To get accurate results when measuring volume in liquids, special devices called flow meters are needed. Flow meters are used to measure or monitor the volume or mass of liquid passing through a pipe. Since industries used various liquids, different flow meters are needed to cater to multiple industrial industry applications. Other factors used to determine the type of fluids measurement needed are the company's budget and maintenance requirements. Flow meters are distinguished by their operating principles, their benefits in different applications, and Cost-of-ownership.

In this post, we will focus on the various types of fluid measurement devices and how they are used in different industrial applications. Read on for more information. 

Flow meters are categorized into four groups based on their working principles in industrial applications. These categories include: 

• Mechanical water flow meters 
• Ultrasonic flowmeters
• Vortex volumetric flowmeters
• Magnetic flowmeters

Types of Flow Meters Used in Industries 

Mechanical Flow Meters

These types of water flow meters are widely used across the globe. Fluid measurement is done using turbine rotations using paddlewheel, propeller, or shunt design. Usually, when using mechanical types of flow meters, measurement is done by measuring the speed of water passing inside a pipe that spins the turbine. 

The rotational speed of the blade is equivalent to the volumetric flow rate of the water. These types of flow meters are not ideal for measuring dirty water or liquids. The reason being that debris and particles may clog the blades. You can't also use them with low pressure flowing liquids, and the maintenance cost is quite high. 

Ultrasonic Flow Meter

When you want to measure the flow rate of liquids flowing through a pipe without the liquid coming to contact with the flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter is used. These flow meters measure flow rate by monitoring the speed of water flowing through the pipe using ultrasound. A good example of an ultrasonic flow meter is called the transit-time ultrasonic liquid flow meter. This type of flow meter transmits an ultrasonic signal in the direction of the flowing fluid downstream. At the same time, it transmits another signal flowing upstream against the flow. The velocity of the fluid is calculated from the differential time. The volumetric flow of the liquid inside the pipe is calculated by the flow meter using its velocity. 

Magnetic Flow Meter

For magnetic flow meters, magnetic fields are used to monitor and measure water speed going through the pipe. This helps to establish the fluid's volumetric flow. Magnetic flowmeters operate on the principle of Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. This law states that when a liquid flows through a magnetic field, it generates voltage. The speed of the flow determines the amount of voltage generated. The higher the speed, the higher the voltage and vice versa. 

Conclusion 

For a flow meter to operate optimally, various factors need to be considered. These factors include the application used, the installation process, and maintenance. Before buying a fluids measurement device, consult the manufacturer first if you are not sure of your application's appropriate flow.