Explore of Flow Meters that Are Best for Industrial Applications
Measuring a flow accurately is crucial particularly in industrial plants and it could define the ultimate profit or loss of an organization. A flow meter is supposed to be an effective device for measuring flow rate (mass or volumetric) or the exact quantity of fluids that passes through a pipe. Flow metering seems to be extremely important because it helps the users to effectively monitor and control efficiently the use of such utilities as water, steam, etc.
The purpose of using a flow meter in diverse applications is to measure the mass flow rate or the volumetric flow rate. We understand that the specific application would define the precise capacity and kind of the flow meter. Let us explore some effective flow meters that are used commonly for industrial applications.
Different Types of Flow Meters
There are several kinds of flow meters according to the specific fluid, application, and even the construction of the meter. Here are some of the fundamental flow meter classifications:
Differential Pressure Flow Meters
In any type of fluid flow, the actual pressure drop that takes place is supposed to be directly proportional to the fluid flow. Hence, if we could know the exact pressure drop occurring in the fluid flow, the exact flow could be calculated accurately by considering the square root of actual pressure drop and then multiplying it with specific constants.
Differential type flow meters are known to comprise two fundamental blocks. The first block would be causing the fluid’s kinetic energy to change using the pilot tube, flow nozzle, venturi flow meters, or orifice plate causing a drop in pressure. The second block is used for measuring this pressure drop or differential pressure to calculate the accurate amount of flow and provide the signal. Differential pressure flow meters are used for measuring the differential pressure accurately across an orifice and where the flow seems to be directly related to the specific square root of the ultimate differential pressure. These flow meters are used mostly in the HVAC, Oil & gas, mining, water, beverage, chemical, and paper applications, etc.
Velocity Flow Meters
As per https://www.forbesmarshall.com, “It can be observed that in case of differential pressure type flow meters, the flow is proportional to the square root of pressure drop. On the other hand, in case of velocity type flow meters, the flow rate is directly proportional to the velocity of the fluid. This linear relationship between flow and velocity enables velocity type flow meters to measure flow over a wide range.” Velocity meters are used for measuring the velocity of a stream for calculating the volumetric flow rate. These meters are supposed to be relatively less sensitive when the fluid’s Reynolds number is more than 10000. Velocity flow meters would be including paddlewheel, turbine, vortex shedding, sonic or ultrasonic, and electromagnetic flow meters. Visit https://www.smartmeasurement.com/ for the best flow meters meant for industrial applications.
Positive Displacement Flow Meters
Positive displacement flow meters actually are used for measuring the precise volume filled with any fluid, then deliver it and again fill it up that would help in calculating the exact amount of fluid that has been transferred. These flow meters are used for their accuracy and used mostly in transferring fluids and oils such as gasoline, and hydraulic fluids. These are good for in-home use in the case of gas and water applications.
Mass Flow Meters
Mass flow meters actually are known to be more effectively used in mass related processes since they are capable of measuring force which results from an acceleration of the mass. Some of the mass flow meters are thermal dispersion meters and Coriolis mass meters. These mass flow meters are mostly used in gas and chemical industries, power industry, mining industry, pharmaceuticals, and in wastewater industries.
Conclusion
There are many other flow meters that are used in different industries. We have discussed only some of the most commonly and widely used flow meters for diverse industrial applications. Choose an efficient flow meter as per your specific requirements.