Flow meters are measuring devices that allow technicians to determine the flow and mass of a gas or a liquid. These devices are used in various industries and vital to maintaining and measuring practices.
What Is A Flow Meter?
Flow meters have diverse applications and features. An ultrasonic flow meter is an instrument used to calculate the flow rate (quantity) of a liquid or gas moving through a pipe, but they also have a variety of testing capabilities.
Flow Meter Types
Volumetric flow meters measure the volume of fluid passing through the equipment. A velocity flow meter can measure the velocity of the flowing streams in order to determine volumetric flow (magnetic, turbine, and ultrasonic are all examples of velocity flowmeters). Mass flow meters measure the mass flow of the flowing stream (ex: Coriolis and thermal flow meters). Inferential flow is the process of determining flow by inferring its value from other measured parameters (ex: differential pressure, target, and variable area flow meters). Here are some types of flow meters:
- Volumetric Flow Meters
- Velocity Flow Meters
- Magnetic Flow Meters
- Turbine Flow Meters
- Ultrasonic Flow Meters
- Mass Flow Meters
- Liquid Flow Meters
- Doppler Flow Meters
How Does An Ultrasonic Flow Meter Work?
Depending on the type, each flow meter might work differently, but the general function is finding the flow rate and aspects in relation to the flow. Transmitters and sensors are applications used to determine the flow. Some devices use turbines.
Ultrasonic flow meters transmit (using a transmitting element) an ultrasonic signal across a pipe. This signal is reflected off of particles or gas inside the pipe and that are in motion. This reflected signal allows for technicians to detect a shift in frequency (also known as the Doppler Effect). That information is then used to create a flow reading.
What Is Flow Meter Used For?
- Finding the volumetric flow rate of a gas or liquid
- Determining the mass flow rate of a gas or liquid
- Maintaining the innerworkings of a plant, gas station, or factory
- Ensuring accurate product production in the chemical industry
- Measuring commercial and residential properties water utilities
How to Install A Flow Meter
First, you will need to determine your installation location and make sure to install the device away from magnetic fields. Next, take note of the pipe’s flow and the direction it is going in and install the flow meter on a straight pipe. After the installation, make sure the device is filled with the liquid all the way. Then check the liquid for vapors or air. Before using the flow meter, go over all testing and maintenance requirements, using the manual or based on your knowledge of installation best practices.
Choosing The Right Flow Meter Rental
ATEC offers affordable ultrasonic flow meter rental rates for products from leading manufacturers like GE Panametrics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Micronics. ATEC’s inventory has several types of flow meters with various testing abilities. Our rental agents can help you choose the ideal flow meter based on your testing requirements.