How to Select a Flow Meter

A flow meter is a unique device for measuring gas, steam or liquid that goes inside a pipe. These meters can be used for a variety of applications such as natural gas, compressed air, mixing and blending of gas, water & burner control and boiler efficiency.

Flow meters can use a variety of technologies to measure the flow of liquids such as magnetic, ultrasonic, turbine and vortex. The technology type you choose depends on the accuracy, maintenance requirements and operating environment.

When selecting a flow meter, consider the following criteria:
The first is price and performance. You should look for a flow meter that delivers the best value, while offering the highest performance possible. This includes the instrument's total cost of ownership, including installation, maintenance and repairs over time.

Next to price, accuracy is an important criteria to consider. It is vital to find a flow meter that offers the highest level of accuracy for your application. If your process demands that you know down to the tenth of a PSI, then you need an instrument that delivers enough resolution to do the job.

Another criteria to consider is whether the sensing element of your flow meter contains moving parts that experience wear and tear. This can cause the accuracy to suffer.

Many newer technology flow meters feature integrated flow computers that compensate for variances in actual process conditions such as pressure, temperature and viscosity in real time. These meters can be expensive to purchase but deliver the high accuracy you need for your application.