What are the right flow meters for your application? With so many meters on the market, each with their own specialties, advantages, and disadvantages, it can be difficult to know how to choose between them. Much of the decision simply boils down to usage: which features do you need, and which meters provide those features?
While there are a great many potential features you might be looking for, these are the considerations most commonly used when choosing between different flow meters.
The Four Most Important Considerations with Flow Meters
- Is a flow meter needed at all?
Many smaller domestic pumping situations really don’t need a flow meter in the first place. It might be interesting to know the level of flow, but unless you have an application that requires specific measurement of flow levels, a meter may be an unnecessary expense. Good systems design includes omitting unnecessary components!
- What is the viscosity if the liquid? (AKA Reynold’s Number)
Different flow meters are designed for different types of liquids. For example, a traditional flywheel design is fine for low-viscosity liquids like water but will not work for thicker fluids. Fortunately, the industry has adopted a standardized system – called Reynold’s Number – which clearly labels what types of fluid a meter will be rated for.
- What measurement ranges are needed?
This is basic, but still, an important consideration to keep in mind: Does the flow meter you’re looking at encompass both the minimum and maximum measurements you expect to make? This can actually be an easy factor to overlook, so always check the measurement range before making a final decision.
- What accuracy do I need?
Flow meters come at many different levels of accuracy and, generally speaking, the more accurate the meter the more costly it will be. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to think carefully about the level of accuracy that’s truly needed for your operations. Otherwise, it becomes very easy to overspend and needlessly increase the price of both procurement and ongoing maintenance.
FloRight Pump & Controls Can Find the Perfect Flow Meter for Your Operation
We carry a variety of flow meters in stock, ranging from traditional flywheel-based mechanical models to modern electromagnetic or ultrasonic versions. Our expert engineers have over thirty years’ experience understanding our clients’ systems, then finding the perfect flow control systems to match.
Contact us today for a full consultation on your needs.
