Liquid flow meters are essential devices used to measure the flow of liquids in a pipe. These meters measure the volume of water and are used in commercial and residential buildings. The water is usually used in homes and offices through public water systems.
A water flow meter is also used to calculate the flow rate of liquids in a system. You can as well use these meters to measure the flow of dirty liquids or those fluids that are in closed pipes. The flow rate of water is always determined using cubic meters or liters. This flow measuring device can also measure the amount of water passing through a tube or any other flow channel. Here are some of the critical types of water flow meters and how they are used and also explain their working process.
Essential Types of Water Flow Meters and How to Use Them
Liquid flow meters have unique working principles. These working principles are different depending on the use, budget, and maintenance needs. These meters also have their benefits and various costs. Here are some of the most common types of water flow meters and how they are used.
Turbine Water Flow Meter
Turbine water flow meters are one of the most popular and cheapest flow meters. They measure the speed of the water running over a pipe using a rotating turbine. This turbine or a piston is always in a propeller, shunt, or paddle wheel make.
The volumetric flow rate of liquids in this meter is always directly related to the speed of the rotating blades. The problem with these Flowmeters is that they can clog in dirty water. If you use these meters on contaminated fluids, it may lead to high maintenance costs. Always use the turbine flow meters on clean liquids to avoid unnecessary costs. These meters are one of the best, and you should use them for your applications. These meters also do not work with a low flow of water. So, make sure the flow is always high for the best results.
Vortex Water Flow Meter
Vortex water meters use vortices to measure the flow of fluid. The vortices are swirls that form when a liquid passes over an object. Like when the water moves around a rock. Meter works so that a sensor tab moves from side to side as every vortex goes over, creating a directly related speed related to the volumetric flow rate.
Some vortex meters measure up to five process variables with a single connection. These meters work well with huge pipes also. You will only need to insert them by hot tapping with a retractor.
Ultrasonic Water Flow Meters
These liquid flow meters are among the best, and they measure the flow of liquids using ultrasound. A transit-time ultrasonic meter sends the signal downstream and another upstream. The meter will then compare the time both signals traveled to determine the velocity of the fluid.
Lastly, this meter uses these calculations to determine the volumetric flow rate. You can as well determine the energy and temperature using the difference between the hot and cold legs. The clamp-on meters measure water from outside the pipe by sending the signals over the walls of the tube. These meters are best for measuring the flow of liquids in large pipes and are also used in many applications.
Electromagnet Water Flow Meters
Electromagnetic flow meters are also among the best meters. They have high accuracy levels and are easy to use. These meters operate using Michael Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction to determine the flow of liquids. When fluids flow through a channel, they produce a charge.
The charge increases when the flow of liquids is high. It then creates the voltage that is directly related to the movement of the water. The flow meter will then process the voltage into the flow rate of fluids. These are not highly accurate, so they are not fit for custody transfer applications.
They also are not fit for pure water. This is because they do not have ions to conduct electricity. There are many brands of electromagnetic flowmeters to choose from. So, you should make sure not to get confused. Make sure to know the chemical compatibility, flow speed, and potential abrasion in your applications.
Electromagnetic flow meters are specially fitted to determine the process flow of water. They are fit for dirty fluids because they do not have moving parts that can clog. Also, make sure that you understand the application to choose the suitable water meter for your application. Some fluids are corrosive and can damage your meter. They can also reduce the life span of your meter, and this will increase some costs.
Coriolis Flow Meters
Coriolis flowmeters are considered to be the most repeatable and accurate meters. These meters are perfect for any application where high accuracy levels are needed. They are consistent and fit for custody transfer applications due to their high accuracy. They also require poor maintenance and are the best to use for your applications. You can use this type of flow meter regularly.
Differential Pressure Meters
Differential pressure flow meters are one of the oldest meters available in the market today. They are still famous today due to their high accuracy levels. These meters are primarily used to measure and control the flow of natural gas and many other applications.
Paddle Wheel Flow Meters
Paddlewheel flowmeters are one of the most cost-effective meters and are also popular. They are also one of the most common water flow meters. You can as well use these meters to measure the flow of other fluids. These meters are mostly sold with flow fittings, and this makes them easy to use.
Conclusion
Water flow meters are essential for any application. Always make sure you use each meter for their application. If you are looking for a water meter for your application, make sure to do more research. Companies like proteus offer the best meters for your application. The meters are of high quality and last long as well.
