The Importance Of Flow Meters In Industries

In many processes, flow measurement, whether it is a liquid or a gas, is often a critical parameter. It is essential to know that the right fluid is in the right place at the right time in most operations.

With most instruments for measuring liquid & gas flow, the flow rate is inferentially determined by measuring the velocity of the fluids or the change in kinetic energy. Other factors that affect the liquid flow rate include viscosity and density of the liquid and pipe contact friction of the liquid.

Some critical applications like 3tnv70 yanmar require the ability to perform accurate flow measurements to ensure the quality of the product. Health & Safety is always an essential factor when working with liquids and gasses.

It is very important to invest in ensuring that your team is able to work in a safe and productive environment. Measuring flow and pressure can provide the process and staff with this security.

Why is There a Need for Flow Meters?

Flows must be kept within safe limits; monitoring flow rates indicate infringements of low or high flow conditions. These excursions are often given to the operators as alarms. The flow rate within the control system can be used as an interlock for real-time control.

Industrial companies utilize flow meters due to the importance of volumetric fluid flow in monitoring and controlling critical processes. Various industries demand precise industrial water quality monitoring or complex infrastructure management in order to adhere to environmental regulations. These industries include chemical, refining, oil and gas, water/wastewater, electricity, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and others.

Its Accuracy of Gathering Information is Vital

Flow meters are an essential component of almost every operation of oil and gas. But their role is mission-critical in gathering facilities, where custody of tens of millions of gallons of product is transferred daily from one party to another.

There are hundreds of different measurement options available in today's market that operators can choose from many types of flow meters and while many use highly advanced technologies.

The benefits they provide can only be realized if they are correctly commissioned. In most cases, pre-operative errors will also lead to complications down the road, such as higher maintenance costs and higher downtime.

Industrial Uses of Different Kinds of Flow Meters

Coriolis Meters. Coriolis meters are well suited for a wide range of liquid and gas applications, among the most accurate technologies. It provides data on temperature, density and mass for multiparameter. Coriolis meters are commonly used in nuclear installations, pharmaceutical production, wastewater treatment facilities, measurement of natural gas and transfer of custody.

Differential Pressure Flow Meters. If no moving parts are necessary or if prompt response time is required, a differential pressure flow meter is the best choice. Calculating the output of fuels, in specialty chemical manufacturing, or plain water measurement testing is usually found in industrial applications. In laboratories, differential pressure flow meters are also used for calculating and controlling the flow of gasses while mixing or separating them using chromatography.

Gear Flow Meters. Gear meters are suitable for liquids of high viscosity. These are used in hydraulics and additional applications involving extremely viscous fluids. Gear meters also work exceptionally well with transfers of fuel or oil as well as in the production and pulp and paper industries. Since the gears in the meters are made of stainless steel, they are the best choice for petrochemical industries or any other application involving light to heavy oils.

Paddle Wheel Flow Meters. Usually this meter is seen in rural areas for irrigation, water and wastewater treatment, on aqua farms, and plain water measurement. Paddlewheel meters work at turbulent flow with viscous liquids, making them suitable for use in utilities and the oil and gas industries.

Magnetic Flow Meters. This magnetic technology does not contain any moving parts, and the full-bore design ensures liquid flow from any intrusion. This is a liquid flow meter that is relatively high-end in the production of petrochemical, chemical, mining, pulp and paper, water purification, food and beverage industries. However, with low conductivity fluid such as de-ionized water, a magnetic meter should not be used.

These meters can accurately measure any dirty or clean conductive liquid flow. Most industries are using different forms of chemicals or water. They need an inflow and outflow accurately measured. Therefore, for the accurate measurement of the liquid, a full pipe is always required.

Takeaway

Advances in technology can also bring to market instruments that may not be as well-known but offer a better solution. For example, in the past, inline ultrasound flow meters had to be re-calibrated when a new fluid was introduced and could not be used in hygiene applications.

The process industry is making significant efforts to ensure high process reliability levels, consistent product quality, and accurately priced goods billing. There is also a need to demonstrate that compliance with environmental regulations, for example, the operation is sustainable. State-of-the-art flow measurement technology is the key to ensuring these values as it is well known for providing highly stable results over a long time.