Exploring the Different Types of Water Flow Meters

Water flow meters are equipment that system operators use to measure the flow rate and the volume of water flowing in pipes at residential buildings, industrial operations, and commercial estates. They can measure clean, dirty, cold, and hot water depending on the application activities.
System operators use various water flow meter types in different applications. This article will discuss some of the types, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Types of water flow meters

1.Magnetic flowmeters

A magnetic flow meter, also known as electromagnetic flow meter, is a type of water flow meter that measures the flow rate using a liquids voltage through a specific magnetic field in a pipe. The signal of the voltage increases with an increase in the flow rate of the liquid. Unlike other flow meters, magnetic flowmeters have no moving parts.

Applications of magnetic flowmeters

i)Magnetic flow meters are used to measure the flow rate of highly corrosive liquids.
ii) Used to measure the flow rate of untreated sewage, chemicals, treated and untreated water.
ii) Used to measure the flow rate of abrasive slurries.

Advantages

i)Magnetic flow meter uses fewer electrodes to measure the flow rate of a liquid.
ii) Magnetic flow meters measure the flow rate in many directions, i.e., downstream and upstream.
iii) Magnetic flow meters utilize less power in flow measurement as compared to other flow meters.
iv) They can measure both eroded liquids and slurries due to their abrasion-resistance liner feature.
v) They can also measure the flow rate of acid, chemicals, and water bases due to the corrosion resistance effect.

Disadvantages

i)Some magnetic flow meters are heavy to carry to the installation area
ii) Magnetic water flow meters are expensive to purchase and install.
iii) Magnetic flowmeters cannot measure the flow rate of unmixed gases and hydrocarbons.

2. Positive displacement flow meters

This type of water flow meter measures the flow rate of viscous and non-viscous liquids. They analyze the measurement automatically by removing particles using the liquid flowing in a pipe. Their moving parts enable them to work in areas where the water pipes are not straight.

Applications of positive displacement flow meters

i)Used in water metering in commercial and residential buildings.
ii) Used to measure the flow rate of dirty and highly viscous liquids which cannot flow in a straight pipe.
iii) Use in pharmaceutical industries in drug dosing and chemical injections.
iv) Used in industries in transferring engine fuels.

Advantages

i)Positive displacement water flow meter provides accurate measurements.
ii) It measures the flow rate of high viscous liquids
iii) Positive displacement water meter type has a long life hence requires low maintenance cost.
iv) The upstream flow condition does not interfere with the accuracy level.

Disadvantages

i)They are only limited to measuring highly viscous liquids.
ii) The flow change may destroy the moving parts of this device.
iii) Positive displacement flow meters are expensive and heavy to install.

3. Ultrasonic Flowmeters

Ultrasonic flow meters measure the flow of wastewater, dirty liquids, and slurries by discovering the liquid flow speed using sound waves. An increase in the flow speed increases the downstream and upstream measurement distinction.

Applications of ultrasonic water meter type

i)Used in kerosene dosing.
ii) Used in liquid or water dosing in pharmacies.
iii) Used in the confectionery market to dose fragrances and flavors.

Advantages

i)They require low maintenance costs.
ii) Provide high accurate measurements.
iii) They come in two options, analog and digital; hence one can choose the best option for their applications.

Disadvantages

i)They do not measure the flow rate of impure liquids or slurries.
ii) Ultrasonic flow meters are costly.

Conclusion

Various applications determine the water flow meters be used. One should choose the suitable device for their applications with the help of an experienced technician to enhance proper operation. Other water flow meters include turbine flow meters, paddlewheel sensors, etc.