Virtual Flow Computers - Overview

eXLerate contains integrated PC-based, alternatively called "Virtual" Flow Computing (VFC) functionality, including accurate period totalizers, flow calculations and all other functionality to implement a custody transfer measurement system.

The PC-based or Virtual Flow Computing functions usually operate via industrial hardware controllers on an (industrial) PC, to obtain real-time values for the connected 4-20mA analog, digital, and frequency input signals.

The inputs from the hardware are transferred to the eXLerate Virtual Flow Computer application, where each metering stream is processed by an individual calculation and presen­tation worksheet containing a selected choice of the required VFC calculations.  This includes accurate external/period totalizers, and AGA/ISO/API/GPA calculations.

Since the software internally uses double preci­sion floating point formats throughout the entire ap­plication, high accuracy is ensured over the calcula­ted flow results.

Highest Level of Integration

The unique combination of redundancy, HMI, flow metering calculations and report generator integrated in a single software product enables development of a complete one-stop solution.

For the System Integrator the approach is simple and yet flexible: adding a metering stream is as simple as adding just another Excel worksheet to the application.

In addition to flow computing, report generation, and visualization, our platform offers additional diagnostics & performance monitoring functionality, in a single solution.

Example

All it takes for an ultrasonic meter application, besides the meter, a pressure transmitter & temperature transmiter, is a small form-factor industrial PC running our Virtual Flow Computer application. 

This will provide all the features you would expect of a conventional flow computer, with integrated ultrasonic performance monitoring & diagnostics, trending, alarming, and reporting combined into a PC based cost-effective solution.

Both technically as well as cost-wise, this is a highly efficient solution. Because of the flexibility at the metering side, simple or complex flow computer applications can be developed, all as required by the end-user.

Virtual flow computing can be also used for verification, backup or check metering.