Product overview
The Siemens SITRANS FS230 measures liquid flow using ultrasonic sensors mounted externally on an existing pipeline. Installation does not normally require cutting the pipe, welding flanges or introducing sensor components into the process liquid.
This makes the FS230 particularly suitable for vessel retrofits, temporary measurements and applications where shutdown or pipe modification is difficult.
Key features
- External clamp-on installation
- No pipe cutting or hot work normally required
- No contact with the process liquid
- No additional pressure loss
- Bidirectional flow measurement
- Suitable for conductive and non-conductive liquids
- Can measure water, seawater, oil and hydrocarbons
- Single-, dual- or four-path configurations
- Graphic display and diagnostic functions
- Built-in data logging
- Retrofit-friendly installation
- Hazardous-area configurations available
- Minimal sensor maintenance
- Suitable for large-diameter pipelines
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Transit-time ultrasonic |
| Installation | External clamp-on sensors |
| Pipe-size range | Approximately 12.7 mm–10 m |
| Typical liquid accuracy | Approximately ±0.5–1.0%, application dependent |
| Repeatability | Approximately ±0.25% |
| Flow direction | Bidirectional |
| Measurement paths | One, two or four |
| Outputs | 4–20 mA, pulse, frequency and relay |
| Communication | Modbus RTU and configurable digital options |
| Temperature input | Optional Pt1000 RTD input |
| Transmitter protection | IP66/IP67, NEMA 4X |
| Power supply | AC or DC configurations |
| Hazardous-area approvals | ATEX, IECEx and FM options |
| Process pressure limit | Not directly limited because sensors remain outside the pipe |
Accuracy depends heavily on the pipe material, wall thickness, internal condition, fluid properties, sensor spacing and available straight-pipe length.
Marine and offshore applications
- Seawater cooling lines
- Freshwater systems
- Ballast-water pipelines
- Fuel-oil transfer monitoring
- Lubricating-oil systems
- Chilled-water circuits
- Pump-performance testing
- Temporary bunker-flow verification
- Offshore process pipelines
- Retrofit flow monitoring
- Large-diameter cooling-water lines
- Corrosive or high-pressure fluid services
Advantages over Product No. 045
Unlike the MAG 5100 W, the FS230:
- Does not require cutting the pipeline
- Can measure non-conductive liquids such as fuel oil
- Can be installed while the pipe remains in service, subject to site safety
- Introduces no wetted components or pressure loss
- Is especially useful for temporary and retrofit projects
