A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Flow Meter for Your Application
It is one of the most the important components in an industrial setting yet most people overlook it. A flow meter might not be the most conspicuous part of your power plant, for instance, but its role in the whole scheme of things is invaluable.
In residential properties, a flow meter is never considered such an influential appliance until something goes wrong with the water or gas flow. In essence, flow measurement is a crucial part in any industrial plant and is now common in many other applications.
photo/ Michael Jarmoluk via pixabay.com
Crucial Role of a Functional Flow Meter
If you are in the market shopping for a flow meter, it is important first to appreciate the critical role this device will be playing. Take a look:
- Quality control – In some applications, the wrong volume of gas or liquid will affect the quality if the product being produced. By monitoring the rate of flow, you can easily guarantee quality production, which helps maintain consistent high standards.
- Accuracy in flow measurement – The modern flow meters in the market use cutting-edge technology to deliver high levels of accuracy to ensure no errors occur in flow measurement. This high level of accuracy helps reduce wastage, which is a big concern in both gas and liquid distribution. If the operational bills at your industrial plant are too high, it is time to overhaul the flow meter system you are using.
- Safety standards – A small gas or liquid leak in some applications can be disastrous. It will only take a spark for your investment to go up in smoke and such devastation can be avoided by using a highly effective ultrasonic flow meter which detects changes in flow volumes. Such early detection ensures repairs are done early enough.
- Efficiency – If you are distributing flow to different applications, for instance, you need to have a system that allows you to control things conveniently. A flow meter gives you the power to do exactly this.
There is so much more flowmetersbt Smart Measurement can help achieve. However, to get the most out of these devices, you have to make sure you pick the right choice.
Choosing the Best Flow Meter for Your Application
Before hitting the market looking for a flow meter, first consider the following:
- The flow qualities – What is the type of flow you want to measure? Is it liquid, vapor or gas? What’s the density, viscosity, fluid temperature and pressure? What are the pressure loss characteristics? Does it exhibit electrical conductivity? What is the flow rate and are there any contaminants in the flow? These questions will help you decide on the flow meter you need. You should also consider the purpose of flow measurement and detection method.
- Types of flow meters – Several types of flow measurement devices exist based on how they work. They include differential pressure flow meters, velocity flow meters, positive displacement flow meters, mass flow meters and open channel flow meters. All these have unique features, advantages and weaknesses which you should understand before purchasing any.
It is advisable to buy a flow meter only from an established brand offering warranty and technical support. As a rule of thumb, make sure your flow measurement needs come first and never the price.
Author Bio
Ruth Ba runs an engineering consultancy in Houston, Texas. She reviews the best products in the industry such as the flowmetersbt smart measurement. Ruth has over 21 years’ experience in industrial engineering.
