A flow computer is a specialized type of computer that uses complex calculations to interpret the data from flow meters and to calculate and record the volume of a particular flowing substance at a particular point in time. Flow computers can be used for gases or liquids and are in demand across various industries. For most accurate and consistent results, flow computers should possess sophisticated programming, a user-friendly interface and damage-resistant hardware components.
Flow meters are common equipment with any system designed to transport fluids or gas from a point of origin to multiple delivery points. Like any type of equipment, normal wear and tear, malfunctioning components, or even things like leaks in the lines can affect the efficiency of the meter. When the goal is to make the best use of limited resources, like in the case of the current water crisis in California, calibration provides several key benefits. Here are a few examples to keep in mind.
Identifying Disparity Between The Standard Flow and the UUT
Calibration makes it possible to identify when a system is performing at reasonable levels. This is accomplished by comparing the rate of flow during normal operation with the results of the flow during what is known as the Unit Under Test or UTT. If the system is functioning properly, there will be little variance between the two figures. When the disparity is outside an acceptable range, that could mean the meter is in need of replacement components. At the same time, it could also mean there is a flaw in the delivery system that is preventing the meter from providing the most accurate readings.
Fluctuation in the Rate of Flow
In order for the calibration to be successful, the rate of flow during the testing must be constant. If something is happening to cause the flow to change in terms of volume or pressure, there could be a problem with the meter. Those fluctuations could also indicate a breakdown elsewhere in the system. Checking the meter to ensure all components are working properly will make it easier to isolate the issue and take action to restore control of the flow.
Detecting the Presence of Dirt or Corrosion in the Meter
The disparity could also indicate that some type of residue has collected in the system and is interfering with the function of the meter. This is most likely to take place when the filtration methods used do not adequately remove contaminants as the water flows through the system. The presence of the residue will create a false reading that may seem to indicate the flow meter is malfunctioning. If the meter is in perfect working order, then checking the system for dirt or corrosion is the next step.
Identifying the Presence of Leaks
Leakage is another issue that can cause the calibration to fail. That’s because the variance between the actual flow and the UUT are increased significantly. Checking the meter and finding no signs of deterioration will prompt a check of the lines used to convey the water. There’s a good chance that one or more leaks will be located and subsequently sealed. Once that’s done, the calibration test will return positive results.
The waste of resources, especially when any type of shortage is occurring, is something that must be avoided at all costs. Choosing to set up a schedule for calibration and having a professional manage the task is one of the best ways to determine if the meter is doing the job and if there is a problem beyond the meter that needs to be addressed. Rest assured that the testing and equipment checking will result in efficient water management that makes it easier for businesses to function and consumers to have access to enough water to get by until the drought is over.
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The measurement of volumetric flow requires a relative degree of exactitude because a failure to this end could result in a breakdown in organizational decision-making. This is why a flow meter is essential for all those individuals and companies who have a vested interest in the functionality of flow rates. Of course, each situation requires unique engineering standards that adapt to the contextual constraints. The type of flow meter you choose will thus depend on a number of different factors, such as type of gas or liquid; minimum and maximum flow rates; whether the flow is continuous or not; and the maximum pressure at the location, just to name a few. It should also be stated that not every situation requires supreme accuracy. For instance, water flowing to a vineyard may only need accuracy of 5 to 10 percent, but for those applications that require a greater degree of precision, the positive displacement meter is probably the best bet, as it is the only device to directly measure exact volume. In the following, you will become acquainted with some of the applications of this nifty piece of equipment.
It might come as no surprise that one of the major users of this product is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), along with many other aerospace and aviation companies. As you can imagine there is a great deal of liquid and gaseous flow to track, so the applications are many. The most notable use of this product is the detection and measurement of the flow of dinitrogen tetroxide, otherwise known as rocket propellant, using the 915 BATRT Field Indicator in explosion proof housing. How else could NASA engineers accurately measure the gargantuan amount of fuel flowing into those beastly ships?
