This blog is your guide to choosing the perfect gas flow meter, no matter what type of gas you're dealing with. We'll dive into 5tips and explore the different types of flow meters available, ensuring you find the ideal solution for your needs.
Gas flow measurement plays an important role in many industrial sectors. Choosing the right flowmeter technology is critical for accurate gas flow measurement. Among the many technologies available are thermal mass flowmeter, differential pressure flowmeter, ultrasonic flowmeter, Coriolis flowmeter and rotor flowmeter. Each type of flowmeter has its own unique principles and suitability. Here are 5 gas flow meter options.
Recommended Gas Flow Meters
Thermal Mass Flowmeter
Thermal mass flowmeter calculate flow rates. They measure the change in heat that a gas generates as it passes through the instrument. They are suitable for low flow ranges and non - corrosive gases. But they are sensitive to changes in gas temperature..
Differential Pressure Flowmeter
Differential pressure flowmeter calculate the flow rate by measuring the pressure difference generated when a gas passes through the instrument. According to Bernoulli's principle, as a gas passes through a narrow channel, the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases. Differential pressure flow meters are suitable for a wide range of gases and medium flow ranges.
Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Ultrasonic flowmeter measure flow by detecting the action of fluid flow on an ultrasonic beam or ultrasonic pulse. It's accurate, repeatable, and work well under extreme pressures and temperatures. Their most unique advantage is that you can simply clamp them onto the pipe, and they can offer non - contact flow measurement. Ultrasonic flowmeters have no liquid - connecting parts, and you can operate them without interference in the pipeline, although this might decrease the measurement accuracy. Moreover, since ultrasonic flow meters don't actually touch the fluid, you can apply them to strongly corrosive gases and accurately measure the flow of gas with bubbles and vortices.
The main limitation of the meters is that they can only flow gases that conduct ultrasonic waves. They are particularly sensitive to external vibrations and have poor immunity to interference. Susceptible to gas bubbles, scaling, pumps and other sources of ultrasonic noise mixed in the interference, affecting the measurement accuracy. And for the strict requirements of the straight pipe section, otherwise poor dispersion, measurement is low precision.
Coriolis Flowmeter
Coriolis flowmeters can measure mass flow precisely and reliably even when gas density changes. This makes them perfect for applications where gas composition varies or physical properties are unknown. They're made from many different materials. So, they can be used in sanitary applications. They're also suitable for corrosive, contaminated, or aggressive gases.
SITRANS FC520/FC540 Coriolis Flowmeter
Although Coriolis flowmeter tend to have a higher acquisition cost, they require very little maintenance and have a lower total cost of ownership than many other flowmeters. Even some high flow Coriolis meters can measure multiphase fluids like slurries. The main disadvantage of Coriolis meters is their sensitivity to external vibrations.
Rotor Flowmeter
Rotor flowmeter is a gas flow meter that works on the principle of changing the flow area, which is less expensive and suitable for a wide range of gases with small pipe diameters and low flow velocities, including gases that are not clean enough to pass through a laminar flow DP meter.
However, it has drawbacks: because it relies on gravity, you need to mount it vertically, and it can't handle upward - flowing fluids. When the gas is too dirty, opaque, or likely to adhere to the meter glass, you'll find it hard to observe the flow directly. And you can only calibrate it to read volumetric or mass flow rates at a specific pressure, so the range of pressure it can be applied to is limited.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Gas Flow Meters
Here are 5tips and considerations for selecting a gas flow meter.
Nature of the gas: The nature of the gas is critical to the choice of flow meter. Different gases have different properties such as density, viscosity and compressibility, which affect the behavior of the fluid in the flow meter. Therefore, when selecting a flowmeter, you need to determine the nature of the gas you are measuring and select the appropriate flowmeter technology to ensure accurate measurement.
Pressure of the gas: The pressure of the gas is also an important factor in selecting a flow meter. Different flow meter technologies may be more suitable for high pressure gases or low pressure gases. Ensure that the flowmeter chosen is capable of providing accurate measurements within the expected pressure range.
Pressure of the gas: The temperature of the gas also has an impact on the performance of the flow meter. Some flowmeter technologies may be more sensitive to changes in temperature, so it is necessary to select a flowmeter that is adaptable to a wide range of temperature operating conditions.
Flow range: Flow range is also a key factor in selecting a flow meter. Depending on the application requirements, determine the gas flow range to be measured. Different flow meters have different minimum and maximum measurement ranges. Selecting a flow meter that can cover the required range ensures accurate and reliable measurements.
Application requirements: Determine the level of accuracy of the flowmeter required based on the needs of the application. Some applications require higher accuracy in flow measurement, while others may require less accuracy. Selecting a flowmeter that meets the accuracy requirements will ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.
Gas Mass Flow Measurement Techniques Comparison Chart
Conclusion
Taking all of these factors into consideration, selecting the right flowmeter technology for the specific application is key to achieving accurate gas flow measurement. During the selection process, it is recommended to consult a professional flowmeter supplier or engineer for appropriate advice and support. Whether for industrial control or scientific research, the correct choice of flowmeter technology can ensure the reliability and accuracy of measurement results.
The ANTLETS team is thrilled to provide reliable flow measurement solutions with our high-quality flow meters, which meet a variety of industrial needs. We are excited to work with you to recommend the perfect gas flow meter for your process needs. Contact us today, and let's make your flow measurement dreams a reality!