Onicon Steam Flow Solutions - Reliable Measurement for HVAC

Steam is one of the most vital and useful mediums in HVAC systems, used for building heating, equipment operation, and industrial processes. However, measuring steam flow is a greater challenge than measuring liquid flow, as it requires simultaneously and accurately determining the temperature, pressure, and flow rate to ensure consistent and reliable results.

In Vietnam, PGTECH is the official authorized distributor of ONICON—a globally respected brand in measurement technology. For steam applications, ONICON provides an advanced measurement system that meets the full needs of buildings and factories, offering three main solutions:

• Boiler Systems: Monitoring steam flow at the boiler to optimize combustion and operational efficiency.
• Building Feed: Tracking the amount of steam supplied to a building to support energy allocation and management.
• Steam Condensate (Pumped): Measuring condensate flow to control heat recovery and optimize the heating system.

With high accuracy, stable operation, and in-depth technical support from PGTECH, ONICON's steam flow solutions help customers achieve optimal performance, reduce operating costs, and enhance system reliability.

1. Boiler Systems: Measuring Steam and Hot Water Flow

In boiler systems, there are typically two critical points for flow measurement:

• Production Side: Measuring the steam or hot water leaving the plant/boiler.
• Consumption Side: Measuring the amount used at the end-use point.

ONICON offers several advanced measurement technologies tailored to each need, depending on installation requirements, desired accuracy, and maintenance capacity.

🔹Hot Water Output

• Insertion Turbine and Insertion Electromagnetic Flow Meters: Easy to install in both new and existing systems, accurate over a wide flow range, and durable for continuous operation in closed-loop systems.
• Inline Electromagnetic Meters: Ideal for applications requiring the highest accuracy, such as cost allocation, performance contracting, or sub-metering.
• BTU Meters (System-10 and System-20): These solutions come with highly accurate temperature sensors and support multiple signal standards (BACnet, MODBUS, Digital I/O, Analog). Combining a flow meter with a BTU meter creates an industry-leading system for maximum measurement efficiency.

🔹Steam Output

• Inline Vortex Flow Meter (F-2600): A cost-effective, accurate, and reliable solution that directly measures steam mass flow. Its loop-powered design simplifies wiring and signal processing, and it is pre-programmed at the factory for immediate use.
• Insertion Vortex Flow Meter (F-2700): The optimal choice for large diameter pipes, as it does not require system shutdown for installation.
• Insertion Turbine Flow Meter (F-1500): Suitable for measuring low steam flow rates. It offers flexible range selection and can also be installed without shutting down the boiler.

Depending on the specific requirements of the boiler application, ONICON and PGTECH will recommend the most suitable flow meter, ensuring accuracy, durability, and optimized operating costs.

2. Building Feed: Measuring Steam Supply to Buildings

In buildings that use steam for heating, especially large or mixed-use facilities, accurately measuring the amount of steam supplied throughout the year can be challenging. Steam flow rates fluctuate seasonally, often requiring a combination of one or two different measurement technologies to cover the full range.

🔹 Primary Measurement Technology

• Inline Vortex Flow Meter (F-2600): This solution directly measures steam mass flow with high accuracy, reasonable cost, and superior reliability. Its loop-powered design simplifies wiring and signal processing, and it is pre-programmed at the factory for immediate use.

🔹 Non-Disruptive Installation Solutions

• Insertion Vortex Flow Meter (F-2700): Suitable for large-diameter pipes, this meter’s range effectively covers typical building steam flow rates. It does not require a system shutdown for installation.
• Insertion Turbine Flow Meter (F-1500): Ideal for measuring low steam flow rates, offering flexible range selection and also allowing for installation without disrupting the steam supply.

By flexibly combining these technologies, ONICON and PGTECH can provide optimal steam flow solutions for any building type, ensuring year-round accuracy and cost savings.

3. Steam Condensate (Pumped): Measuring Recovered Condensate Flow

In steam systems, recovering condensate is crucial for reusing energy and optimizing operational efficiency. Accurately measuring condensate flow helps effectively manage heat recovery, reduce losses, and save on fuel costs.

🔹 Primary Solution

• Insertion Turbine Flow Meter (F-1000 Series): Easy to install in both new and existing systems, this meter provides high accuracy over a wide range, ensuring reliable data for energy management.

🔹 Alternative for Continuous Operation

• Clamp-on Transit Time Ultrasonic Flow Meter (F-4300): This clamp-on meter is ideal for applications where the system cannot be shut down. It installs on the outside of the pipe, requiring no cutting or interruption of flow.

Depending on the specific requirements of the pumped condensate system, ONICON and PGTECH can recommend other suitable meter models to ensure accuracy, durability, and high integration for each project.

Conclusion: Optimal Steam Flow Solutions with PGTECH & ONICON

With nearly 40 years of experience since 1987, ONICON has established itself as a global leader in steam flow measurement, providing accurate, durable, and flexible solutions for every application—from boiler systems and building steam feeds to recovered condensate flow.

In Vietnam, PGTECH is the official authorized distributor of ONICON, offering a full range of steam flow meters, including the F-2600, F-2700, F-1500, F-1000 Series, and F-4300. We are committed to:

• 100% Genuine Products: International standards and quality certification.
• Expert Technical Consultation: Optimal solutions for every application.
• Installation & Maintenance Support: Ensuring efficient and energy-saving system operation.

If your business is looking for an accurate, stable, and cost-effective steam flow solution, contact PGTECH today for a fast consultation and quote.

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED – Authorized Distributor of HVAC System Products in Vietnam and Regional Markets

Copyright © – This article is the property of PGTECH Vietnam

News Editorial Board: PGTECH

Engineer: Tuan Quang

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED

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