The Different Types of Industrial Fluid Flow Meters and their Applications

If one asks you how to measure a specific industrial fluid, then what would you say? Obviously, you will indicate the flow meters, which are reliable sources for flow measurement. These tools are well-designed, tested, and operated for measuring different types of liquids and gases. They are also different in types, measuring applications, price, and flow measurement ranges. However, the basic purpose for all is to compute the accurate flow rate of fluids in the piping system. These devices are used by several industries, including food processing, petroleum, chemicals, and oil, etc.

Applications of Flow Meters

However, the use of these devices is undoubtedly praiseworthy. But, the major consideration that is related to their applications is a type of flow. It is vital to know whether the fluid to be measured is an open channel or closed. Open channel fluid is that which is open to the environment. Closed fluid is that which is inside a pipe or tube.

There are several characteristics that need to be evaluated when it comes to using these devices for fluids measurement.

Fluid Nature and Flow

It is essential to know if the fluid is abrasive, toxic, and has slurry objects.

Pressure

Pressure range is also important to consider for computing the flow rate. The force is applied to move the liquid, which is known as pressure.

Design and temperature

The range of temperature of fluids is also an important factor to consider. The heating temperature of liquids can change the flow rate. The design of these fluids measurement devices can play a vital role in bringing flow rate accuracy.

Types of flow measuring devices

Differential pressure meters

These meters work to measure the flow rate on the basis of the changes in the pressure of the fluids flowing. These devices mainly compute flow rates in the closed piping system. They can notice the variation in the pressure when the speed of flow increases and decreases. These meters have further types that are mentioned below.

Orifice plate

The flow is measured with the change in pressure. It blocks the flow partly going from upstream to downstream.

Venturi meter

It measures the flow rate with the variation in pressure caused due to the cross-sectional flow area in the path of liquids.

Velocity meters

These are the revolutionary fluids measurement devices that measure the speed of liquids. They produce flow rate reading by computing the velocity of fluids. These meters are accurate and fast to compute flow rates. They are further categorized as:

Turbine

This meter computes the flow rate of liquid with speed. The turbines inside the meter rotate with the flow speed that is proportional to the flow rate.

Ultrasonic

These meters work to measure flow rate by using ultrasound waves. The meter measures the travel time by waves from one point to another. You can fix these meters on the outside of the pipes to measure the flow rate.

Vortex

This meter works by obstructing the flow of liquids using the bluff body. The bluff body generates vortices that change the pressure of the flow. The sensor inside the meter can note the pressure change and can give a flow rate reading to engineers.  

The Bottom Line

These are some commonly used types of flow meters for measuring the flow rate of liquids. These devices play a considerable role in maintaining the proper flow of liquids for various industrial processes. These devices are easy to maintain and are affordably priced to use for exact flow measurement.