Which Type of Flow Meter Is Best for Industrial Use

8000 Series Liquid Flow Meters

Before drawing conclusions on the best flow meter for industrial use, you should first understand what they are and how they work. The turbine flow meter consists of rotor blades placed at an angle on a shaft. The fluid passing through the blades causes them to turn the rotor shaft. The rotation of the shaft is sensed by a mechanical reader. As for the blades, a magnetic reader detects the movements through magnetic pulses. Movement of the blades and the rotor is proportional to that of the liquid. 

This is ideal for gases and liquids. Special considerations are taken for non-lubricating fluids. The blades are usually greased if the meter is intended to measure such a fluid. In measuring the transmission of natural gas, the blades can only withstand temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius.

A turbine flow meter is ideal for corrosive as well as clean liquids. These include chemicals, petroleum and water. The pipe size should not exceed a diameter of 24 inches. With large flow meters, the installation requires a firm foundation made from concrete. The accuracy of liquid turbine flow meter decreases if the rate of flow is very low. On the other hand, you cannot use this kind of meters for liquids flowing at high speed. This wears out the rotor blades or damages them altogether. Non-lubricating fluids wear out the flow meter leading to inaccurate readings. For the same reasons, the meter cannot measure transmission of dirty fluids.

On its part, the magnetic flow meter measures flow of fluids through a concept known as the Faraday's Law. There are no moving parts in the meter. The scientific law in play works on the principle that when liquid particles move through a magnetic field, they generate voltage that is in proportion to their velocity. An electronic reader picks this signal and processes it. Unlike its turbine counterpart, this meter is ideal for measuring dirty liquids, highly corrosive acids and water. It cannot, however, be used for hydrocarbons and distilled water.

Owing to its non-obstructive nature, a magnetic flow meter can be used in a wide range of applications. It can measure transmission of clean, dirty, abrasive and corrosive liquids. Gases are the only exception since they are non-conductive. These meters work best in situations where you require low maintenance work. They are the best option for pressure drop in liquids. Most industrial applications release dirty water as part of their waste. This is true for paper processing, power generation, processing of minerals and chemical industries. Water and sewerage utility companies use this type of meters.

In line with the above discussion, magnetic flow meters are the best choice for industrial use. The meters can measure the flow of any kind of liquid whether clean or dirty. Majority of industries use water or chemicals in different forms. They need an accurate means of measuring inflow as well as the outflow. It should always be filled with the liquid to be measured.

Mark Alan started writing as a hobby. Writing is his passion and he is completely dedicated for that. He has written various informative articles and blogs for past five years. To know more about low flow metering valve for industry, visit http://proteusind.com.