Tag: flowmeters

Applications for a Turbine Flow Meter

Posted on by Chris Theriot

Turbine Flow Meter Overview:

A turbine flow meter is a volume sensing device. As liquid or gas passes through the turbine housing, it causes the freely suspended turbine blades to rotate. The velocity of the turbine rotor is directly proportional to the velocity of the fluid passing through the flow meter.

The external pickoff mounted on the body of the flow meter, senses each rotor blade passing, causing the sensor to generate a frequency output. The frequency is directly proportional to the volume of the liquid or gas.

Either a magnetic or modulated carrier (RF) pickup can be used to sense the rotational speed of the turbine rotor.

Depending on your flow meter application, there are many types of turbine flow meters to choose from. And after understanding the application several factors come into effect when choosing a flow meter, such as:

  • Fluid Type
  • Viscosity
  • Connection
  • Pipe Sizing
  • Process Temperature (min & max)
  • Flow Range (min & max)
  • Pressure Range (min & max)
  • Accuracy Range
  • Specific Application

If you need volumetric total flow and/or flow rate measurement, a turbine flow meter is the ideal device. Turbine flow meters are used in a wide variety of liquid and gas flow sensing applications. They can be built to endure high pressure, and high and low temperatures. They offer a high turn-down with minimum uncertainty and excellent repeatability. Turbine flowmeters are also simple to install and maintain only requiring periodic recalibration and service.

Specifications:

Accuracy is generally expressed as a percentage of true volume, measuring how close the instrument indicates actual flow.

Repeatability is determined on how well the flow meter can indicate the same reading whenever the same flow conditions exist. It also ensures quality measurement of fluids over a wide range of flow rates, temperatures, compositions and viscosities.

Depending on the type of turbine flow meter, the specifications vary.

Turbine Meter – (FM Series)
Tangential Turbine Flowmeter – (FMT Series) capable of measuring extremely low flow rates.
Insertion Turbine Flow Meter – (FMP Series) used economically usually in pipes 6” and larger in diameter

Liquid Service
Flow Range: 0.03 – 15,000 GPM
Accuracy:
±0.5% Linearity over Normal Range 10:1 Turndown
±0.05% Repeatability
Sizes: 1/4″ to 72″
Gas Service
Flow Range: 0.25 – 1500 ACFM
Accuracy:
±0.1% Linearity over Normal Range 10:1 Turndown
±1% Repeatability
Sizes: 1/4″ to 72″

Industries:

Choosing the Flow Meters and Dry Gas Seals to Fit Your Needs

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Dry Gas Seals | Flowmetrics

With so many different technologies in the industry, choosing flow meters and dry gas seals to work with your equipment can be quite daunting. Ultimately, what fits your needs may not work for another business in the same industry. You have to look at the entire system that you are trying to monitor and improve.

Fortunately, technology is changing to make the right improvements to your system, to help you understand flow rate and to keep your compressor operating at its best. Engineers want your system to meet the needs of your business and help your bottom line. It might be an investment to make changes in your current system, but in the long run, you could save money through efficiency and constant production times.

Do You Need a Flow Meter?

Every gas and liquid behaves differently when moving through a pipeline. Temperature and resistance can affect flow, which in turn affects your bottom line. The flow meter needs to be able to measure how the fluid is moving through the pipeline. Flow meters have different profiles for measuring the conditions of the application. You should work with the engineers to make sure you have the right one.

You should not select your parts, flow meters or dry gas seals based on cost. Look at the most cost-effective installation of your product, from the time it is installed to the back-up and track record of the part. When the flow meter is not calibrated right, you might be shut down while the part gets repaired.

Pay attention to where the flow meter is installed. Joints and bends in the pipeline can affect the flow of the fluid, which in turn causes distortions in the measure. Always check the manufacture’s installation recommendations for installing a flow meter. What is it you need to know or want to measure and why? This allows you to choose what suits your needs.

Be aware of the calibration claims. You will never achieve 100 percent accurate calibration. Typically, the best you can hope for is +/- 0.1 percent. Note how often the flow meter needs to be re-calibrated to achieve the most accuracy. Some recommend using the same supplier for all your equipment, to get a fully matched system. You want all the parts manufactured to the same quality and standards.

