How to Select a Flow Meter

Selecting Magflow Flow Meters

he main questions which need to be considered before selecting a magnetic flow meter:

  • – Is the fluid conductive or water based?
  • – Is the fluid or slurry abrasive?
  • – Do you require an integral display or remote display?
  • – Do you require an analogue output?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the Magmeter?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – Is the fluid chemically compatible with the Magflo flow meter wetted parts?
  • – What is the size of the pipe?
  • – Is the pipe always full?

Selecting Turbine Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a turbine flow meter:

  • – Is the fluid clean; are there any solids present?
  • – What is the viscosity of the fluid at the operating temperature?
  • – What is the degree of accuracy required?
  • – What is the maximum pressure drop allowed across the turbine meter?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum working flow range?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – Is the fluid compatible with stainless steel?
  • – What type of connection is required?

Selecting Vortex Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a vortex flow meter:

  • – What is the minimum and maximum working flow range?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – What is the preferred pipe size?
  • – What is the degree of accuracy required (full scale or reading)?
  • – What is the maximum pressure drop allowed across the vortex meter?
  • – Is pressure and temperature compensation required?
  • – Is the fluid compatible with stainless steel?

Selecting Oval Gear Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting an oval gear flow meter:

  • – What is the viscosity range of the fluid being metered?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum working flow range?
  • – Is the fluid clean; are there any solids present?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – What is the degree of accuracy required?
  • – Is an output required and, if so, what type?
  • – Is the meter operating in a hazardous area?
  • – Are specific approvals (eg ATEX) required?
  • – Is a flow instrument required?
  • – What type of connection is required?

Selecting Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a coriolis flow meter:

  • – What is the mass flow range?
  • – What is the density of the fluid at the working temperature / pressure?
  • – What is the viscosity of the fluid?
  • – What accuracy range is required?
  • – Is any air present in the liquid?
  • – Are flow & mass flow output required?

Selecting Thermal Mass Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a thermal mass flow meter:

  • – What is the mass flow range?
  • – Are the thermal properties of the gas known and consistent?
  • – What accuracy range is required?
  • – Is any moisture present in the gas?
  • – Are flow & mass flow output required?

Selecting Ultrasonic Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a ultrasonic flow meter:

  • – What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the flow meter?
  • – Is the pipe material compatible with ultrasonic measurement (eg concrete, fiberglass and plastic lined pipes may be incompatible)?
  • – Are there any air spaces in the pipe?
  • – Does the fluid contain particulates or bubbles and, if so, of what size and distribution?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – What accuracy range is required?

Selecting Ultrasonic Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a rotameter or variable area (VA) flow meter:

  • – Is the fluid liquid or gas?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum working flow range?
  • – What is the density of the fluid at the working temperature / pressure?
  • – What is the viscosity of the fluid?
  • – What accuracy range is required from the flow meter?
  • – What is the maximum operating pressure?
  • – What is the maximum operating temperature?

Selecting Paddle Wheel Flow Meters

The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a paddle wheel flow meter:

  • – Is the liquid clean; are there any solids present?
  • – What is the preferred pipe size?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the paddlewheel meter?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
  • – What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
  • – What is the pipe work material?
  • – What is the required accuracy?
  • – Is the pipe always full?
  • – Is an output required and, if so, what type?
  • – Is local indication required?
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