Everything you need to know about Flow Meter Calibration

by CCI Australia Temperature Calibration - CCI Australia

In this era of digital data collection, it's easy to forget that most of the machines we use every day were designed decades ago. Even if those machines have been upgraded over the years, they may not be calibrated as frequently as they should be—or even at all.

There are many reasons why a flow meter might need calibration: to verify the accuracy, improve performance or just keep up with industry standards. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about what flow meters are, how they work and why calibration is important.

What is a flow meter?

A flow meter calibration is a device that measures the volumetric rate of fluid (liquid, gas or other substance) flow. It does this by measuring some characteristic of the fluid, such as pressure, temperature and/or quantity, and converting it into units of mass per unit time (typically litres per second).

To ensure accurate and consistent results over long spans of time, flow meters must be calibrated so they can be used to determine how much material has been moved based on their readings.

What is the purpose of flow meter calibration?

It is a process that ensures your flow meter calibration is working properly. The purpose of meter calibration is to ensure that the flow meter is working within desired tolerances. It's important for your operation because it ensures that your equipment works as you expect and helps prevent damaging conditions from occurring in the future.

When should you calibrate your flow meter?

You should calibrate your flow meter calibration at least once a year or more often if there are other factors that would influence the flow rate.

Calibration should be performed after any significant maintenance or repair work has been done on the system.
It is necessary to recalibrate your flow meter calibration when there is any change in the system or equipment that could affect how it performs. This includes changes in pipe size, increased pressure, and so forth.
If you believe that your flow meter is not performing as expected, then it's time for another check.

How is a flowmeter calibrated?

The flowmeter calibration process is carried out in a laboratory. The technician will perform tests on your flow meter to ensure its accuracy and functionality, using calibrated instruments and software. A properly functioning flow meter is essential for accurate readings, but this process also allows the technician to identify any issues that might have been caused by an installation error or mishandling during transport.

It's important that you have a qualified technician calibrate your flowmeter if it hasn't been calibrated within the last 12 months, as this can help prevent unnecessary downtime later down the line.

What is the difference between an inline flow meter and an insertion style flow meter for calibration purposes?

Inline flow meters are a type of flow meter that is installed inline in a pipe and can be used for both the measurement and control of liquid or gas flow. These devices are often installed in pipes to measure the amount of product being transported through the pipe.

Insertion style flow meters are also a type of flow meter, but they differ from inline styles because they require an opening at each end with which to measure fluid velocity along its length. This makes them more appropriate when measuring certain types of fluid flows where there isn't an existing hole through which to insert it into a pipeline.

Is it necessary to keep records of your calibration results?

Yes, you should keep records of your calibration results. Doing so will ensure that your flow meter calibration is accurate and can be used safely in the workplace.

The following examples show a few reasons why it's important to keep records of calibration:

You may need to use the information for product safety or quality assurance purposes. For example, if you believe that a product has been produced accurately according to its specifications, then you will have evidence to support this claim when audited by compliance officers from government agencies or customers.
A record of calibrations can also help improve equipment maintenance and reduce downtime due to failed equipment since regular inspections are conducted on all instruments prior to establishing new baseline values (i.e., before starting up).

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of what flow meter calibration is and how it works. By following these tips, you can ensure that your machine will continue to perform at its peak levels.