Choosing the right kind of flow switch for your Application is critical if you want to benefit from these measuring instruments. Continue reading this guide on how to select flow meters.

If you want to avoid issues while operating your flow switch, you must consider various factors when selecting the ideal flow for your Application. The key to success lies in selecting the right flow meter capable of meeting all your flow metering needs. However, with so many types of flow meters that work differently, picking the right type of flow meter can be hard. Pairing the right kind of flow meter with the right Application ensures that accurate and timely data is collected. Failure to choose the right flow meter may cost production time and repair costs when the flow meter breaks down. 

We have discussed what goes into selecting a good flow meter to help you get the best of your flow system. To help you make the best decision when selecting a flow meter, we have written and explained the various factors to be considered before choosing the right kind of flow switch. Continue reading to the end for more insights about flow meter selection. When selecting a flow meter consideration must be given to:

Popularity vs. Price 

Choosing between price and popularly when selecting a flow meter poses a challenge when buying a flow meter. These two factors should not be relied upon if you want to buy the best flow meter that meets your application needs. Considering price alone when selecting a flow meter will cause you to make the wrong choice. You can go for the cheapest flow meter, but will it have all the necessary features that your Application requires? Buying cheap flow meters just because you want to save money will eventually cost you more. 

Selecting the Right Kind of Coriolis of Meter 

Coriolis flowmeters are among the most expensive flow meters that are mainly available in larger sizes. If you decide to buy expensive flow metering devices, you will find out that the initial cost will be cheaper since the cost of maintenance and operations will be little. You will find out that the little money that you tried to save when buying your flow meter quickly dissipates due to the frequent, costly maintenance required to make the flow meter function as required. This also reduces downtime in your processing plant. Although the initial cost of buying Coriolis flowmeters is high, the cost of operation and maintenance is low compared to other flow meters. 

Most plant managers will research online first to find out which types of flow meters are popularly used. While these are important, making your decision based on flow meter popularity may spell disaster in your plant. Yes, the flow meter may be popular, but does it need juice to meet your application needs? Performance and delivery always supersede popularity when or comes to flowmeter selection. 

Selection of the Right Ultrasonic Volume Flow Meter 

The flow metering industry has undergone tremendous advancements. There are newer technologies that are not widely known but provide the best flow measurement solutions. Previously, re-calibration of inline ultrasonic flow meters was necessary every time a new fluid was introduced into the system. It also meant that these types of flow meters were not ideal in applications where hygiene was paramount. 

Currently, the new version of ultrasonic flow meters has addressed these concerns since they do not contact the measured media. You can change the type of fluid, and readings won’t be affected. This has eliminated the various considerations such as fluid properties and conditions when you want to choose the right type of flow meter. 

Mass Flow vs. Volume Flow 

Fluid flow rate reading can either be done through mass or volume measurement. This means that a flow meter can either be a volumetric flow meter or a mass flow meter. However, if you know they set up parameters and the density, you can easily calculate mass from volume or volume from the mass. The application requirements will determine whether a flow meter will provide flow rate in mass or volume. Other considerations include the purpose of measurement and the components that make up the flow meter. 

The type of fluid that you intend to use in your ApplicationApplication will also influence the flowmeter selection. Certain flowmeters won’t just work with any fluid. Therefore, you need to ensure that you understand the characteristics and conditions of the fluid before purchasing a flow meter. 

Conclusion 

As you have read from those articles, various variables must be considered before picking the right flow meter. We have only touched on the basic requirements of applications. To better understand how a flow meter works, you can consult the manufacturer to get an in-depth analysis of the flow meters that meet your application requirements.