Dry Gas Seals

Dry gas seal systems keep your compressor running more efficiently. The dry gas seals operate at high speeds and pressures, which prevents compressor failure. The reliability of dry gas seals is affected by many different factors, including:

  • The seal
  • Seal selection
  • The dry gas seal panel
  • Auxiliary systems
  • Separation and process seals

Having a more reliable compressor keeps your production on target. It makes a big difference to your bottom line.

Saving Money by Increasing Reliability

Technology is always improving. Even small advancements can provide for higher reliability. Today’s systems have been carefully created to better match the entire system, which makes the flow meters and dry gas seals keep your system operating more efficiently and prevent unnecessary shutdowns. Work with professionals who know and industry flow meters and dry gas seals to help you find the right parts to fit your goals.

The Critical Role of Flow Meters in the Aviation Industry

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Aviation Industry | Flowmetrics

In 2016, over 700 million passengers took to the skies in the United States alone, based on the number of times someone boarded a plane for a one-way trip. And, even with that number of travelers, flying remains one of the safer forms of transportation statistically. Part of what makes flying comparatively safe is the strict guidelines involved in the proper operation and maintenance of passenger aircraft. Meeting these standards is no easy feat and, in fact, requires numerous precision instruments, including flow meters.

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Nitrogen Gas: A Critical Material Flowing through Our Daily Lives

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Nitrogen Gas | Flowmetrics

Nitrogen gas is a widely used material involved in operations across an array of industries within the United States and beyond. Often, its use in industry requires a level of precision, requiring that the associated input or output of gas be measured accurately to meet the operational need. One of the easiest methods for measuring the flow of nitrogen gas accurately is with an RF pickup. To help you understand how nitrogen gas is used on a daily basis and why an RF pickup is the best choice for these operations, here is an overview of the element’s properties, uses in industry, and unique measurement requirements.

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Understanding Flow Meters in the Pharmaceutical Industry

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Pharmaceutical Industry | Flowmetrics

A flow meter is a manufactured device that measures (in volumetric or mass flow rates) the rate at which a liquid or gas moves through a pipe. There are different reasons why you’d want to be able to measure this, such as fine-tuning costs, emissions, and quality to name a few. Some liquids and gasses can be volatile or corrosive while others can be extremely expensive. Oil and gas are great examples of this. In cases of medicine and pharmaceuticals, all of the above apply, and more. For a direct example, flow meters measure the amount of paint applied to a pill. A central air system provides airflow to coaters. This measurement is strictly regulated to affect dyeing rate and thickness in coating. This should give you an idea of how commonly used flow meters are. This article will take a look at the two most commonly used flow meters in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as what the future of flow meters has in store.

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Create a Better At-Home Bar Experience with Flowmeters

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Flowmeters | Flowmetrics

Having beer taps at home is often considered a luxury, and it can certainly improve the at-home bar experience. Often, it is easier to keep beer at the proper drinking temperature when it is associated with a full beer dispensing systems, such as keeping a keg and using a tap. Additionally, many beer drinkers believe the flavor of a draft beer is better in comparison to beer from a bottle or a can.

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Who Uses Flowmeters? You May Be Surprised by the Answer

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Flowmeters | Flowmetrics

Flowmeters are devices that measure the rate of flow for a variety of liquids or gasses that are transported through pipes. But this description by itself doesn’t provide much of an indication regarding who uses them. The fact is that flowmeters are more prevalent than you may realize, and are an important part of operations in a wide range of industries and business types.

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How to Find the Best Flowmeter for Accuracy

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Flowmeter Accuracy | Flowmetrics

When you are evaluating available flowmeters for use in business operations, the level of accuracy is critical. However, choosing the right solution isn’t simple. Depending on the fluids or gasses involved, accuracy levels can change. That means it is critical to select the ideal flowmeters for your specific needs.

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Benefits of Variable Area Flowmeters and How to Choose One

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Variable Area Flowmeters | Flowmetrics

If you want to keep tabs on the rate at which your gases or liquids are flowing, consider using variable area flowmeters to do the job effectively. These meters measure flow in a cross-sectional area and makes changes in response to the flow. The variable area variety of meter is simple to operate and is chosen for its efficiency in measuring both liquid and gas applications. Those who need this type of meter will find that these devices are economical and can be installed in just a few steps on the vertical section of the tube. In addition, there are no tubing run requirements for variable area flowmeters. The end caps located on the flowmeters can be removed easily and cleaned as needed. This makes troubleshooting and inspection simpler and can enable you to check the proper functioning of the meter at regular intervals.

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