GE Panametrics TransPort PT878 | Portable Liquid Flowmeter

The GE Panametrics TransPort PT878-01 is a sophisticated, field-proven, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter designed for liquid measurement. It is widely regarded as a benchmark in industrial portable flow measurement, allowing technicians to verify flow rates in pipelines without needing to break into the pipe, thereby avoiding process shutdowns. The C-RS-402 refers to a specific transducer set (typically high-temperature or specialized wall-thickness options) used in conjunction with the main unit to ensure accurate measurement across diverse industrial settings.

Product Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Product Name	TransPort PT878 Portable Liquid Flowmeter
Manufacturer	GE / Panametrics (Baker Hughes)
Measurement Method	Transit-time ultrasonic clamp-on
Pipe Size Range	0.5 inches to 300 inches (12.7 mm to 7.6 m)
Liquid Types	Virtually any acoustically conductive liquid
Display	Large, backlit LCD with graphical interface
Data Logging	Built-in logger for up to 100,000 data points
Power	Rechargeable internal battery pack (approx. 8–10 hours life)

Application Fields

This meter is the gold standard for non-invasive flow monitoring in critical industries:

Oil & Gas: Measuring hydrocarbon flow in refineries and pipelines without interrupting production.
Water & Wastewater: Balancing flows, verifying meter accuracy, and detecting leaks in municipal systems.
Chemical Processing: Monitoring flow of corrosive or hazardous chemicals where pipe penetration is dangerous.
Facility Management: Checking HVAC system performance, boiler feed water, and cooling water loops.

Product Usage Instructions

Surface Preparation: Clean the pipe surface thoroughly. Remove any paint, rust, or loose scale. A smooth surface is mandatory for the ultrasonic signal to transmit cleanly from the transducer into the pipe.
Coupling: Apply a generous amount of acoustic couplant (grease or gel) to the face of the C-RS-402 transducers.
Mounting: Use the provided strap or magnetic track to mount the transducers on the pipe. Follow the meter’s internal “Installation Setup” menu to input pipe diameter, material, and fluid type to calculate the correct V-method or Z-method spacing distance.
Configuration: Input your specific pipe and fluid parameters into the PT878. The unit will provide the exact spacing distance required between the two transducers.
Verification: Once the signal quality (Q-value) is optimized, monitor the flow rate on the display. Save the data to the internal logger for later analysis via the Panametrics software.

GE Panametrics TransPort PT878-01 PORTABLE LIQUID FLOWMETER with C-RS-402

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What if I have a lined pipe (e.g., concrete or plastic lining)?

A: The PT878 can measure through lined pipes, provided the lining is bonded firmly to the pipe wall. You must specify the lining material and thickness in the configuration menu, as it changes the speed of sound and signal attenuation.

Q: How often do I need to re-apply acoustic couplant?

A: For short-term “spot checks,” a single application is sufficient. For long-term monitoring (several days), you may need a high-temperature or long-lasting synthetic grease to prevent the couplant from drying out.

Q: What do I do if the “Signal Strength” is low?

A: Low signal strength usually indicates poor surface preparation, insufficient couplant, or that the transducers are not perfectly aligned. Re-clean the surface and verify the mounting distance between transducers.

Q: Can I use this for non-conductive liquids?

A: No. The transit-time technology requires the fluid to be acoustically conductive. It works on most clean liquids and liquids with limited suspended solids. For high-gas or high-solids content, a Doppler-type meter is usually preferred.