When a pump begins to wear out, it can effect its power and efficiency. Every pump wears differently, therefor some pumps will be effected by the wear more than others.
Author: Vitalii Prokopiv
Video: Basics of Flow Meters
This video covers basic flow meter fundamentals including types of flow meters and the main considerations and challenges in selecting a flow meter.
Flow meters are used to measure the rate of flow of liquids or gases, just like electric meters measure the amount of electricity consumed. However, unlike electric meters, which are either electro-mechanical or electronic meters, there are many variants in flow-meters, all with different concepts on how the flow of fluid is measured, with some even customized to measure special fluids.
For more about flow meters visit Electronics Circuit Colle
Power and Efficiency of Worn Out Pumps
It’s common knowledge that when a pump has internal wear, the performance of it suffers. The flow is reduced and the efficiency drops drastically. The power though is effected by internal wear of pumps. In the most extreme cases, if the impeller is completely worn out, there will be no flow or power. Though in most cases the tight clearance parts, like wear rings and bushings, are the first to go.
Periodic testing of the pumps will show how the performance is working. The power data can tell the difference between internal wear. For example if the wear ring clearances have worn out or the impeller is deteriorating. Vibration analysis along with a performance audit can help to determine if repair is needed or work can continue on.
For more about Power and Efficiency of worn out pumps visit Pumps and Systems HERE
Candidate’s Positions: Trade and Manufacturing of Fossil Fuels
The election is coming to an end, and it’s still very difficult to cut through the rhetoric and get to the real issues. When it comes to manufacturing and trade, especially in the oil industry, it’s important to get an unbiased look at each candidate’s position. Here are some key differences in the candidate’s positions on the issues that will ultimately determine the profitability of many fuel-based businesses.
Continue reading “Candidate’s Positions: Trade and Manufacturing of Fossil Fuels”
Principles of Positive Displacement Pumps
There are so many different pumps and meters these days. Picking the best one depends on what you need it to do. In some instances a positive displacement pump is necessary but, what is it they do exactly. With a positive displacement pump, liquid flows into the pumps as the cavity on the suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity collapses. The volume is a constant given each cycle of operation. The positive displacement pumps can be divided in two main classes, reciprocating and rotary.
Positive displacement pumps shouldn’t operate against closed valves on the discharge side of the pump. There is no shut off head on them like on centrifugal pumps. If so, operating against closed discharge valves continues to produce flow until the pressure in the discharge line is increased until the line bursts or the pump is severely damaged – or both.
For more about positive displacement pumps visit Engineering Toolbox HERE
Turbine Flow Meters: Pros and Cons
Flow measurement is critical to operations in various industries, from aerospace and aviation to pharmaceuticals and food industry. Among the numerous flow measurement devices available, turbine flow meters stand out for their precision and reliability. In this post, we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of turbine flow meters to help you determine if they’re the right choice for your application.
Pros of Turbine Flow Meters
High Accuracy and Repeatability
Turbine flow meters are prized for their high level of accuracy. They are capable of providing precise measurements of liquid flow, especially in clean, low-viscosity fluids. The repeatability of these devices is excellent, meaning they can produce consistent results under similar conditions, which is crucial for quality control and operational consistency.
Wide Range of Applications
These flow meters are versatile and can be used across a wide spectrum of applications. Whether it’s for water, petrochemicals, or food production, turbine flow meters can handle various fluids with ease. Their ability to work with a range of temperatures and pressures also makes them suitable for diverse industrial settings.
Fast Response Time
The response time of turbine flow meters is nearly instantaneous. They can quickly adapt to changes in flow rate, making them suitable for applications where flow conditions are expected to fluctuate.
Easy to Maintain
Turbine flow meters have relatively few moving parts, which minimizes the potential for wear and tear. Maintenance, when required, is generally straightforward, ensuring minimal downtime for your operations.
Cons of Turbine Flow Meters
Sensitivity to Flow Profile and Fluid Properties
While turbine flow meters are versatile, their accuracy can be significantly affected by changes in the flow profile or fluid properties. Swirling flows or pulsating pressures can lead to measurement inaccuracies. Additionally, flow meters are best suited for clean liquids, as particulates or sediment in the fluid can damage the turbine blades.
Risk of Wear and Tear
The moving parts within a turbine flow meter, although few, are subject to wear over time, especially when used with abrasive fluids. This can lead to a gradual loss of accuracy and the need for recalibration or replacement.
Installation Requirements
Proper installation is key to the accurate functioning of turbine flow meters. They require a straight run of pipe upstream and downstream of the meter to ensure a stable flow profile. Inadequate installation space or improper setup can lead to inaccurate readings.
Cost
While turbine flow meters offer high accuracy, they can also come with a higher price tag compared to some other flow measurement technologies. This initial investment may be a consideration for some operations.
