Flow Meters
Do you need to measure the flow of a liquid or gas?
Flow meters are used to measure the volume of fluid or gas that is flowing through a pipe or duct. They can use in any industry where fluids or gases are transported. Including water and wastewater treatment plants, refineries, chemical processing facilities, power generation plants, and more. It can use for both onshore and offshore applications.
We offer major brand flow meters including installation and commissioning supports. So feel free to give us a call. One of our experts will assist you.
Types of flow meters
It comes in many types depending on the application requirements. Including positive displacement (PD), turbine (PT), magnetic (MT) and ultrasonic (UT). PD is typically used for large-diameter pipes. Turbines are best suited for smaller diameter lines. Both work by taking advantage of fluid dynamics principles. Like Bernoulli’s equation or conservation of mass in order to accurately calculate how much fluid has passed through them at any given time. This means they can provide accurate readings even if there is some turbulence in the line. Which makes them ideal for use with corrosive fluids. Like acid or alkaline solutions as well as hazardous materials. Including combustible gases or chemicals that could explode if exposed to excessive heat or pressure changes due to incorrect measurements being taken.
Whereas UTs have no moving parts so there is less chance of failure compared to MTs which use turbines inside a tube filled with fluid. This makes them ideal for high-pressure/high-temperature applications where fluids may erode metal components over time. Some common examples include Coriolis Mass and Ultrasonic Liquid type Meters.
Are you looking for a low-cost Flowmeter?
The most common types of flow meter include magnetic, vortex shedding, and positive displacement. We offer low-cost solutions for all your needs. Our products are designed to be easy to use and install with little maintenance required. Our dedicated instrumentation team is available to assist you with the correct product selection, installation, and start-up.
Type based on application.
Turbine flow meter uses rotors to determine how much fluid has passed by measuring the rotation speed of these rotors as they pass through the fluid stream. Vortex shedding which measures how fast vortices form downstream from an object moving through a liquid medium such as air or water. These vortices can then be measured using ultrasonic sensors to determine how fast they move past one another. This information can then be used to calculate volumetric flow rates in units like gallons per minute (GPM). Another common type is called differential pressure. It measures changes in pressure across two points on opposite sides of a pipe with no obstructions between them. This allows it to accurately measure flows even if there are bends or other obstacles along its path. Finally, we have magnetic type meters which use magnets attached to rotating parts inside pipes. That interact with magnetic fields outside those pipes – these interactions allow us to monitor velocity and calculate volumetric.
Vortex Flowmeter
It is used for measuring the flow of liquid or gas in both liquid and steam. For some liquids, like water, it’s very easy to measure the flow rate. However, high-temperature fluids like steam flow measurements is not an easy task. It becomes more difficult because high temperatures can affect the properties of the fluid making them behave differently than they would at room temperature. That’s why vortex meters are so versatile. They have all kinds of features that make it easier to determine how much of these different types of fluids are being measured. Steam is a common measurement in process industries and power plants. Throughout the whole process, there were many obstacles that had to be overcome. One of them was improper installation in order to get an accurate measure of steam flow.
There are three different ways in which the vortex meter can be installed: through a flanged connection, insertion into pipe or wafer mounting on top of the pipe. The flanged and wafer connections provide more accuracy than the insertion method. Because they allow for greater access to direct readings at any point along the pipeline by eliminating piping downstream components from influencing measurements. However, these types are difficult to install in large line sizes due to their size and weight. The inserting models are used when it is necessary not stop an entire plant or power facility but rather find out how much steam is flowing.
Thermal Mass Flowmeter
It has been utilized all over the world to measure material flow. They consist of a probe that is inserted into the stream being measured or comes in contact with the thermal mass of the fluid. The temperature difference is then used to calculate how much heat is flowing through that area of space. They are typically divided into three categories. Bypass, probes, and flow-through designs. Each is suited for specific tasks when measuring matter in different environments.
The first type is called a bypass, which utilizes two passages (one with high velocity) and one measurement passage (with low velocity). This design has proved useful when dealing with gases where there are small changes in temperatures due to viscosity effects on density.
