Tips for buying High Quality Flow Meters and Switches

Flow meter is an instrument that is used to gauge the flow of gasses or fluid through a pipe. Flow measurement applications differ extensively on the conditional benchmarks, situational limitations, and engineering requirements.

 It is crucial that you choose the right flow meter or a flow switch. Every application needs a different combination of the flow meter and switches depending on various factors listed below.

• Type of readings required 
• The type of fluid or gas to be measured
• Temperature of the fluid or gas
• Inertness between the flow meter material and the fluid or gas passing through it
• Viscosity of the fluid or gas

Pressure vs. Resistance

Before you rush to buy a flow meter, it is very important that you first study the fundamentals of the fluid or gas that flows through the system. The properties of fluid or gas would determine the kind of flow meter that should be installed.

The equation between pressure and resistance is closely related to the viscosity and rate of flow of the fluid or gas. There are two kinds of fluids – Newtonian and Non-Newtonian. The Newtonian fluids are straightforward. There is a positive correlation between the pressure applied to these fluids and the resistance against the side of the pipes. They flow slower on the side but faster in the center of the pipe. Mineral oil, water, and milk are some examples of Newtonian fluids.

On the other hand, the Non-Newtonian fluids exhibit an indecisive behavior since there is no relation between the pressure applied and the resistance against the walls of the pipe. So, it ‘s hard to predict their viscosity and change in the rate of flow of such fluids at a given time. Curd, shampoo, paints, etc. are non-Newtonian fluids.

   

Go for a Broader Turndown

 Turndown indicates the ratio of maximum flow rate and minimum flow rate for a fluid. The flow meter with a broader turndown is particularly beneficial when you cannot predict the extent to which the flow rate of the fluid can rise or drop. A flow meter having a comprehensive turndown would accommodate the unforeseen variations in the flow rate.

  

Selecting Flow Switches

When it comes to choosing a flow switch, you need a flow switch that is attuned to the conditions under which it would be employed. The manufacturers of flow switches design variants that are meant to be used for specific industrial applications. The systems that involve fluids and gasses flowing through them at high temperatures call for robust flow switches that can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging between -50 to 220 degrees Celsius. Similarly, you can find flow switches that are especially meant to be used in systems commissioning high-pressure fluids and gasses; for example, up to 40 bar system pressure. 

Lastly, you should consider the cost factor. Flow meters and flow switches are critical components of industrial application. Cheap flow meters and switches would not necessarily be high quality. They often cause issues such as leakage, corrosion, or functional breakdown. It would be wise of you to spend on heavy-duty flow meters and flow switches. They will cost a bit more but will save you a lot of money over a long term.