There are plenty of water flow meter types in the market. But how do you select the best for your use? Some water flow meters have a variety of uses. Some have a low maintenance cost, while others have ease of use. All these are the factors that rank a flow meter higher than the rest. Let us get into details of the best water flow meter types in the market.
Turbine Flow Meters
These are the cheapest water flow meters in the market. It is not their price alone that has given these meters their popularity, but also their ease of installation and operation. These meters have a turbine or a piston that rotates as water flows through the meter.
The turbine flow meter gauges the amount of water in volume as more volume passes at higher speed, the rotation of the turbine increases. You can attach a transmitter to capture the data and display it on a digital screen.
One con of the meter is that it can clog when there is an accumulation of silt or other particles in water. Thus, you should focus on the use of clean water only.
Vortex Flow Meters
If you want to use a water flow meter with low maintenance, choose one with no moving parts. A vortex flow meter is one of such meters. You can replace your turbine water flow meters if your firm handles water with dirt particles. First of all, the particles will not affect water gauging. Also, you will do minimal maintenance since there will be no clogging.
The meter has a small barrier on the inner surface. The obstruction creates vortices on the flowing fluid. The meter then counts the number of vortices that pass a point per unit time. Most gauge readings are displayed in seconds. Only in a few cases will you find the readings displayed in minutes. You will need to do some calculations to get the gauge readings in hours.
When you install a multivariable vortex water flow meter, then you will be able to gauge five variables at a go. The variables include the water density, heat, pressure, mass flow, and volumetric flow rate. If you are working with extra-large pipes, consider using an insertion vortex flow meter.
Electromagnetic Flow Meters
These meters are unique since they combine two concepts to operate. They work by producing electric and magnetic fields. What happens is that the meter has some magnets. As the water flows across a magnetic field, it creates an electric charge. The voltage of the charge increases with the increase in the water speed. The meter then converts the voltage into the water flow rate.
One thing you should note is that you cannot rely on these meters’ accuracy. Use it in any other application besides custody transfer. But, it is an excellent tool to estimate the flow rate in water industries. Also, do not use the meter of pure water as it lacks ions to produce the electric voltage.
Have a clear knowledge of your water properties when you are buying this water flow meter. It is easier to use the flow meter with water than other fluids since you will not need a unique linear material.
Ultrasonic Water Flow Meters
This flow meter is impressive. It detects the flow rate while still outside the flow channel/pipe. The flow meter uses ultrasound to detect the water flow rate in a closed channel. The meter sends a signal upstream and another one downstream. Then it compares the amount of time each signal took to travel a similar distance. The difference in time will give you the flow velocity. You can use the readings to get the volumetric flow of water.
These water flow meters also allow you to gauge other water properties such as heat and energy. Since you install the flow meter outside the flow channel, the meters are thus ideal for large-scale uses. Also, you can use it in water with some corrosive components. The maintenance cost will be meager since the meter will never get in touch with the water.
Coriolis Flow Meter
There are two types of Coriolis water flow meters. The first has a single tube, while the other has two parallel tubes. Also, both types use the same principle to operate. You induce an oscillation within the tubes. Then you use the frequency at the induction point as the reference. As the mass flow rate changes, the frequency will also change.
These are the most accurate meters you will find in the market. Also, you can use them in a wide range of industries. Also, you can get more data besides the flow rate. The data may include the temperature, mass, and density of your water or any other fluid.
Differential Pressure Flow Meters
These water flow meters have unique principles. Unlike the other meters, it gauges the water flow rate with the difference in water pressure at two known points or locations along the flow channel. The meter has an orifice that restricts flow. The orifice increases the pressure of water at that point. The pressure drop at the orifice point is equal to the flow rate.
You can find this meter with moving parts or without moving parts. But if you need excellent results, select a meter with no moving parts. Besides the high accuracy, you will also reduce the cost of maintenance. Also, you can use it in a large scope of applications since it is not affected by the water properties.
Besides the water industry, you will also find these meters in aqua farms, chemical firms, and in labs.
Conclusion
The list above contains the best water flow meter types in the market. They have a different working concept that enables them to work under different conditions. Some of the water flow meters can work with different types of fluids. That alone makes the meters an excellent choice for various industries.
Author Bio:
Naman Modi is a Professional Blogger, SEO Expert & Guest blogger at proteusind.com, He is an Award-Winning Freelancer & Web Entrepreneur helping new entrepreneur’s launches their first successful online business.
