database for continuous calibration process improvement.