What is a Flow Meter and What are the various types of flow meters?

 

A flow meter measures the volume or mass of a gas or liquid. It goes by various names like flow gauge, flow indicator, or flow rate sensor, depending on the industry. 

These devices all serve the purpose of measuring flow. Flow meters can gauge open channels, such as rivers or streams, or more commonly, they're used to measure gases and liquids in pipes. 

The best flow meters offer enhanced precision, accuracy, and resolution in fluid measurement, providing significant benefits to various industries.

What are the various types of flow meters?

Positive Displacement, also known as a Volumetric flow meter or PD flow meter, directly measures the actual volume. Unlike other types, which infer the flow rate by making alternative measurements, PD meters provide an output signal directly proportional to the volume passing through the meter. Bi-rotor types such as gear, oval gear, helical gear, nutating disc, reciprocating piston, and oscillating or rotary piston fall into this category.

Mass flow meters have an output signal directly related to the mass passing through the meter. Thermal and Coriolis flow meters belong to this category.

Velocity flow meters have an output signal directly related to the velocity passing through the meter.

Various types of flow meters fall into these categories, including electromagnetic, ultrasonic, turbine, propeller, paddle wheel, vortex shedding, target, variable area, rotameter, orifice plate, open channel, flow nozzle, laminar, Venturi, and Pitot tube.

What type of flow meter is best?

No single flow meter suits all applications universally. Choosing the right technology for your needs demands a detailed flow specification tailored to your usage. Each meter type comes with its own set of trade-offs, making it crucial to understand the critical specifications.

Here's what you need to consider:

1. Identify the gas or liquid to be measured.

2. Determine the minimum and maximum flow rates.

3. Define the required level of accuracy.

4. Consider the fluid's temperature and viscosity.

5. Assess the compatibility of the fluid with the materials of construction (refer to our materials compatibility guide).

6. Determine the maximum pressure at the installation site.

7. Establish the allowable pressure drop.

8. Assess whether the meter will be installed in a hazardous location where explosive gases may be present.

9. Determine if the fluid flow is continuous or intermittent.

10. Specify the type of output signal or readout required for your application.

Burak Metering, a reputable flow meter manufacturer and supplier based in India, provides a diverse range of gas flow measurement solutions. Our expertise lies in crafting top-notch gas flow meters renowned for their precision, reliability, and longevity, guaranteeing optimal returns on investment for our clients.

If you're in need of gas flow meters in India, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to explore our offerings and make your purchase. Experience the quality and performance that sets Burak Metering apart in the industry.