What is a flow meter and when do you use it?

A flow meter is an instrument to measure the rate of volume or flow of media such as liquids, gases, vapors and solids. In other words, it is an instrument to measure substances in motion. Typically, a flow meter is used to measure the rate of flow of the medium in pipe installations. Where a pipe installation is a closed environment, a flow meter can also be used to measure velocity of volume in an open environment. 

Many industries are using flow measurement today in connection with process optimization and increased requirements for safety procedures. For example, flow meters are used by wastewater treatment plants and waterworks in wastewater processes. There is a wide range of different flow meters available, and the choice of flow meter depends on whether you are measuring water, gas or steam. Therefore, it is a good idea to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the purpose and type of flow meter you need to achieve the most accurate measurement.

Which flow meter should you choose?

The industrial application that the flow meter will be connected to, such as a pipe or tank, and the medium it will measure are important to consider when choosing a flow meter. There is no flow meter that can measure all types of media such as water, gas or steam. In general, a distinction is made between volume or mass flow. Therefore, you need to consider what output you want the measurement to deliver. You can get flow meters that are designed to measure velocity, while other flow meters measure volume. 

In addition, there are also flow meters that measure mass flow. Volume is often measured in l/s, l/h or m3/h, and mass flow is measured in kg/h or t/h. Questions such as what media, application and output should the flow meter be suitable for are important to answer when choosing a flow meter. But there are many other relevant questions as there are different flow meter technologies. You can get flow meters with wireless technology or ultrasonic, or flow meters to measure liquids with very high temperatures and with different measuring principles.

Flow measurement in closed or open channels

Closed channels mean that the fluid fills the entire channel, while an open channel can be a partially filled pipe or open channels such as wastewater and sewage treatment plants. Closed channel flow measurement is typically found in flow measurement in pipes where the liquid or gas fills the entire pipe as it flows through. If you need to measure flow in a closed channel, an ultrasonic flow meter is relevant. An ultrasonic flow meter comes in two variants, in-line and clamp-on. With an in-line ultrasonic flow meter you can calibrate it at the factory, while with a clamp-on model you can clamp the flow meter to the outside of the pipe.

Flow meter equipment that displays accurate data

A converter, sensors and display are essential equipment for a flow meter. The converter displays instantaneous value and accumulated water volume simultaneously, while the sensors collect data that is shown on the flow meter display. Flow measurement is all about measuring the rate of volume and flow as accurately as possible. The quality and precision of flow measurement equipment is therefore important when choosing a flow meter. If you are unsure which flow meter to choose, you can always get professional advice.