A liquid flow meter device helps to monitor the fluid flow rate. Before your final purchase decision, get to know different fluids measurement devices. It will help to get the right device that will work well for your application.

Types of liquid flow meters

Magnetic flow meter

It works based on Faraday’s law of magnetic stimulation. When a fluid passes in a magnetic field, it leads to the creation of voltage. It’s that voltage that forms signals that help to determine the rate of fluid flow. These fluids measurement devices got a flow tube with a fixed area as well as field intensity. The voltage that results has a linear proportion to the volumetric flow rate of your fluid.  

Pros of these flowmeters

• They have wide flow range measures
• No pressure drop
• Good and resistant to corrosion
• No moving parts, so there is little cost to maintain them.
• They will offer you the most accurate flow rate.
• The flow rate is not affected by the setting of pipes or the density of flow.

Cons of magnetic flow meter

• The meter will cost you more compared to others.
• Linear material rating of the meter may limit the temperature of the fluid you are monitoring.
• You can’t use this kind of meter to monitor the rate of flow of gases.

 Ultrasonic flowmeters

These are fluids measurement devices with a pair of transducers. Every transducer has a transmitter and also a receiver. They are fixed on the wall of the pipe—one on the downstream and the other one upstream. The difference in travel time of the waves between transducers and upstream helps to gauge the flow rate.

Pros of this flow meter

• You can get a portable model of this meter that you can use for diagnosis and field analysis.
• It is suitable for corrosive fluids measurement.
• I will provide you highly accurate results.
• They will cost you to maintain
• No pressure drop
• No moving parts inside the flow path. So, there is little clogging.

Disadvantages

• Set up cost is high
• You can only use them for clean fluids measurement.

Vortex flowmeters

An obstacle is put across the pipe in these flowmeters at just the right angle to the liquid flow. When the fluid you are monitoring flows, vortices are produced. Shedding of voices is relative to the rate of fluid flow. The vortices are detected using changes in pressure within the vortex stream.

Pros of vortex flowmeter

• Has no moving parts, which makes it cheaper to maintain
• You can choose between analog or digital output.
• Fluids measurement using this flow meter are not affected by temperature or even pressure.

Cons of vortex flowmeter

• Vibrations may lead to erroneous results.
• When the flow is low, no pulses are formed. So the flow meter may read zero, yet there is flow.
• You will need the correct installation for better results.

Conclusion

Fluid measurement devices are many. You need to be careful when buying to get the one that works best for you. Not all of them will suit your particular application. You can inquire from an expert before the final decision. But go for the one that offers accurate results yet cheap to maintain