Do you seek to monitor and control the rate of fluid flow? Everything has been made possible and easy for you. All you need is the right liquid flow meter, and you will have the most accurate results.

Measuring flow rate is a very critical aspect of operations where valves, pumps, and other industrial systems are involved. Many liquid flow meter designs exist in the market today. But not all meter designs are suitable for every application. That’s why you will have to consider key factors when choosing a liquid flow meter. 

Various liquid flow meter designs have significant differences. Each type of device you will see has its pros and cons. Just ensure to acquire the right meter that helps you to achieve optimal performance.

The most common types of liquid flow meters 

1. Coriolis liquid flow meter

If you are looking for a device that guarantees a high level of accuracy, you can consider this. It helps to measure fluid mass over a wide range of temperatures directly and offers reliable results. You may use the Coriolis liquid flow meter to monitor the flow rate of both viscous and non-conductive fluids because of its unobstructed and open flow design system.

The Coriolis flowmeters have no mobile internal part. So, once you install your meter, it needs minimal attention. 

Why you should buy Coriolis liquid flow meter

• The meter drains itself
• Coriolis flowmeter works in both flow directions
• The meter doesn’t need inlet or outlet sections
• It offers the most accurate flow measurement
• Any change in temperature and pressure doesn’t affect how Coriolis liquid flow meter works.

2. Electromagnetic liquid flow meter 

You got the right choice of a flow meter if you seek to buy a volumetric device. The meter has no moving parts which makes it suitable for monitoring the flow of wastewater. Are you dealing with distilled water, hydrocarbons, or non-aqueous substances? A magnetic liquid flow meter will not be ideal for all those.

Pros of electromagnetic flowmeter

• It's an ideal meter to use where the low-pressure drop is required.
• Minimal maintenance is needed when using this liquid flow meter
• The meter offers highly accurate results
• Since electromagnetic has no moving parts, tear and wear are also minimal which reduces maintenance cost.
• The turndown ratio of this flow meter is very high.
• How the flow meters functions are never affected by viscosity, change in temperature and even pressure.

3. Differential pressure flow meter

The DP liquid flow meter enables you to measure the velocity of fluids by reading pressure loss within a pipe constriction. They have a nozzle, orifice, laminar plates, or venturi tubes which creates an artificial constriction. That helps to measure fluid's pressure loss as it passes through the constriction. The drop in pressure across the constriction is equal to the square of the flow rate. When you see a higher drop in pressure that indicates a high flow rate.

Why DP liquid flow meter may be ideal for you

• It is the most suitable to measure clean liquid and gases
• No moving parts which reduce tear and wear. That also minimizes maintenance cost 
• Change in viscosity and doesn't affect the functioning of this flow meter 

 4. Turbine flow meters

You can use turbine flow meters for clean liquids and even viscous liquids up to 100 centistokes. It's a very accurate flowmeter with an accuracy of about 0.5% of the reading. When installing this device, you will need a straight pipe of not less than 10cm in terms of diameter. The turbine flow meters have mobile parts which increase tear and wear. That will require you to carry out regular monitoring.

5. Vortex flowmeters

Are you interest in a liquid flow meter that measures clean fluids with a high degree of accuracy? Look no further! A vortex flowmeter works under the vortex shedding principle. As the fluid flows past a bluff body, oscillating vortices occur. The frequency of vortices produced helps to measure the fluid flow rate.

Factors to consider when choosing a liquid flow meter

The desired degree of accuracy

A liquid flow meter of your choice will depend on the accuracy you need from the monitored fluid. Not all flow meters guarantee a high degree of accuracy. Go for a device that offers much-needed accurate results.

Cost of flow meter

Consider buying the price, installation, and maintenance cost of your liquid flow meter before buy. The cost of the devices varies. It's important to buy an affordable flow meter that offers accurate results.

Process media

Ensure to do a thorough analysis of the fluid to be monitored when choosing a flow meter device. The nature of fluid can influence the accuracy of your flow meter.

Conclusion

At present, you need an accurate flow rate when dealing with liquids and gases. Go for a liquid flow meter that offers accurate results yet affordable. While many liquid flow meters are in the market, not all of them are suitable for all applications. Make a good analysis of the fluid to be measured, the cost of the flow meter, and its ability to offer accurate results. That way, you will select the right device