Description
The GE Panametrics DigitalFlow GC868 (Model: GC868-2-21-10416-0-0) is an advanced, fixed-installation ultrasonic gas flowmeter that utilizes patented Correlation Transit-Time™ technology. Engineered for non-invasive external measurement, it clamps directly onto the outside of process piping without requiring pipe cutting or tapping. It is widely deployed across industrial plants to monitor natural gas, compressed air, corrosive gases, and steam without causing pressure drops or requiring wetted maintenance.
📊 Technical Specifications
- Brand: GE / Panametrics
- Model: GC868-2-21-10416-0-0
- Series: DigitalFlow GC868 Series
- Product Name: Ultrasonic Clamp-On Gas Flowmeter
- Manufacturing Status: Mature / Industrial Process Measurement Spare Part
- Dimensions: 14.24 in x 11.4 in x 5.1 in (362 mm x 290 mm x 130 mm)
- Weight: Approx. 11 lb (5 kg)
- Country of Origin: USA / Global Manufacturing Standards
- Power Requirements: 100 to 130 VAC or 200 to 265 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Optional 12 to 28 VDC)
- Flow Measurement Accuracy: pm 1% to pm 2% of reading for pipes larger than 6 inches (dependent on configuration)
🛠️ Operation Guidelines & Installation
Installation must be executed by trained instrumentation technicians following standard safety protocols. Ensure the pipeline exterior is clean, dry, and free of heavy scale or loose insulation layers where transducers are to be mounted. Mount the specialized high-frequency clamping fixture securely onto the pipe, applying couplant compound to ensure optimal ultrasonic signal transmission through the pipe wall into the gas medium. Connect preamplifier cables carefully to the designated electronics console terminals.
🔌 Power-Up and Power-Down Sequence
Verify that all input power lines match the unit’s rated voltage specifications and that transducer cables are securely attached to the terminal blocks prior to energizing. Switch on the external power source to initialize the meter’s microprocessor and load diagnostic routines. Observe the backlit graphic display and check internal signal strength indicators. For system shutdown or maintenance, disconnect external power feeds safely before servicing internal wiring or unmounting field electronics.
📝 Product Usage Instructions
The meter is configured via the front-panel 39-key membrane keypad and intuitive menu-driven software interface. Enter accurate pipe size, wall thickness, material type, and gas parameters into the configuration utility to ensure precise volumetric or mass flow calculations. Regularly inspect mounting fixtures to prevent transducer shifting and verify diagnostic signal amplitudes to maintain measurement reliability.
❓ Common Questions (Q&A)
Q: What should I do if the flowmeter indicates low signal strength or ultrasonic loss?
A: First, check that the transducer alignment on the pipe surface has not shifted. Second, inspect the acoustic couplant between the transducer face and the pipe wall, replenishing or cleaning it if dried out or contaminated.
Q: Can this meter measure flow on plastic pipes as well as metal pipes?
A: Yes, the GC868 is capable of operating on most metal and plastic pipes that meet minimum density and acoustic transmission criteria.
Q: Does this unit cause any pressure drop in the process line?
A: No, because the transducers mount entirely on the outside of the pipe with zero wetted parts, the meter introduces zero pressure drop and causes no flow restriction.
🚀 Recommended Related Models
- GE Panametrics DigitalFlow DF868 (Liquid Ultrasonic Flowmeter)
- GE Panametrics DigitalFlow XGF868 (Flare Gas Flowmeter)
- GE Panametrics Sentinel LCT4 (Liquid Ultrasonic Flow Meter)
- GE Panametrics AT600 (Portable Clamp-On Liquid Flowmeter)
- Panametrics PT900 (Portable Ultrasonic Liquid Flow Meter)
- GE Telaire Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor Module
- GE PM880 Portable Moisture Analyzer
- GE DewPro MMY30 Moisture Transmitter
- Panametrics XMT868i Panametrics Mass Flow Transmitter
- GE AquaTrans AT868 Panametrics Liquid Flow Meter
