Flow meters are used in a multitude of industries to measure linear, nonlinear, mass or volumetric flow rates of a liquid or gas. Regardless of the type of flowmeter and flow sensor technologies you chose, certain basic parameters must be established.
The most important consideration in flowmeter selection is the appropriate technology. For example, some flow technologies are suitable for air and gas applications and not useful with liquids, while still others may provide the most effective solutions for steam monitoring. A thorough examination of the application parameters, including your plant layout, processes, and installation environment can help save you time, money and headaches down the road.
In addition to mechanical and electrical requirements you may also want to consider other potential issues that aren’t necessarily product related, but are relevant to your plant’s operation, such as maintenance schedules, energy conservation initiatives and your maintenance personnel’s familiarity with flow meter technology.
It is also critical to evaluate the piping requirements and properties/flow characteristics of the fluid. What are the expected minimum and maximum pressure and temperature values as well as normal operating values? And in terms of the piping set up, have you accounted for the following: direction size, regulators, material, schedule, flange-pressure rating, up or downstream turns, valves, and available straight-pipe run lengths?
Accuracy, repeatability and rangeability are the most critical characteristics of a flowmeter. Most manufacturers provide these specifications for water, air or a specific gas. Ensure that these specifications meet the requirements of your particular fluid or process.
Some flowmeter installation procedures are more complicated than others. Find out if the meter you’ve chosen can be inserted directly into the process pipe or if the line must be cut, spliced or penetrated in various locations. The installation process can affect the complexity and cost of the flowmeter, as well as the instrument’s ability to maintain specified accuracy.
Most flowmeters require a specific length of upstream and downstream straight-run pipe to generate a well-developed flow profile and the length differs from one technology to another. This is especially important in retrofit installations, where additional piping may increase the cost of the installation.
Finally, consider the flowmeter’s cost-of-ownership over its life cycle. Some devices require frequent cleaning or removal from service for maintenance or recalibration. Some meters may have a low initial cost, but require frequent maintenance or have a short service life, whereas a more expensive instrument may be less costly install, require less maintenance and provide a much better ROI.
Fox Thermal Instruments provides a broad range of reliable, accurate and full-featured gas and air flow meters and flow and level switches to industrial control OEMs and end-user customers. The Fox management group has decades of experience in thermal flow design, application and manufacturing techniques.
|
