Specific types of flow meters - part 1

There are many types of flow meters and each will have its specific use within specific applications. This document is part one of our flow meter descriptions and is intended as a helpful resource to aid in understanding types of flow meters and what they do.

There is water and there are other liquids with differing densities and other properties that may or may not require different flow measure devices. Water flow meters are designed specifically for use in measuring the flow of water. The applications for water flow meters can vary from measuring flow in a canal to measuring flow in cooling systems. Some examples of water flow meters included vortex flow meters, variable area flow meters, paddle wheel flow meters and vane or piston flow meters. These flow meters are used primarily for water or other liquids that have similar properties to water.

Vortex flow meters Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of water, gases or steams. One of the most common applications for vortex flow meters is in metering steam. The primary function is to measure volume flow and they may be used in conjunction with pressure or temperature sensors with calculations being carried out by a flow computer.

Variable area flow meters The variable area flow meters are often called rotameters and they measure flow rate of liquids or gases. These use a float or sharp-edged orifice plate and relate the linear displacement to a corresponding flow rate. There are three types of variable rate flow meters the rotameter, movable vane meter and weir types.

Paddle wheel flow meters Much as the name implies the paddle wheel flow meters involve measuring flow using a impeller and paddles that are turned by the flow of liquids, usually water. By measuring the velocity of the water these meters translate flow information into a volumetric reading. Paddle wheel flow meters are often used in irrigation systems. These can be used in clean water applications. The design and operation of these flow meters they are often used with water that has large amounts of impurities.

Vane or piston flow meters These are generally used with oil or other lubricants as well as corrosive liquids. The vane or piston type of flow meters are normally used to monitor flow of lubricants to bearings, drills, mills, gears and other equipment or equipment components. Often these types of flow meters work in conjunction with valves or other flow control devices that are either automated or use some form of manual control to ensure the flow lubricants is adequate to maintain tool performance.