What is Flow Meter

The flow meter is a device that calculates the current flow rate of the fluid passing through the pipeline. Flow rate might be in terms of volumetric or mass units, Depending upon the end user’s need. After calculating the current flow rate, it shows the total consumption of your process through its totalizer screen. Many types of flow meters are available in the global market for the different needs of flow measurement.

Further, Flow meters have more batch options which will control the quantity of fluid passing through the pipeline. for eg. if you require 100 liters of solvent in your one process, you just have to give the command to the flow meter and after passing 100 liters it will give potential free contact to the solenoid valve. And the valve will shut off due to this.

Mechanical flow meters used in industry

• Glass tube rotameter
• Metal tube rotameter
• Purge rotameter
• Acrylic body rotameter
• Bypass rotameter
• Water meter

How to select a flow meter?

When selecting a flow meter, follow the steps below:

• What Gas or Liquid will be measured?
• Minimum and maximum flow rates.
• What are the accuracy requirements?
• The fluid temperature and viscosity.
• Fluid compatibility with the materials of construction.
• The maximum pressure at the location.
• What pressure drop is allowable?
• Will the meter be mounted in a hazardous location where explosive gases may be present?
• Is the fluid flow continuous or intermittent?
• What type of output signal or readout do you need?

The following table groups the various types of flow meter manufactured by Process Control Devices (PCD) according to their suitability for liquid, gas, steam and slurry applications.