FS10i Flow Meter Helps Lime-Based Carbon Capture Systems Clean Up the Air to Prevent Global Warming

The go-anywhere, rugged and reliable FS10i Flow Meter measures up when it comes to challenging, high-temperature on-site quarry lime-based carbon capture processes, measuring fuel gas and O₂. As a mineral, lime has important uses, such as in cement, steel manufacturing, soil enhancements and filters for water. Fine, high-grade lime also reacts with CO₂  gas to capture its carbon molecules, which can be permanently stored underground to eliminate CO₂gas as an environmental pollutant.

The CO₂ carbon capture process starts with the mining of limestone, which is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium and/or magnesium carbonate and/or dolomite, as well as other minerals. Limestone deposits are found in the earth and are the remnants of fossilized shell fragments, bones and other debris deposited thousands of years ago. 

Crushed limestone is fed into a furnace where it is calcined, cooked well-done and dry at high temperatures of up to 1093°C (2000°F). The extreme heat causes the limestone to release CO₂. The result is a high-quality super fine-grade lime that can absorb waste CO₂ gas from other industrial processes and general air pollution to clean up the environment.

Featuring FCI’s advanced thermal dispersion sensing technology, the SIL-2 rated FS10i Flow Meters are now installed in systems that utilize unique, proven oxy-combustion and flash calcination processes for lime production. In such systems, the FS10i Flow Meter is used to control the fuel gas and O₂ levels flowing to the calcine furnaces for high-efficiency heating. The resulting fine-grade lime is suitable for air pollution carbon removal using a contactor via multiple pathways, such as direct air capture (DAC) systems. The captured polluting gas is injected underground and stored permanently. 

FCI’s thermal FS10i Flow Meter is a universal flow meter and flow monitor designed for DN25 (25.4 mm, 1 inch) or larger diameter pipes and square ducts for air/gas service with excellent repeatability (±0.5% of reading). Whenever detecting a flow rate of fuel gas, air or O₂ in furnaces that is either too high or too low is required, the FS10i Meter is the solution. 

The FCI FS10i Flow Meter is a compact, economical solution to air and gas flow metering. Utilizing application-proven thermal dispersion technology, the FS10i meter provides a highly accurate and repeatable linearized 4-20 mA output of flow rate. 

This flow meter offers best-in-class features for installation in rugged duty and long-life in industrial plants, processes and large buildings. Its flow sensor’s thermowells are constructed of corrosion-resistant Hastelloy C-22, and it operates in fluid temperatures up to 121°C (250°F) with an ingress protection rating to IP67. It is the only thermal flow meter in its price range to carry a SIL-2  rating on the 4-20mA flow calibrated output and SIL-1 compliance on the alarm relay. It has no moving parts to clog and requires no routine maintenance, which saves time and expense over mechanical-type flow meters.

To ensure best performance and installation ease, the FS10i Meter is available in a choice of flow element lengths (insertion depth) and process connections: an inline tee (process connection NPT-F) for 25.4- or 50.8-mm (1- or 2-inch) line sizes or an insertion flow meter with an 152.4 mm (6 inch) or 304.8 mm (12 inch) length, variable depth, with 12.7-mm (0.5-inch) NPT-M compression fitting with either a Teflon^® or metal ferrule. 

The FS10i Flow Meter carries a SIL-2 compliance rating with a 90% Safe Failure Fraction (SFF). The FS10i also carries global approvals: FM, FMc, ATEX/UKEX,  IECEx, CE, CRN, UKCA, KC (Korea), EAC/TR CU, and is RoHS compliant. Optional global agency approvals are also available for installation in Division 2/Zone 2 locations.

A DwyerOmega brand, FCI delivers precise flow and level instrument measurement solutions using advanced thermal dispersion technologies. With more than 60 years of experience and the world’s largest installed base of thermal flow meters, flow switches, and level switches, FCI is the trusted expert in flow and level instrumentation.