4. How to select the best flow meter for your application?

In this paragraph we will discuss some of the essential elements that go into the decision-making process of selecting a flow measuring instrument. Thereby, we consider the differences between various measurement principles. Read below what to think of when selecting an instrument.

There is a big difference between lab and industrial applications. but most of the considerations are required for both application fields.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Phase of the fluid: gas/liquid/vapour 

Some meters can be easily eliminated because they simply will not work with the application. For instance, electromagnetic flow meters will not work with hydrocarbons and require a conductive liquid to function. Many flow instruments cannot measure vapors or slurries.  

Listed below are some of the main flow meter categories paired with the fluid type the meters can handle: 

• Gas &#; Coriolis Mass, Thermal Mass, Ultrasonic, Variable Area, Variable Differential Pressure, Positive Displacement, Turbine 
• Liquid &#; Coriolis Mass, Thermal Mass, Ultrasonic, Variable Differential Pressure, Positive Displacement, Turbine, Electromagnetic 
• Vapour &#; Vortex, Ultrasonic, Diaphragm, Floating Element 

Some meters can be easily eliminated because they simply will not work with the application. For instance, electromagnetic flow meters will not work with hydrocarbons and require a conductive liquid to function. Many flow instruments cannot measure vapors or slurries.Listed below are some of the main flow meter categories paired with the fluid type the meters can handle:

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Which flowmeter to choose? Top tips for selecting the right flowmeter

Which flowmeter to choose? To determine the perfect flowmeter, consider essential criteria such as the fluid being measured, the flow range, the accuracy required and the process parameters. Our flowmeter selection guide will help you choose the most suitable flowmeter to optimize your industrial processes and ensure accurate fluid measurement.

Which flowmeter to choose?

Selecting the ideal flowmeter requires careful attention to several important criteria, including the type of fluid to be measured, the flow scale involved, the desired level of accuracy, as well as various parameters related to the process in question.

Use our flowmeter selection guide to find the right fluid measurement tool for your industrial needs, optimizing your operations and ensuring flawless measurement accuracy.

A Comprehensive Selection Guide for Making the Right Flowmeter Choice

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the right flow meter types for your specific needs. We will enlist the factors considered while selecting the flow meters.

Whether you are looking for a flowmeter to measure the flow rate of liquids, gases or steam, we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is a flow meter?

A flow meter is a measuring device used to determine the quantity of fluid flowing through a pipe. It is essential in many industrial processes, as it allows the flow of fluids to be monitored and controlled.

Now that we've defined the concept of a flowmeter, let's move on to the next question

The choice of flow meter depends on a number of factors, such as the type of fluid, the temperature and pressure conditions of the process, and the characteristics of the application.

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Determine the type of flow meter required :
   here are different flow meter technologies, each suited to specific types of fluid. Common technologies include diaphragm, venturi, float, electromagnetic, vortex, ultrasonic, coriolis and thermal flowmeters. Choose the one that best suits your application.
   
   
2. Take into account specific parameters :
   To choose the right flow meter, take into account parameters such as fluid density, pressure, temperature and any pressure drops. These factors can influence how well the flowmeter works in your application.
   
   
3. Consider the installation requirements :
   The conditions in which the flow meter is mounted can have an impact on its accuracy and performance. Take into account installation constraints such as pipe bends, valves and constrictions. Some types of flow meter are more sensitive to these disturbances than others.
   
   
4. Check out the reputable brands :
   Choose reputable and reliable flow meter brands in the market like Fuji Electric. A brand's reputation is often an indicator of the quality and performance of its products.

• Determine the type of flow meter required

• Take into account specific parameters

• Consider the Installation Requirements

• Check out reputable brands

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the flow meter that best suits your specific needs.

Now that we've covered the basics of choosing a flow meter, let's move on to a more detailed explanation.

A Detailed Explanation of the Different Types of Flow Meters and their Principles

Volumetric Flow Meters

Volume flow meters measure the flow rate in terms of the volume of fluid flowing through a pipe for a given period of time.

Here are the most commonly used types of volume flowmeters:

Differential pressure orifice plate or diaphragm flowmeter

The differential pressure flowmeter is suitable for measuring the flow of clean liquids and gases, or steam. It uses the differential pressure created by the passage of fluid through an orifice such as an orifice plate or diaphragm.

Differential pressure is measured using pressure transmitters differential and converted into a flow rate.

Venturi Flow Meter

The venturi flowmeter is used to measure the flow of clean, charged and highly charged liquids, clean gases and charged gases.

It consists of a tapered section of pipe where the fluid velocity increases, enabling the flow rate to be measured as a function of the differential pressure between two measuring points.

Cone Flow Meter

The cone flow meter is designed to measure the flow of clean, loaded or highly loaded liquids. It consists of a widening pipe and a cone placed in the middle of the pipe.

The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the cone is measured to determine the flow rate.

Pitot Tube Flow Meter

The pitot tube flow meter is used to measure the flow of clean or slightly contaminated gases and liquids. It consists of a measuring tube placed parallel to the flow in the pipe. The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the tube is measured to determine the flow rate.