It is easy to forget about all the labor that goes into the refinement of crude oils before they are injected into a nation of vehicles. A whole slew of additives have to be pumped into this natural resource, from simple surfactants to corrosion inhibitors. Chemicals, such as these, are injected at high pressures and have to be monitored to ensure accuracy. Because these chemicals vary in viscosity and density, the flow meter must be able to handle a number of different kinds of liquids. That is where positive displacement flow meters come in. Due to the tight spaces between moving parts, this type of flow meter is able to handle the high pressure rating. Without these specially made gadgets, the world economy might literally screech to a halt.
There are too many possible uses to run through here. The list goes on and on. The following are some of the possible applications of positive displacement flow meters:
Wherever there is need for an accurate measurement of volumetric flow, this ingenious trinket will be on call. For more information about the uses and advantages of this type of flow meter, look up a distributor online or in the phonebook. Talking to an expert can help you decide which flow meter is right for you.
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Measuring flow requires that you have adequate means for reading information. Ratemeters and totalizers offer a user the ability to understand exactly what is happening within the mechanisms of flow metrics. Without these handy gadgets, measurement is far more difficult. It is important not to rush through this facet of flow measurement, as you might find that there are a number of variables to consider when choosing a ratemeter and totalizer. In the following, you will read about several different kinds of ratemeters.
The 912-MRT, otherwise known as the MINITROL, is a ratemeter with six digits and a two level, five digit preset alarm control. There are two inputs, A and B, which can be calibrated in three different ways:
Moreover, the MINITROL can handle a whopping 10,000 pulses per second. With five digits and a floating decimal, you can measure in true blue engineering units with the rate set in terms of seconds, minutes or hours. You can also toggle between the current rate and total without disrupting the count. This ratemeter is perfect for all kinds of flow measuring fun.
If you are searching for something a little more futuristic, you might want to look into the 918-RTP, which boasts a 2 X 16 backlit LCD display with a ratemeter and totalizer that you can preset by way of two pulse inputs. You can even connect this piece of equipment to a network for data acquisition. Like the MINITROL, the 918-RTP has two inputs (A and B), each of which can define up to 16 points of K-factors. What does this mean? Well, simply put, this allows for a greater degree of accuracy, which makes this ratemeter worthy of consideration for future purchase.
The 920-KRT8, known as the KEPTROL, is a serious meter allowing for 20,000 pulses per second. It is faced with a .55” screen that displays both numbers and letters. With a 16 point K-Factor this unit can give majorly accurate readings. Perhaps the most wondrous attribute of this ratemeter is its capacity to transmit data to remote totalizers, computers, programmable controllers and many other kinds of digital data storage devices. To top it all off, the KEPTROL offers you the ability to protect your information with a password. This can be useful if you are storing your equipment in a place that is accessible by other people or if the measurements belong to patented research that you want to keep away from the vying hands of competitors.
You might find that there are a lot of overlapping features, such as two programmable inputs, toggling capabilities, security features and alarms. Because of these shared features, it would be advisable to seek out an expert to help guide you through the tedious work of researching the many kinds of ratemeters. He or she can help you determine what you actually need. After all, an LCD screen might look sleek, but upon closer examination you might discover that it is actually superfluous.
Control operators rely on pressure readings to monitor the state of processes within the facility. Usually those employees responsible for recording the measurements read from Bourdon tube gauges and are manually entered into the data management system. Other than continual monitoring pressure readings can hint at upcoming maintenance.
Bourdon tubes gauges are a long standing tradition in pressure measurement, they are simple to install, operate, and low cost. Because of the little thought given to these gauges, they often are maltreated or neglected. Process fluids can be corrosive and pressure spikes can cause leaks or ruptures, leading to shortened lifespans for Bouron tubes. Fluid filled gauges can overcome some of the wear and tear from constant surges in pressure, but hearty taps from operators checking the gauges can cause more damage.
Upgrades do exist for Bourdon tubes, mainly in the form of wireless transmitting models, but this feature can cost up to 4 times as much per gauge. Ultimately the decision to use wireless models or traditional gauges depends on the design requirements of the system. Data from wireless gauges must be routed through a gateway connected physically to the data management system, and can only handle a specific maximum of devices through each gateway device.
