How To Choose The Right Magnetic Flow Meter

What is a magnetic flow meter?

A flow meter is something that is used to measure the volumetric, mass, linear, or nonlinear flow rate of a gas or liquid. The magnetic instrument measures the volumetric flow rate. It does not have any moving parts and is hence a great choice for wastewater management. The machine works well with all conductive dirty liquids. It is also the perfect option in working conditions with a low-pressure drop and if the machine cannot be maintained regularly. How to find and install a good magnetic flow meter? Read and find out!

Advantages of a magnetic flow meter

·         They do not have any moving parts which would mean that one does not need to repair it regularly.

·         The pipe also does not have to be very long, thus reducing the cost.

·         The power used by these flow meters is quite low.

·         They are obstruction-less. This means that they can be used for measuring the flow rates of erosive fluids.

·         They are resistant to corrosion and so can handlemost acids, bases, and water-based solutions.

·         Not many electrode metals are needed.

·         They can measure both high and low volume flow rates.

·         They can measure both upstream and downstream flows.

How to choose a good magnetic flow meter?

Every magnetic flow meter works based on Faraday’s law which talks about a moving conductor creating a voltage inside a magnetic field. However, different meters are better suited for different purposes. There are some general things you can look for before buying a meter. Depending on the desired application, you can choose from three meters – insertion, in-line, and low-flow. Insertion meters are used for large pipe applications, in-flow meters are used when high flow rates or high accuracy is required, and low-flow meters are used for low flow applications.

Some other things that must be decided before buying a meter are – Is the fluid water-based? Do you expect an analog output? What size must the pipe be? What are the lowest and highest flow rate, temperatures, and pressure?

The installation process

The process of installing the meter varies depending on the type of meter purchased. Try to choose an area that is developed and will not experience any disturbances for the meter. The static electricity created by the fluid must be grounded for the meter to perform well. The meter must be filled with the fluid to prevent air bubbles which can also disturb the readings.

For an insertion meter, a minimum of 10 pipe diameters is required for straight run upstream and 5 pipe diameters required for downstream flow. The required diameters are much smaller in the case of in-line meters when compared to insertion meters. Low flow meters are generally considered to be more secure and reliable.