What software configures ABB Totalflow?

ABB Totalflow devices are configured using PCCU32 software, which connects via USB, serial, or Ethernet (TCP port 10001). TotalFlow Application Suite (TAS) adds custom programming capability for XRC and G5 devices.

What flow measurement standards does Totalflow support?

AGA-3 (orifice), AGA-7 (turbine/inferential), AGA-9 (ultrasonic), AGA-11 (Coriolis), and API MPMS standards for liquid measurement.

What is the difference between XFC and XRC?

XFC is a dedicated flow computer for gas measurement. XRC adds programmable control logic (via TAS) for combined measurement and automation at sites like compressor stations.

Complete Guide to ABB Totalflow Flow Computers

Q: What is ABB Totalflow?

ABB Totalflow is a family of flow computers and remote automation controllers for natural gas and liquid measurement in oil and gas applications. They perform AGA-compliant flow calculations and communicate with SCADA systems via DNP3 and Modbus.

Quick Answer

ABB Totalflow flow computers, including the XSeries XFC and XRC and the G4 and G5 platforms, are used for natural gas measurement, custody transfer, and pipeline automation in oil and gas applications. They are configured using PCCU32 software and perform flow calculations according to AGA-3 orifice, AGA-7 turbine, AGA-9 ultrasonic, and AGA-11 Coriolis standards. Totalflow devices support DNP3 and Modbus communication protocols for SCADA integration.

What Is ABB Totalflow?

ABB Totalflow is a product line of flow computers and remote automation controllers purpose-built for natural gas and liquid measurement in oil and gas applications. Originally developed by Totalflow Inc. and later acquired by ABB, the product family has become one of the most widely deployed flow computer platforms in North American natural gas pipeline operations. Totalflow devices combine precision measurement calculations (AGA standards), data archiving, and SCADA communication in a single field-hardened device designed for remote, solar-powered installation.

Totalflow Product Family

XFC (eXtended Flow Computer)

The XFC is ABB's dedicated gas flow computer. It performs AGA-3, AGA-7, AGA-9, and AGA-11 flow calculations with onboard pressure, temperature, and differential pressure inputs. The XFC stores hourly, daily, and event archives in non-volatile flash memory and communicates with SCADA masters via DNP3 and Modbus.

XRC (eXtended Remote Controller)

The XRC adds programmable automation logic (via TotalFlow Application Suite) to the XFC's flow measurement capabilities. It is used at sites requiring both custody-grade measurement and equipment control — such as compressor stations, separator packages, and multi-well pads.

XIO (eXtended I/O)

XIO modules provide remote I/O expansion for the XRC platform, connected via the TFIO bus. They allow I/O to be distributed across a field installation without running all wiring to the central enclosure.

G4 and G5

The G4 is a legacy flow computer still widely deployed in existing installations. The G5 provides higher processing capability and expanded communication options. Both are configured with PCCU32.

PCCU32 and TotalFlow Application Suite (TAS)

PCCU32 is the primary configuration and monitoring tool for all Totalflow devices. It connects via USB, serial, or Ethernet (TCP port 10001) and provides register-based configuration, archive viewing, and live data monitoring. TAS extends the XRC and G5 with custom function block and ladder logic programming for field automation.

Flow Measurement Standards

AGA-3 — Orifice plate measurement. The most common standard for custody transfer gas measurement in North America.
AGA-7 — Turbine and inferential meter measurement using pulse inputs and meter K-factors.
AGA-9 — Multipath ultrasonic meter measurement with diagnostic data collection.
AGA-11 — Coriolis meter measurement for mass flow and density-based volume calculation.
API MPMS — Liquid measurement standards for crude oil and NGL volume correction.

Communication Protocols

DNP3 — Level 2 outstation and master capability for pipeline SCADA.
Modbus RTU/TCP — Field device polling (GC, analyzers) and SCADA integration.
HART — Smart transmitter diagnostics and configuration.
TFIO — Proprietary bus for XIO remote I/O modules.

Totalflow in Oil and Gas Custody Transfer

Wellhead measurement — AGA-3 orifice or AGA-7 turbine meters at individual well pads
Gathering system metering — Measurement at receipt and delivery points in gathering pipelines
Custody transfer stations — High-accuracy measurement with live GC composition, AGA-9 ultrasonic meters, and full archive records for billing
Compressor stations — Flow measurement combined with compressor monitoring and control (XRC)
Liquid measurement — Crude oil and NGL metering with API volume correction at LACT units and tank batteries

Totalflow vs Other Flow Computer Platforms

ABB Totalflow competes with Emerson ROC (ROC800, FloBoss) and Honeywell Elster (EC-350, EnCal) in the gas measurement market. For general-purpose SCADA telemetry without flow measurement, see SCADAPack RTUs and Bristol FB300 RTUs. For a detailed comparison, see Totalflow vs SCADAPack.