All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(1681 products available)
Ready to ShipInstruments that measure the rate of fluid movement through piping systems are fundamental in industrial application. A few common types of these instruments include the:
A coriolis flowmeter determines the mass flow and density of a fluid by measuring the fluid's induced vibration. It directly measures mass flow rather than using volumetric calculations. It thus provides accurate measurement even for dense fluids.
The primary component of this meter is a set of flow tubes through which the fluid flows. The tubes are oscillating, and as they vibrate, Coriolis forces act on the moving fluid. The amount of deflection or twist observed in the tubes is proportional to the fluid mass flow. Any change in fluid density will affect that deflection. Hence, after measuring the deformed tube structure, the apparatus calculates the mass flow and density.
A positive displacement meter quantifies fluid flow by trapping and then progressively displacing fluid pockets as its name suggests. Its working principle is based on the mechanical movement of internal gears, lobes, or pistons to measure the flow rate. It breaks down into rotary types like gear and lobe and reciprocating piston ones.
This meter is versatile and suitable for various fluids. It is most useful for measuring the flow of fluids with a fixed viscosity, either high or low. It is because its moving parts can easily displace the fluid regardless of its thickness. Typical uses can be in measuring lubricants, chemical dosing, and fuel oil.
Steam flow meters are devices that measure steam flow through piping systems. Depending on the operating requirement and the steam characteristics, different types of steam flow meters are used to handle various conditions.
Commonly used ones include differential pressure and Coriolis flow meters. DP meters uses pressure drop across an orifice or venturi to estimate flow. As for the Coriolis meter, it measures mass flow by assessing tube vibration, as discussed above. Thermal mass flow meters are employed to measure steam flow because of their sensitivity.
Water flow meters translate the amount of water flow through pipes. Then, they are primarily categorized into mechanical and electronic meters. Mechanical ones include positive displacement and turbine flow meters, as outlined above. They are known for their simplicity and effectiveness. On the other hand, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and differential pressure flow meters are electrical.
An important consideration when buying a gas flow meter on Alibaba.com is the internal and external materials used. Different materials in the market have varying durability, especially when dealing with diverse gases and system settings.
Stainless steel flow meters are used for high-pressure environments since they have excellent strength and corrosion resistance. Aluminum meters, conversely, are lighter and more cost-effective. Still, they offer lower endurance than steel.
As for plastic flow meters, they are a good solution for low-pressure systems. Besides being affordable, they offer decent chemical resistance.
Concerning internal materials, although their external counterparts are made of metals or plastic, the internal parts also include premium materials like tungsten carbide or ceramics. These are used to enhance durability and maintain meter accuracy in harsh operating conditions. Such materials are commonly fitted in high-end meters that operate under extreme temperature and pressure as well as abrasive fluid conditions.
Apart from typical wear and tear, flow meters can face some near permanent damage due to operating in high-temperature environments, pressure extremes, and corrosive fluids. Thus, mass flow controllers with premium durability features come in handy in these situations.
For instance, some of them are designed with heavy-duty sealing to safeguard internal components from high pressure. This helps prevent leakages or catastrophic failures. In addition, flow meters with heat-resistant materials protect them from thermal damage in high-temperature areas. These include in refineries and power plants.
Similarly, corrosive substances like chemicals or salty water can wreak havoc on flow meters. Those built with corrosion-resistant materials save users in these scenes. In addition to their external and internal housing manufactured in stainless steel or high-grade alloys, some advanced flow meters also have protective coatings.
Apart from preventive measures by a flow meter gauge, some high-end models also feature builtin filters and self-cleaning function to enhance durability in spaces with high solid particle concentration.
In most large-scale industries, flow meter gauges are applied to measure the flow rate of diverse liquids and gases. This enables them to optimize resource use, maintain product consistency, and ensure quality. These precision instruments' adaptability and accuracy make them indispensable in this context.
In modern agriculture, flow meters are vital for optimal water and nutrient delivery through irrigation systems. They precisely measure water flow rates and ensure crops receive adequate water without wastage. It is a sod-saving practice that improves crop yield and quality. The devices also monitor fertilizer and chemical applications to maintain correct dosage and consistency.
Flow meters in the energy business quantify fuel, gas, and fluid flow in pipelines, power plants, and renewable energy systems. It ensures safe operations and effective resource utilization.
They also estimate the water flow rate in treatment facilities. Hence, they help manage and control treatment processes, system maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades.
Health professionals frequently use steam flow meters for gas flow measurement during pharmacological production and hospital oxygen therapy. They guarantee precise drug infusion and patient monitoring in healthcare environments. In pharmaceuticals, they help maintain consistency and quality control in production. They thus meet stringent industry standards.
Several techniques, such as mass flow measurement, volumetric flow measurement, and differential pressure measurement, will suitably apply gas flow meters in various applications. Hence, understanding the specific requirements of each application will help determine the most appropriate technique and meter type for the intended use.
When buying gas flow meters for fluid characterization, one must consider its composition, state, and viscosity. These characteristics significantly impact meter selection. For instance, corrosive gases like ammonia require a meter manufactured from non-reactive materials like teflon. As for extremely high-pressure or low-pressure gas, besides using a high-pressure rating meter, one should also use ones specifically for high or low gas pressure to ensure measurement accuracy.
Precision required will also impact the flow meter to be chosen for the job. Precision refers to how exact and consistent the measurement is. In laboratories, for example, meters with high precision are often a requirement due to the need for accurate gas volume and pressure flow rate measurement during experiments. However, a less precise flow meter works in industries. Routine monitoring is not as critical as quality control.
Considerations should also be given to the initial and maintenance costs of the gas flow meter. While high-end models offer better precision and durability, one should also consider how affordable routine upkeep will be.
Excessively high temperatures cause an electromagnetic flow meter to fail. Conversely, if the temperature is low, viscosity increases. It increases resistance to electromagnetic fields. Either of these conditions affects performance, often resulting in inaccurate measurement. Fortunately, high-temperature flow meters are capable of withstanding high temperatures.
A water flow meter measures the flow rate of water in pipes and open channels. It uses differential pressure, positive displacement, turbine, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic technologies, among others. Conversely, gas flow meters specifically measure the flow rate of gases. They utilize mass flow measurement, volumetric flow measurement, and differential pressure measurement techniques.
Yes, flow meters occasionally need routine maintenance to guarantee long-term accuracy and dependability. However, their specific maintenance requirements depend on the flow meter type and operating conditions. This makes it necessary to consult the manufacturer's guidelines.
While some flow meters can measure gas flow rate with low corrosivity, others can't. Manufacturers of high-performance flow meters like gas density meters often specify materials to counteract corrosive characteristics.
