Measuring devices are essential in industrial applications. But as innovative technology continues to shape processes, there is also a continuous need for devices with can measure with greater accuracy and precision. A flowmeter is one example of an instrument which remains a valuable part of many industrial applications.
A flowmeter essentially measures the movement of fluid or gas coursing through a pipe. This is a general description of a flowmeter. Various flowmeters used in different applications work to meet specific fluid dynamics. There are certain features which define and determine the suitability of one type of flowmeter to each desired application.
Wide range of applications
There are many applications which consistently use flowmeters in many of their processes. Examples of these are:
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
- Chemical plants
- Fuel and oil refineries
- Food and beverage manufacturing plants
- Plants that manufacture paint and other coating materials
- Water filtration and processing plants
Aside from these examples, flowmeters are also widely used in educational applications such as in university engineering programs and science laboratories. Even large construction projects use flowmeters to keep track of water consumption.
Advanced engineering techniques also help produce flowmeters with robust features which can withstand high-pressure environments and extreme temperature changes, while ensuring measurement accuracy and repeatability. In most applications using flowmeters, the set-up often requires control valves to maintain the right pressure level and keep fluid flowing at normal velocity.
Aside from measuring fluid flow, flowmeters can also detect fluid volume and are often used to detect leaks in pipes.
Different types of flowmeters
The various types of flowmeters also have specific advantages according to the suitable application. The following are some of the most common types of flowmeters and their benefits:
- Electromagnetic flowmeters. The main advantage of this type of flowmeter is the fixed parts. These are also relatively low maintenance and withstands changes in fluid viscosity, density, and temperature. Electromagnetic flowmeters work well even when fluid is contaminated.
- Coriolis flowmeters. This type of flowmeter provides highly accurate measurements of fluid mass flow. Coriolis flowmeters measure fluid flowing in both directions and are also self-draining.
- Differential pressure flowmeters. This type of flowmeter is commonly used in measuring gas and steam flow. It can withstand extreme changes in temperature and pressure. It is suitable for applications where nozzles require low pressure drop.
- Ultrasonic flowmeters. An ultrasonic flowmeter does not have any moving parts; therefore, it is also relatively low-maintenance. Factors such as temperature, fluid concentration, and density will not impact transit time.
- Thermal mass flowmeters. Suitable for measuring gas flow. It is easy to clean and has a quick response time. Thermal mass flowmeters also have high measurement accuracy.
- Turbine flowmeters. This type of flowmeter is used in applications using cryogenic liquids. Rotating Vane and Woltman turbine flowmeters do not need any source of auxiliary power.
In choosing a flowmeter for a particular application, it is vital to consider the features of each device to prevent performance issues.