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As facilities seek lower energy usages, pump systems optimization ultimately comes up. The big drain to efficiency is that companies focus on the purchase price of a system rather than the life-cycle cost. On average the initial purchase of a system accounts for only 17% of the total costs, with 55% attributed to operation of the system. The inefficiencies of a system can lead to shortened life-span of pumps due to shaft wear and seal leaks. A pump should only run 15% outside of its best efficiency point at most to avoid these issues.
Proper assessment is required to discern the weaknesses in a pumping system before optimization can begin. Some items to look for in this assessment are;
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Numerous modern industries touching every aspect of day-to-day life utilize sophisticated liquid flow systems at some point during the manufacturing process. Rotameters, or variable area flow meters, are important tools used to measure the volume of flow for liquids. Though simple in design compared to other advanced metric equipment, rotameters are economical and accurate in measuring flow rates ranging from low to very high volume, and they are staples for quantifying production methods in many industries.
The first rotameter was invented in 1908, and though the original design has been improved, the basic operation is still the same after more than a century. A rotameter consists of a tapered tube, usually made of clear glass, with a float, which is actually a shaped weight, inside. When fluid flows through the tube, the weight is pushed up by the force of the liquid’s movement, thereby allowing quick and easy assessment of the overall flow volume.
There are distinct advantages to using these effective meters. Rotameters require no electricity or external fuel, and they can be produced in large quantities using relatively inexpensive materials. Their low manufacturing cost makes them available for widespread use, and the materials used to make them are resistant to shocks and chemical reactions.
They can be installed quickly and easily, and their accuracy is dependable. Furthermore, their measuring scale is approximately linear, making readings simple to understand and quantify.
Some vital industries that use rotameters include:
Modern design variations greatly expand the range of useful applications for rotameters. Their versatility, accuracy, dependability and cost-effectiveness make rotameters invaluable tools for measuring liquid flow rates in most facilities.
Some of the sophisticated modefications include:
The bottom line is that rotameters are simple yet accurate and dependable tools for measuring the liquid flow rate during many manufacturing and research processes. Today’s dynamic industries require efficient yet cost-effective ways to produce high-quality products according to strict schedules. Rotameters make it possible for them to do just that.
They are affordable and simple for any company to install, and they can withstand thermal shocks, temperature changes and chemical reactions alike and still deliver accurate readings. They are dependable and deliver repeatable results without drawing on any external power source.
Rotameters may seem simplistic in today’s fast-paced, increasingly complex technological world, but it is their elegant simplicity that makes these meters indispensable. From basic models that provide accurate measurements of flow volume to innovative designs that include alarms and custom scales, rotameters work well for most industries, as they have for more than 100 years.
While the design has been somewhat modified to meet modern production needs, rotameters still operate on the same basic principles that allow them to provide fast, accurate measurements. They help manufacturers ensure that daily processes are safe and efficient today and in the years to come.
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Basic calibrations of sensors combine a known environment tied to an output of that sensor. If a pressure sensor outputs a value of 2 psi when in a vacuum and 102 psi when placed inside a space with known pressure of 100 psi, the operator can calibrate the sensor to output 2 psi less than it currently does. Usually a sensors output is a linear affair between the stimuli and the reading it provides, and in these cases calibration is simple. By calibrating in this way the operator is introducing errors if they are off in any way.
If the testing situations are not accurately known any readings after calibration will have the same discrepancies. The use of a “golden unit” or a standardized unit of measurement to calibrate all sensors against can vastly reduce this type of error.
The calibration procedure should produce consistent results. If the operator can use the same procedure and calibrate the same sensor multiple times to the same end value then a sensor is much more likely to be accurate. If the sensor has varying levels of offset at the end each time, something must be fluctuating between calibrations.
Click here for the full article by Jim McCarty.
Many industries that touch every aspect of daily life use advanced fluid flow systems. The materials in these flow systems must be measured and tracked, and the simplest way to do this is with totalizers. Basically, totalizers are efficient and advanced counters, and they can be used in several ways to provide accurate statistics and information. Most commonly in fluid flow systems, they can measure the amount of liquid moving through a particular system and keep track of and count operational cycles. Totalizers are an integral part of today’s complex fluid flow systems.
