Target flowmeters, also known as drag force flowmeters, insert a target (drag element), usually a flat disc or a sphere with an extension rod, into the flow field. They then measure the drag force on the inserted target and convert it to the flow velocity.

Target flowmeters measure flow by measuring the amount of force exerted by the flowing fluid on a target suspended in the flow stream. The force exerted on the target by the flow is proportional to the pressure drop across the target. Similar to differential pressure flowmeters, Bernoulli’s equation states that the pressure drop across the target (and hence the force exerted on the target) is proportional to the square of the flow rate.

One major advantage of the target flowmeter over other flowmeters is, with a sphere drag element, a proper strain gage layout, and well thought-out mathematical formulas, a target flowmeter is capable of measuring sporadic and multi-directional flows.

The deflection of the target and the force bar is measured in the instrument.

The force on the target can be expressed as :

F = c_d ρ v² A_t / 2                                       

where

F = force on the target (N)

c_d = overall drag coefficient obtained from empirical data

ρ = density of fluid (kg/m³)

v = fluid velocity (m/s)

A_t = target area (m²)

Advantages with the Target Flow Meter

• Low initial set up cost
• Can be used with a wide variety of fluids, even viscous fluids and slurries.
• Can be used in abrasive, contaminated, or corrosive fluid flow
• Can be made to measure flow velocity that is sporadic or multidirectional with sphere drag element designs

Disadvantages with the Target Flow Meter

• Pressure drop is inevitable due to the rod and the drag element
• Less popular than it was before