Flow measurement is a crucial requirement in many industrial plants related to manufacturing, processing, and cleaning. In some units, the accuracy of flow measurement is a strict requirement. The quality of manufacturing mainly depends upon the accuracy of flow measurements. Thus, the use of high-end measuring devices is recommended among the industries. These are the devices that can measure flow rates accurately to prevent disasters. For most liquid-based measurements, the use of velocity flow meters is highly recommended. These devices work to measure the speed of the fluids flowing inside the pipes. The flow rate measurement efficiency of these meters is high as they can detect changes in kinetic energy.
There are numerous types of these meters existing in the market. So, let’s take a look at them to choose the best velocity flow measurement device.
Turbine Meters
These devices have widespread use where accurate liquid flow measurement is needed. These meters have rotor blades mounted with a pipe to measure the liquid flow. These are the movable blades that rotate as the fluid passes through the meter. The rotational speed of blades is directly associated with the flow rate of liquids. The flow meter sensor can detect the change in the flow rate of liquid with speed. The flow volume is computed with the help of electrical pulses. Well, the rotational function of blades can determine the liquid flow meter with the help of a tachometer. With proper installation and measurement specifications, this meter can derive an accurate velocity flow rate of liquids.
Vortex Meters
The name of these meters is derived from their working of generating vortices in the liquid flowing inside the pipe. The meter uses its bluff body to create obstruction in the flow path of liquids. The vortices generated in the liquids alter the speed of media and enable the sensors to read the flow measurement. This meter works with the Karman effect that measures the velocity of the liquid flowing. The vortex shedding of liquids is directly proportional to liquid velocity. These flow meters are highly recommended to use in industries that rely on accurate flow measurement. They often come with a digital transmitter that shows the flow measurement results. You can use these meters to get the flow rate signal in a readable form.
Electromagnetic meters
These meters work on the basis of Faraday’s law to compute the flow rate of liquids. These flow rate measuring devices can also measure many slurries and conductive media. Again, the working of these meters is suitable for achieving accurate flow rate measurements. But the only thing to remember is these meters cannot measure clean liquids. They can only measure the corrosive liquids and can derive accurate flow rate measurements. These meters come with a magnetic field that works to generate voltage when liquid passes through the meter. Thus, the voltage generated by the magnetic field directly relates to the flow rate. The voltage is measured through the electrodes mounted on the pipe.
Ultrasonic meters
The working of these meters is also popular since they use ultrasound waves to measure the flow rate. They are further classified into doppler and transit meters. Therefore, the flow rate measurement is different with both the meter types. The application of these meters works to measure the time traveled by the ultrasound waves. The application of this meter is so simple as you can mount it directly to the outer wall of the pipe. The speed of fluids between transducers increases and decreases with the velocity of liquids. These devices can also measure flow rate with accurate readings.
To Sum up
Flow meters play a pivotal role in measuring the flow rate of liquids. These devices can also measure other flowing media such as air and steam. So, you can use the application of these meters to derive reliable measurement results. However, these meters have their unique traits, so you must consider them before selecting one. You should also consider the cost before investing in the meter to make your selection worth it.