Major industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, agriculture, food, and beverages use flow measurement units. These instruments are also referred to as flow sensors and meters. They measure the flow rate of liquids and gases moving inside the pipes. Modern-day inventions have taken the use of these meters to another level. They can be utilized depending on the nature of industrial applications. These devices can tell how much liquid or gases are moving through pipes in a specific period.
How does flow measuring work?
Flow measurement of liquids and gases works by taking measures of their volume or mass. A flow meter is a flow sensor, gauge, and flow indicator. However, the working principle of all these devices is the same. They can measure water flow rate and other liquids flowing with open channels like rivers. Also, they are capable of measuring liquids or gases flowing inside pipes. They comprise sensors and usually fit inside and outside the lines. When the fluid passes through these devices, they send reading for the volume, speed, and changes in flow. Thus, you can accurately measure the flow rates of different liquids used in the manufacturing process.
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Types of flow sensors
1. Mechanical flow sensors
These flow measurement units come with moving parts arrangement to measure the flow rate of liquids. They consist of sequences of gears and chambers to measure the speed. A turbine flow indicator is a perfect example of such a measuring device. These meters are well-known and preferred to obtain accurate measurements of liquids. They consist of multiple-bladed rotors that move when the water passes through the meter. The rotation speed is directly proportional to the flow rate sensed by the gears. However, this meter works well with clean water applications.
2. Electromagnetic sensors
You can refer to these devices as magmeter, which can handle most liquids and slurries. Slurries are thick liquids mixed with water that could have electrical conductivity. An electromagnetic flow meter comes with a magnetic field and sensors. Therefore, when fluid moves through this meter, it induces the voltage. Thus, the voltage produced can be taken as the flow rate. These meters have no moving parts and often deliver accurate results.
3. Ultrasonic flow sensors
Industries that deal with the frequent flow of wastewater make the most use of these devices. As the name implies, these sensors measure the flow rate using an ultrasonic pulse. Liquid with tiny particles or bubbles can be measured with this flow meter. It measures the flow rate with the working and traveling time measurement of sound waves. The upstream and downstream time is estimated using waves flowing in the liquid. Hence, you can attain a flow rate based on ultrasonic waves with higher accuracy.
4. Vortex shedding
The transmitter can measure the velocity of liquid passing through the meter. This is also a highly used sensor that obstructs the path of liquid with its bluff body. Hence, when the fluid passes from the bluff body, it creates the vortices.
Also, You Can Read: Smart Measurement Liquid Flow Meter for Your Business
To sum up
Flow measurement units have a long history as various industries have used them. The evolution in technology has changed the way of their working suits to different applications. Therefore, you can use these meters if engaged with an industrial application. However, choosing the appropriate device makes sense. Thus, you can ask experts to select the best meter for your application.
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