Which Types of Flow Meters Are Best for Industrial Use?

Several distinct features in liquid flow meters differentiate them on the basis of their functionality and accuracy. To help select the best model for a particular use without overspending, consider the options below for volume-based meters.

Coriolis Meters

Coriolis meters use two designs to provide true mass flow measurement; one is a single tube design, and the other uses two parallel tubes. They operate with an oscillation developed in the tube at a reference frequency based on Newton’s Second Law of Motion and dependent on mass flow rate.

Among the most precise technologies, Coriolis meters are well suited for a broad and developing range of liquid and gas applications. It provides multiparameter data about temperature, density, and mass. Coriolis meters are commonly utilized in nuclear facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, wastewater treatment facilities, natural gas measurement and custody transfer.

Differential Pressure Flow Meters

Differential pressure flow meters gauge variations in pressure to identify the speed of flow. It features a flow-restrictive orifice, or laminar flow element, which measures the drop in pressure through the restriction. The points for drop in the pressure from upstream to downstream are proportional to the rate of flow. At times when no moving parts are required or when a prompt response time is needed, a differential pressure flow meter is the best choice. It is usually found in industrial applications to calculate the output of fuels, in specialty chemical manufacturing, or plain water measurement testing. Differential pressure flow meters are also used in laboratories for calculation and control of the flow of gases while mixing them or separating them with the help of chromatography.

Gear Meters (Positive Displacement)

Positive displacement gear meters use oval, counter-synchronized gears linked to rotate with the flow of liquid. The volume of liquid being transferred through these oval gears is well controlled, giving the meters a great amount of precision. It is designed in a relatively simple and rugged manner, making it well suited for installation in even the harshest situations. Gear meters are well suited for high viscosity liquids. These are utilized in hydraulics and further applications that involve extremely viscous liquids. Gear meters also work extremely well with fuel or oil transfers as well as in manufacturing and pulp and paper industry. Because the gears in the meters are made of stainless steel, they are the best choice for petrochemical industries or any further application which involves light to heavy oils.

Paddle Wheel Meters

Paddle wheel meters come in several forms with oscillating disks, propellers, and rotating paddle wheels. The rotating components of a paddle wheel meter provide a pulse when passing through either a magnetic or optical sensor. The frequency of this pulse is proportional to the velocity of the liquid at either point of the channel or pipe. The design of this meter provides a high precision at a low cost. This meter is usually seen in rural areas for the purpose of irrigation, in water and wastewater treatment, on aqua farms, and in plain-water measurement. Paddle wheel meters function with viscous liquids at a turbulent flow, making them well suited for use in utilities and the oil and gas industries.

Magnetic Meters

Magnetic meters come in two variants: namely, insertion and full-bore. Magnetic meters use coils to develop their magnetic field. When a conductive fluid passes through the field, it produces a voltage proportional to the flow, through an electrode in the wall of the meter or insertion probe. Magnetic meters function by calculating the electrical content of the liquid. This magnetic technology contains no moving parts, and the full-bore design secures the liquid flow from any intrusion. This is a relatively high-end liquid flow meter and is used in the petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, mining, pulp and paper manufacturing, water purification, and food and beverage industries. However, a magnetic meter must not be used with a low conductivity fluid such as de-ionized water.

Based on the above analysis, magnetic flow meters are normally considered to be the most suitable liquid flow meters for industrial operations. These meters can accurately measure any type of conductive liquid flow, whether dirty or clean. Most of the industries use chemicals or water in various forms. They require an accurately measured inflow and outflow. Therefore, it is always necessary to have a full pipe for the accurate measurement of the liquid.

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