Control Microsystems, global developer of advanced RTU/PLCs, SCADA management software, and intelligent sensors, today announced the release of SOLARPack™ 410, an integrated, ultra low power flow computer for electronic flow measurement (EFM). The SOLARPack 410 features a compact, all-in-one design that integrates a powerful 32-bit flow computer, high accuracy temperature and pressure sensors, ultra low power solar battery system, and wireless Bluetooth communications for quick and easy retrieval of production and transmission data. Designed for use in remote locations where solar is the only power source and access by technicians is limited, SOLARPack is ideal for use in custody transfer metering and natural gas well head measurement.

“The SOLARPack 410 incorporates many innovative features in one enclosure, from the digital backlit LCD to the integrated spread-spectrum radio and Bluetooth interface,” stated Dale Symington, Senior Vice President Engineering, Control Microsystems. “The innovative design means the end of obsolete chart recorders and bulky, multi-component flow computers. Now retrieval of accurate and accountable flow measurement data is quick and easy.”

High Accuracy Flow Computer
The SOLARPack 410 is a high accuracy, low maintenance replacement for analog pen recorders whose data charts need collection and replacement on a regular basis. The SOLARPack provides fast, dedicated gas flow and density calculations according to API 21.1, BLM Onshore Order #5 and EUB Directive 17.

Sensor readings are taken every second rather than every 10+ minutes with chart recorders. This allows SOLARPack to measure anomalies, such as compressor pulsations on the flow line or plunger movement within a well. Logs provide an extensive and stable audit trail – up to 35 days of hourly history, 35 days of daily history, 700 events, and 300 alarms.

The system delivers more frequent, higher accuracy readings, and requires fewer trips to remote sites. The stainless steel/silicone fluid pressure sensor is accurate to +/- 0.05 of span for spans >10% of URL. Long-term drift is less than +/- 0.05% of URL per year over a 5-year period.

The SOLARPack 410 features a digital backlit LCD with two lines by 20 characters that indicate flow data and charging states, such as battery test, charge, and float. The system is configured using the company’s embedded RealFLO™ software. This speeds setup and eliminates the need for costly programming tools and expensive integration efforts.

Highly Secure Bluetooth Communication
Integrated Bluetooth technology turns the SOLARPack 410 into a “walk-up” SCADA system. Retrieval of accurate flow measurement data is a simple, three-step process: (1) drive or walk to the site, (2) connect through the wireless Bluetooth connection, and (3) upload all events, alarms, and accumulated flow readings to a laptop computer. This allows for paperless data recording, eliminating the need for pens and charts.

The SOLARPack 410 uses highly secure Bluetooth technology; authentication and encryption use a 10-character PIN to provide optimized protection.

At sites with minimal access, an optional integrated 900MHz spread-spectrum radio can turn the SOLARPack into a powerful SCADA system, allowing communications with SCADA hosts, such as the company’s ClearSCADA™.

Ultra Low Power with Configurable Power Management
The SOLARPack 410 features low power draw, configurable power management, and intelligent battery-charging features. Power draw is as low as 108mW. User-configured power management allows for direct control of consumption; modes include Continuous Wake, Scheduled Wake, and Enable Input activation.

The SOLARPack 410 employs a unique, precision adaptive battery-charging algorithm that ensures autonomous flow computer operation with uninterrupted power during periods of little or no sunshine lasting up to one month. Temperature-compensated battery charging extends battery life beyond that of competitive options.

The system’s corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure is rated Type 3RX and can be installed on a standard two-inch pipe. It can also be mounted on a wall, installed with uni-strut hardware, or supported on the pipeline infrastructure by the sensor itself. For added flexibility, the pressure sensor can be mounted directly on the bottom of the enclosure, or at a distance using an RS-485 communication link.

With the internal sensor option, the product is rated for use in Class I, Division 2: Groups A, B, C and D Hazardous Locations. With the external sensor option, the sensor alone is rated for use in Class I, Division 1, and the enclosure in Class I, Division 2 locations. The SOLARPack 410 has full cCSAus approval.

Courtesy of  Control Microsystems