There are two operating modes. The electric power remains constant and measures the increase in temperature in one operating mode. While the other mode maintains the temperature difference as a constant and calculates the electricity required to maintain it. The second method of operation gives much more range in the meter, but is very complex and time-consuming to use.
Turbine Flowmeter
It is used for volumetric total flow or flow measure. Its working method is really simple and easy. They consist of a rotating rotor with propeller blades mounted in housing bearings. Once the fluid flows through the turbine, the rotor rotates. The flow rate is directly proportional to the speed of the rotor. The rotor turns because of the current force. There are different methods to detect the speed of the rotor such as placing a mechanical shaft and a sensor.
It varies according to the shape of the spinning rotor like paddlewheel meters and propeller meters. A paddlewheel turbine meter is of a rotor that rotates on the axis parallel to the flow of fluids. Most of the paddlewheel meters are insertion type. The rotor in the propeller-type is suspended in the fluid stream to detect the flow. This type of meter is commonly used in liquid applications.
Another type of turbine meter is the axial turbine in which the rotor revolves around the flow axis. This type is used for oil measurements, industrial gas, and liquid measurements. These meters vary in terms of the design of the rotor and blade quantity. The shape of the axial meter for liquid measurement is completely different from it used to measure the gas.
These meters are mainly employed in industries like oil, automotive, laboratory, and water treatment. Sometimes they are installed in applications that are found in the chemical and beverage industry.
Electromagnetic Flowmeter
It is the most accurate and reliable way to measure fluid velocity. They’re used in countless industries, including oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and more. Our electromagnetic flow sensors are durable enough for harsh environments. It provides precise measurements for your liquid process.
We offer a wide range of models with different features. Like high accuracy or low-pressure drop. So we have an option that will work best for your application.
Do you know how it works?
It works by measuring the magnetic field generated by an electric current in a conductor. Typically, copper or aluminum wires used. This is done using two coils. One to induce the current in the conductor and another to measure it. The electromagnetic current injecting into the fluid creates an electrical field around it. The strength of this field is proportional to how much electric current flows through the conductor and also depends on other factors. Such as temperature and pressure.
A magnetic sensor detects changes in this field to determine how much fluid has passed through it. This information can be used for measuring volume, velocity, mass flow rate, density and total volumetric flow rate.
By knowing how much current has been induced at any given time, we can calculate how fast it’s moving as well as its direction of motion.
Application.
It can use in a wide range of applications. Including water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing, power generation as well as fuel flows in gas stations and oil refineries. They can also be used to monitor airflow in ventilation systems or even blood flowing through veins.
It is an ideal choice for measuring high-viscosity liquids that may clog or damage other types of sensors. These devices also provide accurate measurements even when there’s low liquid levels or pressure fluctuations. This makes them perfect for use in pipelines with intermittent flows. Such as those found at well sites where the pipeline must go over hills and dales before reaching a central plant facility.
If you need to monitor fluid movement through your process line but want to avoid problems like clogging or false readings due to pressure fluctuations? Then an electromagnetic flow meter could be just what you need. We have all sorts of different models available so contact us today. If you’d like more information about how we can help solve your measurement needs!
Fetures
It is a velocity flow measurement device. It measures the volume flow of conductive liquids. Furthermore, it not only has a site display. It can provide standard current signals like 4-20mA. For recording and adjusting controls to realize automatic detection and long-distance signal transmission. It can measure the flow of many kinds of liquids. Like slurries in water, wastewater, chemical, dairy, and so on. It can also use in many kinds of industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, steel, paper, and mining, etc. The structure of the instrument has a compact and remote type.
- There are no moving parts in the measuring tube, so it is convenient for maintenance.
- There is no flow obstructing parts, so it has a low-pressure loss.
- The lowest conductivity of the tested liquid is ≥20μs/cm, with various lining materials.
- It is used to measure the flow of different acids and alkalis such as salt solutions, slurry, mineral pulp, and paper pulp, etc.
- High accuracy is guaranteed. The induction voltage of the sensor has a direct relation with the average flow rate.
- The properties of corrosives, viscosity, pressure, density, acidity, and alkalinity do not affect the performance of it.