The main advantage of this type of device is that it does not obstruct the flow in the pipe, allowing higher velocity and greater efficiency to be maintained.

Float Flow Meter

This type of flow meter is suitable for measuring the flow of clean, charged and viscous liquids, as well as clean gases. It uses a float whose position varies according to the flow rate, enabling the volume flowed to be measured.

Gear Flow Meter

Gear flow meters are suitable for measuring the flow of clean, charged and viscous liquids, as well as clean gases. They use a pair of rotating gears to measure the volume of flowing fluid.

Goto gallopsensor to know more.

Electromagnetic Flow Meter

This type of electromagnetic flow meter is suitable for measuring the flow rate of clean, charged, viscous and conductive liquids.

The electromagnetic flow meter uses a magnetic field to induce an electromotive force proportional to the fluid's flow velocity, enabling the volume flow rate to be measured.

Vortex Flow Meter

The vortex flow meter is suitable for measuring the flow of clean, charged liquids and clean gases. It uses vortices generated by the fluid flow to measure flow.

Ultrasonic Flow Meter

This type of non-intrusive flow meter is used to measure the flow of clean liquids.

It works on non-conductive fluids. It uses ultrasonic waves to measure the transit time of the fluid, enabling the flow rate to be calculated.

The latest generation of ultrasonic flowmeters can also measure saturated steam flow. These flowmeters are also available in a portable version. They enable uninterrupted flow measurement.

Mass Flow Meters

Mass flowmeters measure flow in terms of the mass of fluid flowing through a pipe over a given period of time.

Here are the most commonly used mass flowmeters:

Coriolis Flow Meter

The Coriolis flow meter is suitable for measuring the flow of clean, charged, highly charged, multiphase liquids, clean gases and charged gases. It measures flow by detecting the deflection resulting from Coriolis forces as a fluid flows through a vibrating tube.

Thermal flowmeter or thermal mass flowmeter

Thermal mass flow meters are suitable for measuring the flow of clean liquids, clean gases and charged gases. They measure flow by detecting the heat transfer caused by the flow of the fluid.

Ultrasonic Flow Meter

In-line ultrasonic flow meters are used to measure gases such as air or nitrogen. They feature pressure and temperature correction to display the mass flow rate.

Now that you have an overview of the different types of flow meter and their principles, let's explore in more detail the parameters to consider when choosing a flow meter.

Parameters to consider when choosing a flowmeter

When choosing a flow meter, it is essential to consider a number of parameters to ensure that it is suitable for your specific application. Here are the main parameters to consider:

• Type of fluid

• Temperature and pressure conditions

• Pressure losses

• Flow types: volume or mass

• Installation constraints

1. Nature of fluid:
   Determine whether the fluid to be measured is liquid or gaseous, clean or loaded. Some flowmeters, such as ultrasonic flowmeters, are better suited to clean fluids, while electromagnetic flowmeters are often used for charged or viscous fluids. Choosing the right flowmeter for the fluid in question guarantees accurate, reliable measurement, essential for critical industrial applications.
   
   
   
2. Temperature and pressure conditions:
   Check the temperature and pressure conditions of the process in which the flowmeter will be used. Some flowmeters, such as vortex flowmeters or orifice plate flowmeters, have limited temperature and pressure ranges. Make sure the device you choose can operate in these extreme conditions to maintain measurement integrity and accuracy.
   
   
   
3. Pressure losses:
   Flowmeters can cause pressure losses in the system, which can affect the energy efficiency of your installation. For example, turbine flowmeters are known to introduce significant head losses, while Coriolis flowmeters generally cause less. It's important to choose the right flowmeter for your system to avoid excessive energy costs.
   
   
   
4. Flow types: volumetric or mass
   Think about the flow information you need. Do you want to measure volume flow (m³/h) or mass flow (kg/h)? Coriolis flowmeters are ideal for mass flow measurements, while ultrasonic flowmeters are often used for volume flow measurements. Choosing the right type of flowmeter to suit your application and process requirements can increase efficiency and accuracy.
   
   
   
5. Installation constraints:
   Take into account installation constraints such as pipe singularities, elbows, valves, or changes in cross-section. Some flowmeters, such as electromagnetic flowmeters, are sensitive to these disturbances and require minimum straight lengths before and after the device to ensure reliable measurement. Make sure you follow the installation recommendations to optimize your flowmeter's performance and minimize measurement errors.
   
   
   
6. Metrological performance and price:
   Evaluate the metrological performance required, such as accuracy, repeatability and long-term stability. A high-precision flowmeter may be necessary for critical applications, but it can also be more expensive. The choice must therefore balance the need for accuracy with the budgetary constraints of your project. Compare installation, maintenance and calibration costs, as well as overall return on investment, to determine the best compromise between performance and cost.
   
