On the Selection of Flow Meters
(1) Factors to Consider When Selecting a Flow Meter:
It is primarily considered from aspects such as process requirements, flowmeter performance, fluid characteristics, installation conditions, environmental conditions, and economic factors. For example:
1. Regarding instrument performance: Accuracy, repeatability, linearity, rangeability, flow range, signal output characteristics, response time, pressure loss—these conditions must align with the process requirements specified in the project design to ensure the achievement of the target process objectives.
2. In terms of fluid properties: Parameters such as the medium’s temperature, pressure, density, viscosity, chemical corrosion, abrasiveness, fouling, multiphase behavior, phase transitions, and electrical conductivity; for different types of flowmeters, varying parameters are required. For instance, with mass flowmeters, the parameters are relatively straightforward—typically, only approximate temperature and pressure values of the medium need to be known.
3. Installation conditions: Pipeline layout direction, flow direction, lengths of straight pipe sections upstream and downstream of the sensing element, pipe diameter, maintenance space, power supply, grounding, and auxiliary equipment ( Filters, degassers ) , and so on.
4. Environmental conditions: Ambient temperature, humidity, electromagnetic interference, safety, explosion-proof measures, pipeline vibration, and more;
5. Economic factors: Instrument procurement costs, installation fees, operational expenses, calibration fees, maintenance costs, spare parts, and more.
(2) Steps for Selecting Flow Meters:
1. Select the initial type of available instruments based on fluid type and considerations. ( There should be several types available for selection. )；
2. Collect information and pricing details on the primary election types to prepare the groundwork for in-depth analysis and comparison.
3. Employ the elimination method to gradually converge toward 1 ～ 2 There are several types, and the preliminary targets must be repeatedly compared and analyzed across five key factors before final determination.
ACU20FD-HM High-Precision Mass Flow Meter (Ultra-Large Range)
(III) Important Notes:
Fluid characteristics primarily refer to the pressure, temperature, density, viscosity, compressibility, and other properties of the measured medium. Since the volume of the measured medium changes with temperature and pressure, it’s important to consider whether compensation corrections are necessary. However, if a mass flow meter is selected, there’s no need for additional consideration of compensation corrections, as mass flow meters automatically convert the measurement into either mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate under standard conditions.
Instrument performance refers to metrics such as accuracy, repeatability, linearity, range ratio, pressure loss, starting flow rate, output signal, and response time. When selecting a flow meter, these indicators should be carefully analyzed and compared to choose an instrument that meets the flow measurement requirements of the medium being measured.
Installation conditions refer to the flow direction of the measured medium, pipeline routing, lengths of straight pipe sections upstream and downstream, pipe diameter, spatial positioning, and fittings—factors that all influence the accurate operation, maintenance, and service life of the flowmeter. For mass flowmeters, the length of straight pipe sections generally does not need to be considered.
Economic factors refer to costs such as purchase price, installation fees, maintenance expenses, calibration charges, and spare parts.
The accuracy class and functionality should be selected based on measurement requirements, as well as the specific application or process needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
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