- It has low-frequency rectangular wave excitation. But it doesn’t have an effect on the facility frequency and varied interferences in order that it ensures stable and reliable measurement.
- Not affected by the direction of the fluid, both positive and negative flow can be accurately measured.
- With an LCD backlit display, parameters can be modified on-site conveniently. The unit can detect if the pipe is full or drained /empty with an empty pipe detection/alarm function.
Installation guidelines
When choosing the installation location of an electromagnetic flow sensor, the following requirements have to be noticed to ensure the stable and reliable performance of the sensor.
- The device should be placed away from the devices like motors, transformers, frequency conversion instruments as they pose large magnetic fields.
- Please better install in a dry and ventilated place.
- The environment temperature should not be more than 60 °C and relative humidity not is more than 95%.
- Choose a place where is convenient for operation and to avoid negative pressure. It shouldn’t be installed at the inlet of the pump.
- The pump valves should always be mounted on the downstream side of the flow sensor.
Installation requirements
- The flow sensor needs to mount in a vertical position. The flow direction will always be upward when the flow sensor is mounted vertically.
The steps to be followed while choosing the line position.
- The medium should always be full-filled in the pipe from the installation location. This helps to avoid gas sticking fast to the line.
- When the sensor is not fully filled, it can raise the end pipeline of the device and makes it is full.
- The front and rear straight pipes are ≥10DN at the front of the meter and ≥5DN at the back.
Electrical connections.
- The remote type signal cable should use a customized dedicated cable.
- A Yz medium-sized rubber sheathed cable is optional for the excitation cable. Its length is the same as that of the signal.
- Signal cables are strictly separated from other power sources.
- The signal cable and excitation cable should be as short as possible. The excess cables should not roll. The excess cables should be cut off and the joints should be re-welded.
- When the cable is connected to the electrical interface of the sensor, insert a U-shape at the port. It prevents rainwater from penetrating into the sensor.
Earthing
Electric potential difference is not allowed between measuring sensors and shells. Also, converter protection grounding. A separate ground connection is preferred for the electromagnetic sensor. If grounding together with other instruments or electrical devices. The leakage current in-ground wire may produce series mode interference to the measurement signal. It could cause the electromagnetic type can not to work.
Installation and useage
The electromagnetic type is used to measure the flow of liquids like water, acids, and slurries in pipes. The proper measurement is obtained when the liquid has an electrical conductivity of more than 5μS/cm. The flow measurement in low conductive liquids using the electromagnetic type is very rare. The deionized water, Hydrocarbons have low conductivity and this will turn off the meter.
It can be applied to clean, sanitized, contaminated, and corrosive fluids as they do not obstruct the flow. Electromagnetic it is applied to conductive fluids for flow measurement.
In water treatment plants, electromagnetic meter are used to measure the treated and untreated sewage, chemicals, process water, and slurries. With correct attention to materials of construction, the flow of extremely corrosive liquids (such as acid and caustic) and abrasive slurries are measured. Corrosive liquid applications are normally found within the industry processes and in chemical feed systems in most industries. Slurry applications are normally found within the mining, extraction, pulp and paper, and effluent industries.
The meter orientation is in a way that the device should be completely filled with liquid. There will be a drastic change in the flow measurement if the device is not completely filled with the fluid.
Collapse and can get sucked into the pipeline which in turn damages the device. Likewise, the high temperature also can result in damage to it.
Advantages
There are a lot of benefits of using an electromagnetic flow meter to determine the flow rates of the liquids. Some of the significant benefits are listed below;
- The power consumption is comparatively less
- Can detect the flow rate in liquids with dirt particles.
- The flow rate is not much affected by the factors such as temperature, pressure, viscosity, and density of the liquid.
- Can be used to determine the low flow rates as well as high flow rates
Disadvantages
Even with the above advantages, it has some downsides also.
- Effective only for liquids that are conductive
- With respect to the size and capacity, it can be heavy.
- The usual problems with magnetic materials like hydrodynamic effects can affect the normal flow pattern. This can disturb the speed of the flow which in turn interrupts the operation.
