A flow meter is a device used to measure the mass, volume, or amount of any liquid or gas. The liquid flows inside the tube or pipe for the reading to take place. A flow meter can sometimes be called, liquid meter, flow indicator, or flow gauge. Liquid Flow Meters are devices used to measure the mass, volume, the linear and non-linear flow rate of a liquid. Examples of liquids are; water, fluids, gasoline, urine, e.t.c. to know the measurement of the liquid, you should calculate its velocity.
Various commercial companies and residents use liquid flow meters. They put pipes to draw water or any other liquid from one point to another. The type of liquid flow meter to be installed is determined by several factors such as; cost employed, the time it takes to install the liquid flow meter, and the place where you should install it.
This article will discuss the types, uses, applications, and advantages of using liquid flow meters.
Table of Contents
Various kinds of Liquid Flow Meters
Various types of liquid flow meters given below:-
Velocity Flow Meters
This is a type of liquid flow meter that is commonly used in petroleum pipelines. It turns the information about the speed of a liquid into its volume. It has a limit of measuring. When the measurements reach a certain point, you cannot read the units since they don’t sense.
The measurements are always more significant than the differential pressure (DP) devices. This is because of the lack of square roots of the measurement figures. Examples of velocity flow meters are; electromagnetic, ultrasonic, turbine, e.t.c.
Open Channel Flow Meter
This type of liquid flow meter is used to measure the depth of the liquid or the height of a tube where the liquid reaches. It uses both Weirs and Flumes in measuring the surface that is free from the liquid used. Rivers, canals, tunnels, and streams are some examples of open channel meters.
Mass Flow Meter
In this type of liquid flow meter, the accurate measurement of liquids is determined. It measures the reaction of various chemicals and the transfer of heat in liquids. The liquid flow is determined per unit time. It is used in pharmacies, water wastes, industrial power, e.t.c.
This type of liquid flow meter also measures the mass of the rate of the flow of liquid. Thermal and Coriolis are good examples.
Positive Displacement Liquid Flow Meter
This type of liquid flow meter works by calculating the volume and rate of filling and emptying a tube or pipe. The electronic technique helps in counting the volume of the liquid divided into specific portions.
In cases of higher viscosity liquids, pressure differential devices are usually used for the measurement. Some examples of the positive displacement flow meter are; gears, oval gear, rotary vane, reciprocating piston, and nutating disk.
In an oval gear, the two gears located inside the pipe revolve in each meter. It pushes a low quantity of liquid inside the cylinder. Gears measure the volume of the liquid depending on the gears inside the tube.
When a liquid passes through the tube, the known volumes of the liquid are read by rotors. The electronic pulse transmitter counts the number of rotations of the liquid inside the tube.
Closed Pipe Flow Meter
This is a type of liquid flow meter where the measurement is done in a closed area. The areas include the kitchen or pipeline. The meter is put near the tube to get the most accurate readings. After obtaining the results, it is shown in the conduits in meters.
Differential Pressure Flow Meter
In this type of liquid flow meter, the primary parts change the kinetic energy in the tube. On the other hand, the secondary components help to calculate the pressure difference obtained.
The rate of the flow is obtained by finding the square root of the pressure difference. You can also square the rate of the flow to obtain the pressure difference. The signals find the rate of the liquid flow brought out by the pressure.
Uses of Liquid Flow Meters
i)They measure the accurate velocity of liquids in various industries or commercial centers.
ii) Liquid flow meters are used to determine the linear and non-linear flow of liquids.
iii) Liquid flow meters are used to determine the gas of a liquid in various setups.
iv) They are used in homes to know the amount of water consumed.
v) liquid flow meters are used to identify if a pipe is leaking. i.e., when a water pipe breaks, it is easy to detect leakage through the liquid flow meter.
There are some Applications of Liquid Flow Meters
i) liquid flow meter used in pharmaceutical industries to measure the volume of temperature or pressure of liquids such as urine, blood, e.t.c.
ii) Liquid flow meters are used in power industries. They measure the volume or mass of a particular liquid used.
iii) Liquid flow meters are applied in water sources to determine the rate of flow of water.
iv) One can use a liquid flow meter in different residents and commercial buildings to calculate the volume of the liquid supplied, e.g., water supply.
v) It is applied in educational sectors to educate people on the liquid flow and conversions.
Advantages of Liquid Flow Meters
i)Some liquid flow meters cost less to maintain or install.
ii) When you use a liquid flow meter, you can measure two directions of the flow of the liquid.
iii) liquid flow meters help in obtaining accurate measurements of the liquid.
iv) It is flexible in measuring liquids that are at a higher rate of temperatures or pressure.
v) Liquid flow meters can be used to measure steam or a gas successfully.
vi) It utilizes less time in obtaining the accurate reading, thus time-saving.
v) Liquid flow meters are easily sterilized.
vi) Low quantity of pressure is involved in measuring the velocity of the liquid.
Conclusion
Liquid flow meters are used in various areas. It is essential in measuring the flow of the liquid. The areas where the liquid flow meter is needed, the cost, and space employed help to determine the type of liquid flow meter to be used. The commonly used type is the Differential Pressure Flow Meter.