Water Flow Meters: Know the Various Types and Industrial Applications

by Will S. Flow Meter and Switches

As the very name suggests, a water flow meter is a device that is used to measure the flow of a liquid. In many cases, it also measures the accurate amount of liquid present in the pipelines. These water flow measurement devices are equally utilized in both domestic and industrial applications, wherein they measure, monitor, and assess the right amount or flow of liquid. This further facilitates the proper management of liquid and also detects if there is any misuse or leakage leading to wastage.

These devices that are used to measure the flow and amount of liquid in a specific container (pipelines, tanks, industry-usable chambers, natural sources etc.) are available with differing mechanisms and technical aspects. The variations in their operational modes and technical features depend upon their areas of applications, functional values, and nature of liquid that is assessed by them. Liquid flow measurement meters are used for a wide gamut of industrial sectors, such as

Food and Beverage
Petrochemical Industries
Water Research
Fire Rescue Operation
Chemical Industries
Pharmaceutical Industries
Oil Industries
Fuel Industries
Paints, Grease, and Coating Industry
Sub-Marine Industry

What are the different Types of Liquid Flow Meters?

These are found in several designs and operational techniques according to their applicable benefits and industries served by them. The following are the most common types available in the market:

Differential Pressure Flow Meters: This type of meter has variations like Orifice Plates, Flow Nozzles, Venturi Tubes, and Variable Area.
Velocity Flow Meters: The variations that fall under this type of meter are Pilot Tubes, Calorimetric, Turbine, Vortex, Electromagnetic, and Ultrasonic Doppler.
Positive Displacement Flow Meters: The varieties of meters that work under this principle are Reciprocating Piston Meters, Nutating Disc, and Rotary Vane Meter.
Mass Flow Meters: This type of liquid measurement machine includes variations like Thermal and Coriolis Flow Meter.
Open Channel Flow Meter: This type of meters can be divided into variations like Weirs (Sharp Crested and Broad Crested) and Flumes (Parshall Flume and Palmer-Bowlus Flume).

How Does a Flow Meter Display the Measurement of the Liquid?

Both the analog and digital meters nowadays are available with high-tech features and operational supremacy to ensure accurate and efficient measurement of liquid flow and amount. Manufacturers of meters are more aware than before about the higher level of precision and performance, which are the major concerns of the customers.

To achieve precise measurements of fluids, the meters are placed near to the feed lines and the calculated results are displayed accurately on the meter boards. The common unit that is used to read water meters is 'cubic feet' or 'inches', but the units vary according to the specifications of the device. The readings or results are displayed in straight or circular registers, and each register include a numeric pattern that calculate the total water usage with convenience.

What are the Basic Application Areas of a Liquid Flow Meter?

Following are the basic functions of this device:

These are applied in a variety of industrial sectors to measure the flow, usage, level, velocity, and amount of fluids for different purposes
The device also measures the specific usage rate or amount of water consumption by households in a particular area
It indicates leakage or misuse of liquid/water (if any) and hence saves it from being wasted
It maintains a favorable pressure level by controlling the fluid direction and regulating its velocity

Liquid flow measurement devices are built in a way that enables them to withstand the inconsistencies of weather while providing accurate data. They operate with precision irrespective of any variations in the climatic conditions or temperature.

Get here all information about Standalone Liquid Flow Meters and Piston Type Flow Meters, its types and applications. Get complete guide about flow measurement devices and liquid flow meters through http://proteusind.com.