New "Gecko" Flow Transfer Standard Enables On-Site Flowmeter Calibrations

TEMPE, Ariz., — Flow Technology, Inc. (FTI), a leading manufacturer of precision flow measurement instruments, systems and calibrators, today introduced the "Gecko" Flow Transfer Standard—the next step in on-site flowmeter calibration. The compact Gecko system utilizes the EZ-LINK™ portable interface box and EZ-CAL™ menu-driven software for inline comparison calibrations with the unit under test (UUT).

Designed for both liquid and gas applications, Gecko is an alternative to costly primary standard calibrators for in-house calibrations or verifications. The system consists of software and a USB interface box which allows the user to interface with a computer of their choice. Master flowmeters can be supplied by Flow Technology or the user can choose to use virtually any meter technology they desire for a master reference meter.

Gecko's EZ-CAL software receives inputs from the master flowmeter, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor (gas systems) for calculating both volumetric and mass flow units. Overall system accuracy is dependent on several factors, including master flowmeter calibration, repeatability and primary standard accuracy; as well as temperature/pressure sensor accuracies. This fundamentally allows the user to tailor the accuracy of the system to meet their needs through the level of master sensors they choose to utilize.

The Gecko system can be installed into an existing application utilizing the flow source and actual conditions of the liquid or gas. In addition, a bypass system can be built into the application for ease of installing the master meter with flow straighteners for calibration of the UUT. Once the calibration is complete, the master flowmeter can be replaced with a recommended spool piece. The bypass approach maximizes accuracy while minimizing expensive downtime in production schedules.

There are no application limitations with the Gecko system with the correct master flowmeters, piping, sensors and calibrations. Thanks to recent advancements in electronics, Flow Technology has incorporated additional input capabilities for other flowmeter technologies to be used as master flowmeters. This gives the metrologist the ability to choose the flowmeter design best suited for the process. Flow Technology also offers custom carts, stands and flow loops with multiple master flowmeters.