Flanged Sight Flow Indicator - fractionation plant (OH)

Nov 29, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Aug 10

Check out this Jacoby-Tarbox Flanged Sight Flow Indicator on a propane loading station at a fractionation facility in Ohio.

What Fractionation Plants Do

Fractionation separates a mixed hydrocarbon stream - often natural gas liquids - into its individual components, such as propane, butane, and ethane, based on differing boiling points. Once separated, these individual products need to be measured, verified, and loaded for transport, which is exactly where a sight flow indicator on a propane loading station comes in.

Why Visual Confirmation Matters at a Loading Station

A loading station represents a critical handoff point - product moving from the facility into a transport vehicle or pipeline. Operators need direct confirmation that flow is actually occurring (or has stopped) during the loading process, both to verify the operation is proceeding correctly and to confirm completion before disconnecting. A sight flow indicator gives that confirmation directly and immediately, without relying solely on flow meters or other instrumentation that requires interpretation rather than direct observation.

Why Code Compliance Matters for Propane Service

Propane is a flammable, pressurized fluid, making the pressure-retaining integrity of every component in the loading path a genuine safety consideration. Jacoby-Tarbox's full ASME-rated line of flanged bullseye sight flow indicators is engineered per the design criteria of the ASME B31.1 and B31.3 Power and Chemical Piping Codes, incorporating ASTM-listed materials for pressure-retaining components including bodies, fasteners, and retainers - full ASME code compliance covering yield criteria, materials, and pressure and temperature ratings.

Applications

Flanged sight flow indicators for fractionation and loading applications are used across:

Fractionation Facilities: Verifying flow at separation and loading points for propane, butane, and other NGL products
Propane & LPG Handling: Loading stations requiring direct visual flow confirmation
Oil & Gas Processing: Any application requiring ASME-compliant sight flow indication in flammable service