1:23 AM - Liquid Flow Measurement And How Does It Work?
Flow rate measurement is the scaling of the fluid flowing through a channel at a specified time. The tool to take the flow measurement is the flow meter. Each flow meter is calibrated to the conditions of the fluids they are gauging.
How a Flow Meter Works
The elements in a flow meter that help detect the flow rate are a transducer and a transmitter. The transducer detects the fluid passing through the meter. It then sends raw signals to the transmitter. Then the raw signal is converted into a useful signal.
You can express the flow rate measurement as an equation below.
Q= A.v where Q stands for the volume of the fluid passing through a channel. A is the cross-sectional area of the channel, while v is the velocity of the fluid.
An alternative equation is
W= r.Q where W is the mass flow of the liquid through the meter. r is the density of the fluid, while Q is the volume of the fluid.
Types of Flow Meters
There are many types of flow meters. Each type achieves a certain purpose. Also, they differ in the principles they operate on. The main principles lie in volumetric flow measurement and positive displacement. Below are different types of flow meters and how they work.
Positive Displacement Flow Meters
The meter works by filling and discharging the fluid into a chamber in a repeated sequence. These meters will give you the actual volume of the fluid. They are also known as volumetric flow meters.
Velocity Flow Meters
These meters assess the speed at which the fluid is passing through the meter. You can get the fluid volume that passes through the meter at a specified time from the speed.
Inferential Flow Meters
The meters infer the mass flow of fluid from the differential pressure. The measurements are independent of fluid mass, volume, and velocity.
Mass Flow Meters
These meters measure the flow rate when a fluid flows through a stagnant sensor. Many meter types fall under this category.
Ultrasonic Flow Meters
These meters mainly work in dirty water flow measurement. It works by detecting the bubbles and suspended particles in a fluid.
Turbine Flow Meters
The meters work when a fluid flows through the meters and forces the blades to rotate. The seed of the blades indicates how fast the fluid is passing through the meter.
Vortex Meters
The meters work when a buff within the meter causes swirls downstream. The distance between the swirls (also known as vortices) and the speed they are traveling indicates the fluid flow rate.
Conclusion
There are several meters forflow rate measurement. Each has a specific accuracy range. You should select a flow meter that suits your accuracy need. Also, ensure that the meter is calibrated well to the fluid it will measure.
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