Flow meters are instruments or tools used to measure volumetric or mass, a nonlinear, linear flow rate of a gas or liquid. In a simple explanation, it is a device that gauges how much or the amount of fluid is traversing through a pipe and at what rate. However, in practice, flow meters are, for the most part, quite challenging. They differ depending on the degree of precision and the application you expect.
When it comes to choosing the right one, it can also be a little bit complicated for some. Why? Well, there are plenty of choices to choose from. Although it’s a great thing to have many options, it can be staggering. Getting the right flow meter is crucial for well-organized business operations and processes.
Thus, it’s crucial to consider some necessary things before choosing the flow meter for your household or business operations. Aside from the correct flow meter, you must not forget that flow meter calibration is essential as well. Without it, you cannot be sure of the accuracy of the flow meter. Nevertheless, here are six things or tips that can help you in choosing the right flow meter.
Types of Flow Meters
In case you didn’t know, there are numerous types of flow meters, for example, gas flow meter and liquid flow meter. To streamline your options, you must understand all your needs and select the one that’ll suit your applications and unique purposes.
Think about the fluid’s property that would traverse through the flow meter. If you know the property of the liquid or gas that the flow meter will have to gauge, you will, without a doubt, understand how it will behave when traversing through a pipe.
With all these said, you can narrow down your options or choice of flow meters that would manage and deal with the conditions of the applications. If you are not sure about all of these, you can call for help or assistance of experts such as Smart Measurement Flow meters who can aid you in picking and calibrating the correct flow meter for you.
Usage
A flow meter can be, for the most part, used for many uses. For that reason, you need to know and understand the purpose and intend you need it to accomplish. Take the temperatures into consideration, type of gas or liquid that’s measuring the rate, its turndown ratio, and how convenient or user-friendly it is. For example, if the gas or liquid you would be utilizing has traces of dregs while traversing through the pipe, then it would be best to use an ultrasonic Doppler flow meter.
Chemical Compatibility
Make sure that the materials used to create the flow meter is suited or well-matched with the chemical properties of the gas or fluid that would pass through the flow meter. Keep in mind that some materials are not compatible for particular liquid or gas, which could, like it or not, have a significant effect on the fluid’s quality and the durability of the flow meter as well. Analyze each material individually against a reliable and robust chemical compatibility table and confirm your selection with the fluid’s manufacturer to steer clear from any potential mishaps.
Cost
When it comes to determining and finalizing your purchase options, the cost of the flow meter often, without a doubt, plays a significant role. Although choosing the most affordable device may seem tempting at first to save money, over the years, it would end up to be more costly than the expensive ones now today.
Aiming your attention on short-term savings is not, for the most part, always a great idea because most affordable flow meters will not guarantee you with durability and quality. In contrast, higher-priced flow meters will be more effective or productive in relation to its cost in the long run. Furthermore, it’ll rank higher on durability and quality as well as its back-up.
Durability
When you purchase a flow meter, make sure that it has a long life and will stand the test of time. Check how long it would usually last and find out its failure rate with regards to the kind of application you need it for by asking the supplier. Assessing the overall longevity and life cost of the chosen flow meter might have an effect on the cost, but, it would be worth it.
Installation
Before buying it, consider the installation. Find out exactly how and where it will be installed because it can impact the accuracy and efficiency of the flow meter. Consider the kind of meters and if it would affect any barriers like any kind of valves, bends, and joints. Installing the flow meter correctly in the right application will guarantee you more precise results, and you can save more money.
Takeaway
All of the key points mentioned might aid you in making your flow meter selection process much more manageable. But it might not be, for the most part, something that you can do alone. You may need the assistance of a professional to help you pick the right one.
