Which Type of Liquid Flow Meters Are Best for Industrial Use?

Prior to giving conclusions on the best liquid flow meters for industrial usage, it is imperative to understand their differences and applications. This will help in selecting the best model for a particular use without overspending. There are distinct features in liquid flow meters that differentiate them on the basis of their functionality and accuracy. Ranging from Coriolis to magnetic to variable-area, there are various options when it comes to volume based liquid flow meters.

Coriolis meter uses two designs to provide true mass flow measurement, including a single tube design and two parallel tubes design. It operates with an oscillation that is developed in the tube at a reference frequency. It is based on the “Newton’s Second Law of Motion,” as the frequency of oscillation will vary with the variations in the rate of mass flow. Among the most precise technologies, Coriolis meters are well suited for a broad and developing range of liquid and gas applications. It provides multiparameter data about temperature, density, and mass. Coriolis meters are commonly utilized in nuclear facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, wastewater treatment facilities, natural gas measurement and custody transfer. 

Differential pressure flow meter gauges the variations in pressure to identify the speed of the flow. It features a flow-restrictive orifice or laminar flow element, which measures the drop in pressure through the restriction. The points for drop in the pressure from upstream to downstream are proportional to the rate of flow. At times when no moving parts are required or when a super-fast response time is needed, then differential pressure flow meter works as the best choice. It is usually found in more industrial applications such as to calculate the output of fuels, specialty chemical manufacturing, plain water measurement testing or on Aqua farms. Differential pressure flow meter is also used in laboratories for calculation and control of the flow of gases while mixing them or separating them with the help of chromatography.

Gear meters (Positive Displacement) include oval counter-synchronized gears that are linked to rotate with the flow of liquid. The volume of liquid being transferred through these oval gears is well controlled, providing the meters with the great amount of precision. It is designed in a relatively simple and rugged manner, making it well suited for installation in even the harshest situations. Gear meters are well suitable for liquid with a high viscosity. These are utilized in hydraulics and further applications that involve extremely viscous liquids. Gear meters also work extremely well with fuel or oil transfers as well as in manufacturing and pulp and paper industry. Because the gears in the gear meters are made of stainless steel, they are the best choice for petrochemical industry or any further application which involves light to heavy oils.

Magnetic meter comes in two variants, namely insertion and full-bore. Magnetic meter has coils in the meter, which develops a magnetic field. When a conductive fluid is passed through the fields, it produces a voltage proportional to the flow, through an electrode in the wall of the meter or insertion probe. Magnetic meters functions by calculating the electrical content of the liquid. This magnetic technology contains no moving parts, and the full bore design secures the liquid flow from any intrusion. This is a relatively high end liquid flow meter and is used in the petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, mining, pulp and paper manufacturing, water purification and food and beverage industries. However, a magnetic meter must not be used with a low conductivity fluid such as de-ionized water. 

Paddle wheel meters come in several forms; with oscillating disks, propellers, and rotating paddle wheels. The rotating components of a paddle wheel meter are deigned to provide a pulse when passing through either a magnetic or optical sensor. The frequency of this pulse is proportional to the velocity of the liquid at either point of the channel or pipe. The design of this meter provides a high precision as compared to its low cost. This meter is usually seen in rural areas for the purpose of irrigation, in water and wastewater treatment, on aqua farms and for plain water measurement. Paddle wheel meters can also be used in utilities and the oil and gas industries and can function with viscous liquids if a turbulent flow is present. 

Based on the above analysis, it is determined that he magnetic flow meter can be considered to be the most suitable liquid flow meters for industrial operations. These meters are capable of measuring any type of conductive liquid flow, be it dirty or clean. Most of the industries use chemicals or water in various forms. They require an accurately measured inflow and outflow also. Hence, it is always necessary to have a full pipe for the accurate measurement of the liquid.