Top 10 Types Of Flow Measurement Devices
A flow measurement device is used to determine the flow of liquids. They can measure mass, volume, a linear and nonlinear flow rate of fluids. They have different applications.
The best flow meter should be accurate and easy to maintain. Flow meters are essential in flow measurement because they will help you to avoid unnecessary costs. Flow measurement devices are in different types.
Each type works differently depending on the application. Always make sure you know what type the meter is before you start using it. Before you select a flow meter for your applications, you should have your accuracy needs and what kind of liquid is being calculated. The following are ten types of flow measurement devices.
List Of Top 10 Types Of Flow Measurement Devices
Orifice Plate Flowmeter
The orifice plate flow meter measures the flow rate of liquids using a pressure difference. The pressure difference comes from upstream to downstream of the tube. The plate blocking the flow gives a calculated cut off that reduces the pipe and narrows the fluid.
These flow measurement devices are cheap, simple, and can be used for almost any application and in any design. The accuracy level for the orifice plate is low when the flow is slow. Always make sure that the plate is in good shape. Also, ensure that the flow rate is high and there is not wear since this may reduce its accuracy. You can use it for clean, dirty, and slurry liquids. Its cost is also low.
Venturi Tube Flow Meter
Venturi tube is simple and can depend on. It is mostly used in the application that needs high turndown ratios. These meters calculate the flow rates of liquids by lowering the pipe’s cross-sectional area, creating a pressure difference.
Turbine Flowmeters
Turbine flow meters have many different designs. These designs are all based on the same principle. This meter works in such a way that if the liquid is flowing on the tube and acts on the turbine’s vanes. It will start to move. To determine the flow rate, you will have to calculate the rate at which the turbine is rotating. For the best accuracy, you will have to be well maintained and calibrated. Turbine flow meters are very accurate and are mostly used for clean liquids or those with high viscosity
Coriolis Flow Meters
Coriolis flowmeters are known to be the most accurate and reliable flow meters. They are ideal where high accuracy is required. Coriolis flowmeters measure mass using inertia. These flow meters are used in many applications. These industries include;
- Oil and gas industries
- Water and wastewater
- Power
- Chemical
- Food and beverages industries
You can also use Coriolis flowmeters in applications that have low to high flow rates. They are also used in custody transfer use. In case you want to determine the flow rate of gases and slurry liquids, these meters are the best option.
Coriolis flow measurement devices have no mechanical parts that can cause wear and tear. It, therefore, increases the durability of the meter. They are also the best meters because they do not need frequent recalibration like other mechanical meters. Always go for Coriolis if you want reliable accuracy. They are also one of the most expensive meters. But the cost is worth it because you will have the best results.
Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Ultrasonic flow meters measure the speed of fluid passing in the tube using ultrasound. The ultrasound calculates the volumetric flow rate of liquids. The differential time between the fluid flowing upwards and the one that flows downwards is calculated to determine the pressure. The meter will then calculate the volume flow rate of the liquid using this speed. Ultrasonic flow meters are flexible because they can measure the flow of fluids outside the pipe. They do this using pulses that are shot outside the walls of the pipes. Their flexibility enables these meters to determine the flow of liquids in bigger pipes.
Magnetic Flow Meters
Magnetic flowmeters determine the flow rate of liquids using magnetic fields. If the flow of fluids is fast, more energy will be created. The energy that is created is directly related to the flow of liquids. The energy signal will be processed into the volumetric flow rate by the electronic. Magnetic flow meters are mostly used to measure dirty water because they are conductive. Their accuracy is halfway so. You cannot use them for custody transfer applications.
Vortex Flow Meters
Vortex flowmeters use vortices shed from a sensor that is dipped in the flow. These vortices are forces of nature that can be referred to as swirls. These swirls are produced when fluids or liquids pass through a block.
The speed created when the vortex moves side to side is directly related to the volumetric flow rate. Vortex flowmeter works well with huge pipes. They can be fixed into the flow by hot tapping with a retractor.
Differential Pressure
Differential pressure is one of the oldest flow measurement devices. This meter has been widely used and has a good history of performance. Differential pressure is used to measure and control the flow of gases and in many other uses. These meters are popular because of their simple make and are cheap.
The Flow Nozzle
The flow nozzle is another instrument used to measure the flow of liquids in pipes. This meter has the same features as those of the venturi and the orifice plate.
Open channel Meter
These flow meters are used to measure fluids in open channels. The open channel flow happens when some of the liquid is open to a free surface. The pipe’s cross-sectional area is calculated by the depth and shape of the tube that the fluid is flowing over.
Open channel meters are the best because they have unparalleled accuracy. They also are cheap and easy to maintain. You can as well install them fast and well. When looking for flow meters, these are perfects.
The different types of open channel flow meters are;
- Flumes
- Weir
- Sluice Gate
Conclusion
Flow measurement devices are essential in measuring the flow of liquids. They will help you achieve high accuracy levels depending on the application. Before you select any meter, make sure you do more research. Understand how they work and also make sure you ask for advice from the seller.