A number of modern industries that support the nation’s infrastructure need totalizers to keep track of flowing liquids. The agriculture industry uses totalizers to measure the least amount of water needed to support crops. Totalizers can be used in residential settings to track water usage by a particular house. Industrial applications need them to measure expensive fluid products to keep waste at a minimum and, in some cases, to ensure mixtures are combined in the proper proportions so that the final products are safe and efficacious.
Key industries that use totalizers include:
In today’s complex industries, advanced technology and careful planning in all aspects of operation are imperative, including in the way that liquid products are measured. The best totalizers provide high accuracy and efficiency, fast reset times, multiple modes, easy-to-read displays and security features such as lockout modes.
When the first totalizer was invented in 1913 by George Alfred Julius, this mechanical aid to calculation was a marvel of engineering that revolutionized industrial metrics. Through the decades, totalizers have evolved. From the first version of a mechanical counter, modern versions of this important regulating tool are intricate and complicated. Advanced features include:
The Bottom Line
Totalizers are needed in so many of today’s dynamic industries because they provide fast, accurate information, measurements and feedback on flow movement and composition. At a glance, to-the-minute analyses and conditions can be recorded and studied to ensure maximum efficiency. Some companies even use totalizers to prevent the release of potent greenhouse gases such as sulfur hexafluoride into the atmosphere.
In addition to measuring gaseous outputs to help keep the environment safe, these advanced counters ensure that life-saving medicines are mixed and measured correctly and quickly, that the precious resource of water is not wasted and that materials in so many products people use daily continue to flow so that production can continue.
There are many important applications for these advanced monitors and measurement tools. From more basic operations to powerful tracking, signal transmissions and alarms, totalizers have become integral parts of modern industrial operation and production. Their fast and accurate monitoring help ensure that daily processes are safe and that overall output is maximized, both today and in the years to come.
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Modern industries are extremely advanced with demanding manufacturing schedules. Liquid product flow must be tracked and measured thoroughly and accurately throughout every process. To accomplish this vital task, manufacturers depend upon ratemeters. These instruments work in tandem with totalizers to monitor, measure and analyze liquid flow rates in many industrial production applications. Ratemeters are a pivotal part of many essential production processes.
Ratemeters and totalizers are modern measurement tools that are critical to numerous production routines and schedules. Sometimes one instrument can perform the tasks of both devices. The agricultural industry measures the minimum amount of water necessary for sustained crop life while general industrial production requires accurate measurement and tracking of expensive liquid products and components.
Some critical industries that utilize ratemeters include:
The complexity of modern manufacturing demands exceptional equipment to initiate and monitor every step of the process. Accurately measuring liquid product flow is essential for making a high-quality end product, and ratemeters with sophisticated features are fundamental components of today’s manufacturing processes.
Ratemeters work in tandem with totalizers to monitor and measure liquid flow. The first electronic counter was created in 1913 by Australian engineer George Julius, and in just over a century, ratemeters have evolved into highly sophisticated measurement tools with intricate functions that include:
Tracking liquid product flow movement and composition is so vital to so many industries that ratemeters have become standard equipment in manufacturing facilities. Because they are extremely important, there are numerous models ranging from those with basic operations to sensitive and precise versions that can detect tiny leaks or miniscule anomalies in flow patterns. With this many choices, there is a ratemeter that will work for any and every budget and project scope.
Excellent ratemeter design has evolved over the decades in order to meet today’s needs. Ratemeters are necessary components of almost all modern manufacturing processes, but they are also crucial in many other important applications, including research projects, radiation monitoring and measurement and healthcare. Just as their design has evolved, the practical functions of ratemeters have increased exponentially—they help manufacturers ensure that important medicines are safely made and delivered on schedule; they keep nuclear power plants safe and help companies conserve water.
Programmable ratemeters provide quick, easy-to-read measurements that are real-time accurate. Such precise monitoring is crucial in today’s cutting-edge production processes. The best ratemeters easily deliver basic functions but then add to their value by offering additional innovative options such as transmissions, alerts and alarms and tracking.
Modern industrial processes depend on accurate, timely monitoring to keep production safe and efficient. Sophisticated equipment such as a ratemeter with multiple, programmable functions is a vanguard of secure, optimized manufacturing, both today and in the future.
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