There is a need for almost perfect accuracy when transferring fluid from one medium to another one. A lot of tools used for measuring the flow of liquid through pipes exist today. They normally operate on various principles to help in monitoring liquid flow. However, every tool has its own pros and cons, especially when it’s put in comparison to others.
That is why flowmeters exist. They are the answer if you’re looking for a way to measure the flow of liquid accurately. They are used to determine the streaming rate and the quantity of transfer of the fluid. A lot of flowmeter types have been developed since its invention in 1963. Below are just some of them and their uses:
Measurement of Viscosity and Density
One of the most functional “clamp on flow meters” available in the market is the Coriolis meter. This works by making the tube that is connected to the flowmeter vibrate crosswise to spin the fluid that is inside the tube, enabling the meter to measure the rate of liquid flow and its density. Regardless of what type of fluid is being measured, this type of flowmeter can provide you with a more accurate measurement compared to its counterparts.
The Coriolis meter utilizes the oscillation motion in order for it to create vibration inside the tube where the fluid being measured is flowing. The pace of flow of liquid, its density, and the temperature of the wall outside the tube are all measured by this type of flowmeter with almost perfect accuracy.
Some models of this type of meter have the capacity to measure the viscosity of the liquid. What makes the said type of meter stand out in the whole group of other meter types is its capability to measure direct mass. With that in mind, since a change in pressure, viscosity, temperature, and density, Coriolis meters can also measure slurries aside from the liquids.
The meter is very much reliable and accurate, which made it the number 1 choice for sanitary uses. The only downside is that this meter is quite more expensive than other types. However, if your budget permits and if you need high-accuracy measurement, this one is your best bet.
Temperature Measurement
Another type of meter that works similarly to Coriolis meters is the thermal meters. It also measures the mass of the liquid that passes through it, but it operates on distinct principles. The liquid’s thermal property is utilized by a thermal meter to measure the liquid flow, especially when it’s in bulk.
Since a lot of measuring devices fall into this principle, it is hard to presume the benefits and disadvantages of using this flow meter type. While a lot of these devices use the application of heat to measure the fluid’s dispersal, there are also some that can discern the disparity between the heated component and the stream.
If there are advantages to using this type of meter, it is the low price of the device and its capacity to measure even when the fluid is low in density. On the contrary, the measurement accuracy may differ across various manufacturers and models.
Liquid Streaming Measurement
Turbine meters are most popular for measuring water, hydrocarbons, chemicals, and Petroleum that travel through the pipe with high efficacy. It works by placing a turbine in the steaming liquid so the former gets pushed and the blade can spin while the fluid rushes. When the speed of the blade becomes steady, it will then be proportionate to the fluid’s velocity.
It is not impossible to achieve a higher rate of flow and a lesser loss of pressure when using this kind of meter. This is because of the medium’s straight flow of direction, not twisted, unlike any other meter type. A strainer is needed to be attached to the front part of the device to keep the liquid free from any type of bigger solid particles.
Most industries prefer this type of meter because of its reasonable installation cost, easy maintenance, and ownership. These meters can also provide an accurate measurement even when the area of use is under difficult conditions.
Volumetric Flow Rate Measurement
This device employs the principle of assessing the volume flow of liquid. This type of meter mixes, batches, and measures literally any type of fluid–hydrocarbons, water, chemicals, and some other liquid types. It is worth noting, though, that the plugs, bearings, and ceiling surfaces of the flowmeter may run up damages due to the impurity or abrasiveness of the fluid being measured.
The filter that comes with the meter will most probably get rid of all the bubbles, debris, and other impurities, as the bubbles will put the meter’s effectiveness in jeopardy. You can use an eliminator to take care of the bubbles in the fluid and a Mass Flow Controller to navigate.
Average Velocity Measurement of the Ultrasound Beam Emitted
If you are familiar with how an ultrasound generator works, you will know how an ultrasonic wave-measuring device would function. This device can be classified into two distinct categories. They are segregated as:
- The measuring tool sends out ultrasonic waves into the liquid and gets back the wave reflected to measure the liquid’s flow rate, and
- The device utilizes two ultrasonic energy converters that pass ultrasonic vibrations back and forth between them and then measure the liquid’s streaming rate.
This measuring tool is the most commonly used one for sanitary applications. The reason for this is that you can easily fix the flowmeter in the outer part of the tube without the need to insert it when it is damaged. It reduces the chance of tube leakage compared to other meter types, and it can be easily removed and replaced when needed without damaging the pipe.
This meter can still give you an accurate measurement even when there is a bit of a swirl in the liquid in the pipes. Although mostly used in sanitary applications, it has found a way to be useful in any industry. It is one of the greatest and most non-invasive solutions to measuring liquid flow accurately.
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