Explore Your Options with Flowmetrics
Turbine flow meters are a reliable and accurate solution for many industries that require precise flow measurement. While they come with a set of challenges, the benefits they offer often outweigh the drawbacks. It’s essential to consider your specific application needs, including the type of fluid, flow rate, and environmental conditions, before making a decision.
Are you in the market for a flow measurement solution? Look no further than Flowmetrics. With our extensive selection of flow measurement devices, including turbine flow meters, variable area flow meters, positive displacement flow meters, and many others, we have the technology to suit your unique needs. Our experienced team can guide you through the pros and cons of each type to find the perfect fit for your operation. Visit us at Flowmetrics to explore our wide range of products and start optimizing your flow processes today!
For more on this subject visit AZO HERE
Video: Flow Meter Calibration Instructions
In this video by the team at Cal State University in San Bernadino, the students walk through the proper instructions of how flow meter calibration works. As a note the gas flow calibration should be done first before any liquid calibration is done. Also included in the demonstration is the software that is used to provide the most accurate readings and compare past calibrations. Flow meter calibration is necessary before starting any project.
For more about flow meter calibration visit the CSUSB Human Performance Lab HERE
Types of Fluid Flow Meters
Having options is always a great thing. There are many different types of flow meters on the market. The common principles of flow meters are differential pressure, velocity, positive displacement, mass, and open channel. Along with the principles the different types of meters are orifices, venturies, nozzles, rotameters, pitot tubes, calorimetrics, turbine, vortex, electromagnetic, doppler, ultrasonic, thermal and coriolis.
Because there are so many different types, making sure you have the right one for the project is imperative. Each meter does different things and reacts differently depending on what you need it for. The basic goal is to get the most accurate reading.
For more information on what all these flow meters do visit Engineering Toolbox HERE
The History of Variable Area Flow Meters
Exploring the History and Designs for Variable Area Flow Meters
Variable area flow meters are devices designed to measure the flow of gases or liquids through pipelines and similar enclosed structures. Over time, different types of VA flow meters have been developed, usually in response to some specific need. Here is some background on the meters and how the various designs came to pass.
The Beginning
Karl Kueppers is credited with developing the first true variable area flow meter. Designed and launched in 1908, the device was patented in Germany that same year. The initial function had to do with measuring water flow.
Felix Meyer was among the first to recognize the significance of Kueppers’ work and implemented the process for offering the meter for sale. In 1909, the firm of Duetsche Rotawerke was created in Aachen Germany. It didn’t take long for the new device to capture attention in Europe, the United Kingdom, and other areas.
In the first decades of the 20th century, Kueppers continued to refine the basic design. Specifically, he enhanced the shape of the float used in the glass tubing so that the results of the water flow testing were more accurate.
During this period, the Kueppers product became known as a rotamesser, which can be roughly translated as a rotation measurer.
Here Comes the Rotameter
Prior to the Second World War, a version of the VA flow meter appeared in the United Kingdom. Still designed for measuring liquids, the newly dubbed Rotameter and registered by the UK firm of GEC Elliot. For years, the meter was manufactured by a division known as Rotameter Inc and based in the Croydon area.
During the 1970’s the manufacturing operation was moved to Crawley, where it is still in operation. Over the years, ownership of the operation has changed as acquisitions and buyouts have taken place. As of 2016, the patent and the registration for the rotameter are held by the Yokogawa Electric Corporation.
Variable Area Flow Meters for Natural Gas Measurement
While originally designed for liquid measuring, further developments too place from the middle of the 20th century and continue today. Some models make use of heavy-duty plastic tubing rather than the traditional glass. The shape and materials used after 1950 for the floats have also changed. Designs that make it easier to measure the flow of gas or steam through a system serve the same basic purpose as the originals, making it easier to determine if the flow is efficient, or if some factor is impeding the progress of the gas.
While the meters are still relatively simplistic in design, contemporary meters sometimes include equipment that makes it possible to monitor and download results to a computer program. This helps to limit the potential for human error in reading the test results.
This more modern approach also aids in the collating of data over a specified period of time. For example, if there is the need to compare test results over the last six months and assess what differences have occurred after structural changes or other adjustments are made, accessing the history is quick and efficient.
While variable area flow meters may be inexpensive to produce, they have saved a great deal of time and money in a number of settings. Today, the meters are no longer used exclusively in manufacturing settings. The meters are also used in managing municipal water systems, laboratories, and mining operations. There is no doubt that additional uses for the meter will come about as the technology continues to develop.
For more information on Flow Meters and other flow related products visit Flowmetrics HERE
More on the history of flow meters visit Flow Control HERE
Flow Meter Demonstration
The inner workings of a flow meter is quite an interesting thing. The way they work and calibrate the matter that is running through them is truly remarkable. This video shows a flow meter used in chemical engineering.
Flow meters are becoming a vastly used tool in the engineering, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing fields. These tools, give accurate readings of the materials that flow through them.
For more information and experiments visit Ahmed Elkhatat HERE