How to Select a Proper Flowmeter

The flowmeter is a device that is able to measure linear as well as non-linear and mass flow rates of gases or liquids. When it comes to selecting a proper flowmeter for your requirements you would need to understand the type of application that it is being used for initially. You need to understand the type of fluid or gas that you will be measuring and how the meter is to be installed.

To be sure, before selecting your flowmeter some other questions that have to be answered are the nature of fluid that is to be measured. Understand if the substance will be air, water or some other medium. For instance, slurry or waste water often needs to be measured and it may be a combination of water, dirt or particulate matter and air in the form of bubbles. In addition, you need to determine whether there is a need for rate measurement or totalization when using the flowmeter.

Local Display or Electronic Signals

Other questions that need to be answered with regard to selecting a flowmeter are determining whether a local display is required on the instrument or are electronic signals enough. In addition, you need to establish the minimum as well as maximum rate of flow, minimum and maximum process pressure as well as minimum and maximum temperature of the process.

Finally, you have to also determine whether the fluid is chemically compatible with wetted parts of the flowmeter, and in case the application is process oriented, what size of pipe should be used. In addition, you will also need to be concerned with the piping as well as area where the flowmeter can best be located.

Another aspect to deciding on using a flowmeter is comparing it in terms of performance with a point sensor that too can provide similar performance. As a rule of thumb, given that you need to choose between point sensors and flowmeters, the flowmeter is the better option. Point sensors cannot look at the complete flow and are only effective when inserted to a certain depth where flow velocity is neither too high nor too low.

So, before you specify your flow meter, it is recommended to check whether to use mass units or volumetric units to obtain most useful flow information. To be sure, volumetric flow is not very useful in the case of compressible materials that do not have constant density. In such cases, it may be better to use mass flow meters that are insensitive to density and pressure as well as variations in viscosity.

Other considerations could include the robustness of the device. If it is to operate in highly pressurized environments will the components of the meter last so that you get good use out of it. Another consideration is the cost. Although it is a false economy to go for something cheap, no one has a limitless budget when it comes to things like this. Ensure that the flowmeter is fit for purpose and then look at the best available price.