Flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional part per unit of time. Using a suitable flowmeter, proper flow rate measurement is paramount to ensure fluid control processes run smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively. Continue reading to find out how to calculate flow rate and the types of flow rate measurement.

How to Calculate the Flow Rate

Most flow rate measurement devices give an inferential flow rate calculation based on the fluid's velocity. Velocity is known by the pressure differential, which forces the fluid through the pipe. The pipe's cross-sectional part is constant, which allows average speed a reliable indicator of the flow rate.

Flowmeters are the best flow measurement and control devices for this kind of application.

Differential Pressure Flow Meters

Differential pressure flow meters take the Bernoulli Equation that states that as the flow of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. They report the change between a primary and secondary measurement. The first measurement changes kinetic energy by directing the air in a hole in the flow meter determined in the second element. The sub-types of differential pressure flow meters include orifice plates, flow nozzles, venturi flow meters, and rotameters.

Velocity Flow Meter

Velocity flow meters determine flow speed. They show a reading by measuring the flow's depth and average air velocity, enabling engineers to maintain the necessary flow throughout the stream. Velocity flow meters have a significant range than differential pressure devices. The types of velocity flow meters are pilot tube, calorimetric, turbine, with electromagnetic.

Positive Displacement Flow Meter

Positive displacement flow meters, or PD flow meters, measure viscous fluid flow using rotors as sensors. Airflow is displaced through vanes, gears, pistons, or diaphragms. The rotation of the rotors is identical to the volume of the flow. They are used for flow rate measurements if the straight pipe is not there or replace turbine meters and paddlewheel sensors.

Mass Flowmeters

A mass flow meter measures the volumetric flow rate by dividing the mass flow rate by the liquid density. It uses Coriolis Effect, an inertial force that acts on objects in motion within a reference point.

Open Channel Flowmeters

Open Channel Flow Meters determine the height of the fluid and are used with flows that are exposed to the open air.

You have to understand that flow Switches have not flowed meters but are easy mechanical instruments for monitoring the flow of air and fluids. They are placed to a predesignated level and activate if there is a decrease in the level. Once activated, they stay there until the error in the system is corrected.

Conclusion 

There are many options to measure flow. Each type has various advantages, disadvantages, and accuracies in multiple applications. 

Knowing the characteristics of the various flow measurement ways is good to help choose an appropriate flow metering type for your application. Or to wisely interpret the flow measurements from a previous flow meter. Make sure that you make the best selection to the type of flow meter to use for a certain task