All You Need to Know About Variable Flowmeters

all you need to know about variable flowmeters

What is a Flowmeter?

A flowmeter is a device that is used when measuring gases and liquids that move through a pipe or line. Flowmeters are used in a variety of industries, including chemical processing, aerospace industries and also in laboratories. Some flowmeters measure the amount of liquid passing through it during a certain time period (i.e. 200 liters per minute) and others measure the total amount transmitted altogether.

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The Features, Uses, and Advantages of RF Pickups

RF Pickups | Flowmetrics

If you want to make sure your products go with the flow without any interference, opt for RF pickups or digital proximity sensors. These devices combine the sensor with an analog to a digital signal conditioner which works best in the absence of magnetic fields. These sensors create output that is consistent with the speed of the wheel or the meter rotor. These devices are useful for applications that would be less effective with the interference of the magnetic field. Continue reading “The Features, Uses, and Advantages of RF Pickups” →

California’s Flowmeter Regulations: What You Need to Know

California's Flowmeter Regulations | Flowmetrics

Even if you do not live in California, you know that the state has a tendency to have dry spells. This has launched a series of regulations that govern the use of water and efficient application of flow meters. These flowmeters are vital to making sure there is an efficient transfer of water and liquids for residential and industrial uses. If there is a problem with the flow of the material or leak, dangerous gasses could and escape and pollute the area or in the case of water, it could leak and waste valuable resources and money. A flowmeter not only records the speed and pressure of liquid flow but also indicates the presence of leaks. An interruption in the flow can be a sign of a problem that can be fixed quickly if it is located efficiently.

California’s flowmeter regulations for water meters are connected with an overall environmental policy that seeks to conserve resources that are often under threat, such as water. The California Energy Commission directed its focus onto water meters because of the importance they play in measuring flow rates accurately. These rates can arrest water loss and transfer of liquids from one place to another. The water meters are essential in places that are designed for the storage and treatment of water. These flowmeter regulations are also good for business because any money spent on wasted water by a company is often passed on to the customer. The meters also encourage proper repairs which can prevent water waste and make production more effective.

 

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What to Do When You Need a Propane Transfer

Propane | Flowmetrics

Propane is a gas that is essential to many industries that produce things we use in our day-to-day life. It is an essential ingredient in many forms of production and exists in liquid and gas form. It also functions as a source of energy and is readily available. Propane is so much in demand that transfer of this gas or liquid is a common procedure, but is also fraught with many safety risks. If you need to transfer propane, it should be done by professionals and through sturdy pumps that are guaranteed to transport the gasses safely into tanks. Propane transfer is not a do-it-yourself project for absolute beginners but requires substantial experience and cutting-edge equipment to make sure that it is executed properly. With the right guidance about the transfer of propane, you can make the gas work for you at home or whatever industry you are working in.

 

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Oil and Gas Processing: How Gas Flow Measurement Affects Production

Oil and Gas Processing | Flowmetrics

While you might not give much thought to how oil and gas reaches your local fueling station unless prices begin to rise, the steps involved may surprise you. From drilling for crude oil to refining it for a number of uses, including the gasoline you pump into your vehicle’s fuel tank, much goes into this process. There are also a number of important factors involved in oil and gas processing; however, from the search for fossil fuel sources to the refinement of such products to measuring consistent flow rates at oil refineries and other fuel facilities, gas flow measurement is a key component of the manufacturing process.

 

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Magnetic Pickups and Their Uses

 

Magnetic Pickups | Flowmetrics

A variety of major industries, including pharmaceutical, aviation, chemical, food production and petrochemical rely on a variety of sensitive mechanical parts in order to keep their products and processing machinery running smoothly. While not all machines operate in the same way, many rely on similar parts, such as turbines and flow systems. Because turbines produce a consistent source of energy and systems that allow gas or liquid to flow can bevital components, measuring the rate and speed at which they operate is equally important. Magnetic pickups are responsible for this type of measurement, and their uses are widely varied across a number of industries.

 

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How to Calculate the Rate With an Area Flow Meter

Area Flow Meter | Flowmetrics

A variable area flow meter operates on mechanical principles. Their construction is simple yet durable, making them suitable for a variety of applications. The basic operational principle is that changes in flow rate can be observed and measured as the flow displaces a piston, float or vane until it reaches a steady state. As the liquid or gas passes thorough the housing tube, the movement of the measuring part indicates rate. This type of meter can be placed almost anywhere along the pipe and does not require complicated maintenance routines. It is also highly versatile and can be used to measure flow rates of liquids, gases and steam.

Generally, flow rate meters measure the volume or mass of gas or liquid that is displaced during a specific period of time, for example, liters per second. Density is an important factor in determining rate.

 

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Professional Calibration Services Keep Your System Flowing

Professional Calibration Services | Flowmetrics

Flow is a crucial measurement in any system, large or small. It helps indicate the status and efficiency of the upstream equipment and what to expect for downstream equipment. It also helps operators determine the process output, balance mass throughout the system and determine characteristics about the transported fluid. Continue reading “Professional Calibration Services Keep Your System Flowing” →

A Guide to Positive Displacement Flow Meters

Positive Displacement Flow Meters | Flowmetrics

Positive displacement flow meters are mechanical instruments that measure the volumetric flow rate of a fluid. The main advantage of these types of flow meters is their ability to handle high viscous and corrosive fluid, and they typically do not require filtration prior to processing. Here is a guide to positive displacement flow meters which includes an overview of the basic design, operation and benefits of this type of mechanical flow meter.

 

General Components and Operation

Though the details of each design vary, positive displacement flow meters all contain these major components:

  • Inlet and outlet ports
  • Measuring chamber
  • One or more rotors

Fluid enters the measuring chamber through the inlet port and imparts energy on the rotor. The rotation of the rotor corresponds to the volume of fluid entering the chamber, and a signal is collected by the connected flow meter transmitter. The fluid then exits the chamber through the outlet port.

Two gears are commonly used as rotors for this type of flow meter. The gears can be aligned vertically or horizontally, and they can either be circular or oval shaped. In either case, the purpose of having two gears is to create a seal within the measuring chamber so that all fluid is measured before passing through. Other positive displacement flow meter designs may utilize two helical or screw-shaped gears, while some use one or more pistons or diaphragms to physically push fluid through the chamber.

 

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Choosing the Right Flow Meter For Your Needs

choosing the right flow meter for your needs

Types of Flow Meters

Flow meters measure the rate at which mass moves through a pipe or tube. The rate can be expressed as the volume moved per unit time such as gallons per minute or the quantity of mass moved per unit time such as kilograms per second. The flow measured is usually considered a fluid, either liquid or gas. It is important to measure flow for any application so that you know how much mass is transported through the system. Some application examples include:

  • Measuring the flow of water on the suction side of a pump to ensure the proper amount of fluid is entering the system
  • Measuring the flow of sludge on the discharge side of a pump to determine the pumping efficiency
  • Measuring the flow of polymer entering a holding tank to determine how much time it will take to fill the tank
  • Measuring the flow of pressurized air through a backwash line so that the proper amount of pressure is applied

There are a variety of flow meters that utilize different principles of physics to measure fluid dynamics. For example, there are mechanical, pressure-based, thermal and electromagnetic types of flow meters. Each type of flow meter is useful for a specific set of applications. This article discusses three mechanical types of flow meters: turbine, positive displacement and variable area.

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