When attempting to determine which flow meter is a more practical option for your desired use, it's best to know as much about them as possible. The function of a flow meter is easy enough to understand, but when all of the different types of flow meters you can find on the market work in different ways for their various designed uses, how do you know what to choose? Read on to learn more about mechanical and digital flow meter types so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a Flow Meter?
You can define a flow meter as an instrument specially designed to measure the flow of gases, fluids and semi-fluids (slurry) in piping systems.
The complexities of flow meters stem from the vast range of options one has to choose from, depending on various circumstances. There is no universal flow meter that will be suitable for every type of application. When used in certain circumstances, each type of flow meter has its advantages and disadvantages. While there are too many types of flow meters to cover each in this article accurately, some well-known flow meter types include:
- Turbine Flow Meters
- Differential Pressure Flow Meters
- Positive Displacement Flow Meters
- Magmeters (Magnetic Flow Meters)
- Mass Flow Meters
Within the vast range of flow meters, there are two primary types which every flow meter branches off from – mechanical and digital flow meters. When deciding whether or not you need a digital or mechanical flow meter, you need to decide whether power is required or not. But that's not the only difference between these two types of flow meters. We'll discuss some of the primary differences between mechanical and digital flow meters so you can decide which is better suited for your specific application.
What is a Mechanical Flow Meter?
A mechanical flow meter will have mechanical moving parts such as gears, rotors, impellers, or turbines to measure total flow. Mechanical flow meters will only indicate total flow, not instantaneous flow rate since there is no computer available to convert total flow over time into instantaneous flow rate. Mechanical flow meters require no power. The function of a mechanical flow meter is mainly dependent on a constant flow to keep the impeller moving. Mechanical flow meters have been widely used since the 20th century and are still a popular option today. Some of the featured mechanical flow meters widely used today include:
- Positive Displacement Flow Meters: A positive displacement flow meter works by utilizing mechanical elements to divide liquids into a single known volume. It then repeatedly fills and discharges the volume to accumulate the total amount of liquid. These work best when measuring the volume flow of high viscosity and varying viscosity fluids.
- Turbine Flow Meters: Within a turbine flow meter, the liquid or gas flows through a sensor housing. The impeller blades are located parallel to the angle of the flow direction to rotate the blades and measure the flow. Turbine flow meters can have impellers with magnets embedded in the blades. When the magnet passes a pickup coil located outside the fluid chamber, the computer counts the pulses and converts them to total flow and flow rate.
- Rotameter Flow Meters: Rotameter flow meters are variable area flow meters based on float position measurement. The differential pressure of the upper and lower ends form a force for the float to rise until it stabilizes at a certain height. These mechanical flow meters are used for liquid and gas volumetric flow measurement and control.
When Should You Use a Mechanical Flow Meter?
Mechanical flow meters are excellent for hazardous locations and applications where no power is available or desired, and where batteries are not acceptable due to replacement concerns. Mechanical flow meters are perfect for the easy monitoring of liquid flow rates such as water, fuel and viscous liquid.
If you're looking for a flow meter that measures total flow and rate of flow with high accuracy, you may want to think about investing in a digital flow meter.
What is a Digital Flow Meter?
A digital flow meter is a meter that includes a digital computer display to provide you with your measurements of total flow and instantaneous flow rate. A digital flow meter can take the data captured and display it in easily readable quantities that make it more reliable than its traditional mechanical water flow counterparts. In addition to using an impeller to determine flow, a digital flow meter can calculate flow with an electrode sensor that measures induced voltage to measure velocity and flow rate. The significant advantage of digital flow meters is that they require minimal maintenance requirements and have an increased lifespan because there are no moving parts that can jam or break.
Unlike mechanical flow meters, you can find almost every type of flow meter outfitted with a digital display.
When Should You Use a Digital Flow Meter?
If the flow rate is required, a digital flow meter is the right choice. Digital flow meters use external power or batteries, making them more accessible and easier to use on a day-to-day basis. If applications have particulates in the fluid, a digital flow meter such as a Magmeter, which has no moving parts, is a good fit. Positive Displacement Flow meters can also be digital flow meters.
The downside many people face when looking to purchase a digital flow meter is the price. These flow meters are often more expensive because of the highly specialized technology within them. It's often noted that digital flow meters may turn out to be more profitable to use because of the use of the instantaneous flow rate measurement available.
Shop GPImeters for Mechanical & Digital Flow Meters
GPImeters specializes in both mechanical and digital flow meters. We carry a diverse inventory to meet your desired application, as well as flow meter modules, replacement parts, accessories and more. No matter what flow meter type you require, the experienced team at GPImeters will ensure you find the best flow meter for you – you can request a quote at any time. If you have any questions about the types of flow meters we offer, feel free to contact us. The flow meter experts are always standing by to help.
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