   
   
7. Compliance with industry standards
   Make sure that the flowmeter complies with standards such as ISO for measurement by depressurizing devices, guaranteeing accurate calculations and strict installation requirements. For legal metrology in Europe, check MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) certification, essential for reliable, legal measurements, especially in sectors where accuracy impacts transactions.
   
   
   
8. Connectivity and digital communication
   Check that the flowmeter has modern connectivity features, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or communication protocols like Modbus or Ethernet. These options enable easy integration intoIndustry 4.0 automation and data management systems. Connectivity also facilitates remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and real-time data analysis to optimize your plant's performance.
   
   

Flowmeter typeLIQUID (clean)LIQUID (charged)LIQUID (highly charged)LIQUID (viscous)LIQUID (corrosive)LIQUID (polyphasic)GAS (clean)GAS (charged)STEAM (saturated)STEAM (superheated)Deprimogen (orifice plate)YesYesNoYesYesNoYesYesYesYesDepressant (diaphragm)YesNoNoYesYesNoYesNoYesYesDepressant (Tuyere, Venturi)YesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesDepressant (Pitot)YesYesNoNoYesNoYesNoYesYesDepressant (V-Cone)YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesVariable sectionYesNoNoNoYesNoYesNoYesYesTurbineYesNoNoNoYesNoYesNoYesYesVolumetricYesYesNoYesYesNoYesNoNoNoElectromagneticYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoVortexYesYesNoNoYesNoYesYesYesYesUltrasound (transit time)YesNoNoYesYesNoYesYesYesNoUltrasound (Doppler effect)NoYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoCoriolisYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoThermalYesNoNoYesYesNoYesNoNoNo

Flowmeter selection guide by fluid type

Flowmeter typeAvailable diametersStraight lengths upstreamMaximum temperatureMaximum pressureDeprimogen (orifice plate)10 to 300 mm10 to 44D300 °C300 bar or moreDepressant (diaphragm)10 to mm10 to 44D500 °C300 bar or moreDepressant (Tuyere, Venturi)10 to mm10 to 44D500 °C300 bar or moreDepressant (Pitot)10 to mm5 to 20D500 °C300 bar or moreDepressant (V-Cone)12.7 to mm0 to 3D870 °C barVariable section4 to 125 mm0D400 °C450 barTurbine1 to mm0 to 20D500 °C650 barVolumetric3 to 300 mm0D300 °C650 barElectromagnetic2 to mm5D450 °C250 barVortex12 to 500 mm15 to 25D400 °C300 barUltrasound (transit time)8 to mm5 to 20D400 °C400 bar or moreUltrasound (Doppler effect)12.7 to mm5 to 10D200 °C100 barCoriolis1 to 350 mm0D200 °C400 barThermal2 to 120 mm0 to 10D180 °C400 bar

Flowmeter selection guide based on installation constraints and temperature and pressure conditions

By taking these parameters into account, you will be able to choose the flow meter that best meets your specific needs.

Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice of flow transmitter types. Don't hesitate to consult reputable brands and seek professional advice if necessary. The right flow meter will ensure accurate and reliable flow measurement in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand of flow meter should I choose?

There are several well-known brands in the flow meter field. Popular brands include Fuji Electric, Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, Emerson, Siemens, Krohne, and ABB.

What type of flow meter is most commonly used?

Magnetic flowmeters dominate the market with a 61.7% share, making them the most commonly used technology thanks to their versatility and reliability for measuring conductive liquids. Next come vortex flowmeters, accounting for 16.0% of the market, appreciated for their robustness and accuracy in industrial applications. Coriolis flowmeters account for 14.6%, renowned for their ability to measure mass flow with great accuracy, even in difficult conditions. Finally, ultrasonic flowmeters account for 7.7% of the market, chosen for their ability to measure flow non-intrusively, particularly for liquids and gases.

The flow rate in a pipe can be measured using an appropriate flow meter. The flow meter is installed in the pipe and measures the flow rate of the fluid passing through it using different measurement technologies.

What are the ideal conditions for measuring flow?

The ideal conditions for measuring flow depend on the type of flow meter used. However, in general, stable temperature and pressure conditions, regular pipework without excessive disturbance and a clean fluid are conducive to accurate flow measurement.

What is the importance of flow measurement in industrial processes?

Flow measurement is essential in industrial processes because it enables the flow of fluids to be controlled and monitored. This ensures that processes run efficiently and enables problems or undesirable variations in flow to be detected quickly.

What are the advantages of a mass flow meter over a volume flow meter?

Mass flow meters measure flow in terms of the mass of fluid flowing through them, making them independent of variations in fluid density. This makes them particularly suitable for applications where fluid density can vary.

Improve your industrial processes with the ideal flow meter!

We hope this flowmeter selection guide has provided you with the information you need to choose the right flowmeter for your application.

The flowmeter is an indispensable measuring instrument for measuring and controlling fluid flows in various industrial applications. Thanks to its advanced features, it ensures accurate measurement and optimum management of your processes.

Are you looking for the right flow meter to meet your performance and energy efficiency goals?

Our experts will advise you on choosing the right flow meter for your needs.

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