The Flow Meter – The Many Applications Of Flow Measurement.

The flow meter is an instrument that has many applications from individual use in the medical field through to mass usage in heavy industry. This article will cover some of the uses of the flow meter , explaining how they work and the aim of the instrument.

A general definition of a flowmeter is that it measures the flow of gases or liquids. The meter gives a reading of the substance in terms of the volume (in litres per second), in mass (in kilograms per second) or the velocity of the substance.

In terms of the application of flow meters, a peak flow meter is used to measure airflow through the bronchi. This is particularly useful for people with asthma as it can help them to manage the condition more effectively. Generally a person will perform three tests using the meter. It will measure the flow of air as the person exhales. The readings are recorded on a chart and this can give the person or their doctor a good picture of whether the asthma is getting better or worse. It could prompt a change in medication or the way they manage the condition.

Mass Flow meters are used in a variety of industries from semi conductor fabrication to metal finishing and photovoltaic cell production. A mass flow meter can be used to measure the mass flow rates of gases and liquids. They are also referred to as an inertial or coriolis flow meters.

Ultrasonic flow meters are a way of determining the velocity of liquid in a pipe. It is generally used in liquids that have particulate matter in the liquid. An ultrasonic signal is emitted by a transmitter. When the signal strikes any particulate matter, it is reflected at a different wavelength. A receiver of the signal can then gauge the speed of the flow by comparing the change in wavelength from the outgoing signal to the ingoing signal. An ultrasonic flow meter is used in drainage or waste water sytems.

A fuel flowmeter is used in many industries, particularly the for aircraft. A typical fuel flowmeter works on the same principle as a mass flow meter but deals primarily with petroleum liquid.

Many of the flow meters described above are designed to be portable or come in a portable version. A portable flowmeter has the obvious advantage that it can be set up and used easily. It gives the user far more flexibility as it can be used in different locations or placed on different areas of a pipe or tube that needs a flow measure.