Out of all the complex and sophisticated technological instruments and tools used in the modern world, a flow meter is one of the most important devices. Flow meters measure and monitor how much liquid, air or gas passes through a given space in a particular period of time. They are used for industrial and commercial applications, water and gas utilities, power plants, geothermal and nuclear energy plants, oil and gas industry, transportation as well as environmental, medical and scientific research.
With the advancements in technology, we now have several new flow meters that are designed to meet the requirements of different users. The flow meters typically used in most industries today include differential pressure, electromagnetic, positive displacement, vortex and ultrasonic systems. Each of these systems calculates the rate of fluid flow by analysing its behaviour as it passes through a given space.
Differential pressure flow meters measure the pressure drop across a portion of a pipe and display it as a flow rate. This system works well with most dense liquids, vapours, gases and steam. An electromagnetic system uses a Faraday principle to measure the flow of electrically conductive liquids. Positive displacement flow meters measure the amount of fluid displacement when a known volume of the fluid passes through a chamber. Vortex flow meters use Bernoulli's principle to measure the vortices created in a fluid as it passes a bluff body in the meter. The frequency of the vortices is directly proportional to the flow rate. Ultrasonic flow meters measure the time difference between two ultrasonic signals when they travel upstream and downstream along the flow of a meter.
In recent times, researchers have made serious efforts to increase the efficiency, accuracy and features of the flow meters. This includes the development of instruments with hybrid functionalities such as multiphase flow meters that are capable of measuring the simultaneous flow of two or more fluids. They can be used for the production of oil, gas, petrochemicals and other multi-component systems.
For years, vortex flow meters were the best option for measuring dense liquids, but they have been increasingly replaced by Coriolis mass flow meters. Coriolis meters are extremely accurate and can measure extremely low flow rates without any influence on accuracy. They are also now available in different sizes, shapes and materials to meet the needs of different industries. Many improved coriolis flow meters are now available that are capable of measuring highly-viscous fluids, three-phase flow measurement and bi-directional flow capability.
The latest developments in flow meter technology also include the advancement of Electromagnetic flow meters. With the addition of non-metallic liners, electromagnetic meters are now more compatible with caustic and acidic fluids. The liners are used to protect certain areas of the process from the corrosive properties of the liquids.
The latest flow meters also have dual level options. These dual level flow meters can be installed at two different points in the same pipe to measure either the total flow rate or the difference between each point. Dual options are great for processes that require the monitoring of multiple elements.
Another advancement in flow meter technology is in the field of micro-flow meter. Micro-flow meters are designed to measure very small amount of liquids and gases accurately and cost-effectively. They typically use oscillating hairs or thermal effects to measure the flow rate.
The latest flow meters are also more energy efficient and are compatible with various control systems and automation. This includes the use of integrated sensors with the meters to measure various parameters such as pressure, temperature, conductivity and density. The new flow meters also have slimmer designs, making them easier to handle and install.
Finally, the latest flow meters are now available with various features such as leak detection, cybersecurity and data logging for various automated processes. The data logging feature saves the flow meter readings for a long-term analysis, while the leak detection feature helps to detect any leaks in the pipes and ensure that the process runs without any issues.
The latest developments in flow meter technology have drastically improved its efficiency and accuracy, making it suitable for all kinds of industrial and commercial processes. With the addition of new features such as dual level options and integrated sensors, the latest flow meters are more precise and reliable than ever before. The other advantages include enhanced energy efficiency and enhanced security, especially with the use of data logging and leak detection features. With the vast array of new features, the latest flow meters are sure to save time and money, while providing accurate readings and better control over various processes.
