GreenPrima PSTAB 500 Electromagnetic Flowmeter

Overview

The GreenPrima PSTAB 500 Electromagnetic Flowmeter is an industrial-grade online flow measurement instrument engineered for high-reliability operation in demanding chemical, wastewater, pulp & paper, mining, and pharmaceutical process environments. Based on Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction, the PSTAB 500 measures volumetric flow rate of conductive liquids by detecting the voltage induced across a flowing fluid perpendicular to both a magnetic field and flow direction. Its absence of moving parts, pressureless measurement principle, and immunity to variations in fluid density, viscosity, temperature, pressure, and conductivity ensure stable, long-term metrological performance without recalibration drift. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, the PSTAB 500 meets rigorous international design standards for electromagnetic flow instrumentation and is certified for use in hazardous area applications where intrinsic safety or explosion-proof compliance is required.

Key Features

• Full-bore sensor design with zero internal obstructions — eliminates pressure loss and minimizes maintenance requirements.
• Adaptive excitation technology and advanced digital signal processing deliver high noise immunity in electrically noisy plant environments, including near VFDs, welding equipment, and high-voltage switchgear.
• Bi-directional flow measurement capability with real-time forward/reverse flow accumulation and direction indication.
• Integrated self-diagnostics including electrode contamination detection, lining integrity monitoring, empty-pipe detection, and coil open/short circuit verification.
• Wide operating temperature range: process media from –30°C to +250°C; ambient housing from –30°C to +65°C.
• Modular construction supports both integral (PSTAB 500-I) and remote-mounted (PSTAB 500-R) configurations for flexible installation in confined or high-temperature locations.
• Configurable LCD display with backlit monochrome interface, full English menu navigation, and intuitive parameter setup wizard.
• Comprehensive electrical interface: standard 4–20 mA analog output with HART 7.0 protocol support; optional RS485 (MODBUS RTU), RS232, GPRS telemetry, and pulse/frequency outputs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PSTAB 500 is validated for continuous flow measurement of conductive liquids with minimum conductivity ≥5 µS/cm — including strong acids (e.g., H₂SO₄, HCl), caustic alkalis (e.g., NaOH), saline solutions, sewage effluent, slurry, ore pulp, and fiber-laden paper stock. Its wide selection of electrode and liner materials enables chemical compatibility mapping per ISO 21809-3, NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, and ASTM D1600 guidelines. Common configurations include 316L stainless steel electrodes with PTFE lining for general corrosion resistance, Hastelloy C-276 electrodes with F46 lining for hot concentrated acids, and titanium electrodes with polyurethane lining for abrasive slurries. The device conforms to IEC 61326-1 (EMC), IEC 61000-4 series (immunity), and carries CE marking under the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and Low Voltage Directive. Optional ATEX/IECEx certification is available for Zone 1/21 installations.

Software & Data Management

Configuration, calibration, and diagnostics are performed via the GreenPrima FlowLink PC software (Windows-based), supporting full device parameter backup/restore, firmware updates, and audit-trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used in regulated manufacturing. Field configuration is also possible using the built-in keypad and LCD or via Bluetooth-enabled mobile apps (optional). All communication protocols support timestamped data logging, alarm event capture (e.g., empty pipe, low conductivity, sensor fault), and configurable scaling for totalizer and rate outputs. Data export formats include CSV and XML for integration into SCADA, DCS, MES, and cloud-based IIoT platforms.

Applications

• Chemical dosing and feed control in batch reactors and continuous processes.
• Effluent flow monitoring and regulatory reporting in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
• Slurry transport metering in mineral processing, coal washing, and tailings management systems.
• Process water and cooling water circulation in power generation and HVAC infrastructure.
• Pharmaceutical clean-in-place (CIP) and product transfer validation per ASME BPE and EU GMP Annex 15.
• Fuel oil and additive blending in marine and refinery applications.

FAQ

What is the minimum fluid conductivity required for accurate measurement?
The PSTAB 500 requires a minimum conductivity of 5 µS/cm. Below this threshold, signal-to-noise ratio degrades, leading to unstable readings or diagnostic alarms.

Can the flowmeter operate in partially filled pipes?
No — electromagnetic flowmeters require full pipe cross-section coverage. For open-channel or partially filled pipe applications, ultrasonic Doppler or time-of-flight level-integrated systems are recommended.

Is it suitable for custody transfer applications?
While the PSTAB 500 achieves ≤0.3% accuracy, custody transfer typically mandates certified metrological traceability to national standards (e.g., ISO 4185, API RP 1171) and third-party type approval (e.g., MID Class 1.0). Contact GreenPrima for certified variants with UKAS-accredited calibration certificates.

How is grounding implemented for optimal signal integrity?
Proper grounding is critical: the sensor must be grounded via dedicated grounding rings or electrodes, connected to a low-impedance earth reference (<10 Ω) independent of electrical system grounds. GreenPrima provides grounding kits and installation guidelines per IEC 61000-6-2.

Does the device support SIL2 functional safety certification?
Yes — the PSTAB 500 SIL2 variant complies with IEC 61508 Ed.2 and IEC 61511, with documented failure modes, diagnostic coverage (>90%), and hardware fault tolerance (HFT = 1). Certification documentation is available upon request.