Fundamentals of

Flowmeters

John McCutcheon January 2014

What are Flowmeters?

Instruments to
measure
Linear
Nonlinear
Mass or
Volumetric flow
rates of liquid or
gas.

Why is flow measurement

vital?

Industrial sectors
Water supply
Oil extraction
Gas distribution
Pharmaceutical industry

Types of Flow
Measurement

Mass flow rate

Volume flow rate

Flow Fluid Measurements

Volumetric Flow Rate
Q = VT
Q = volume x time
Q=VxA
Flow = velocity x area
V=Q*T
Volume = flow x time

Fluid Flow Measurements

Reynolds Number
(Re) = p x D * v/u
p = density
D = internal pipe diameter
V = velocity
U = dynamic viscosity

Types of Flow

Laminar
Transition
Turbulent

Laminar Flow

Transition Flows

Turbulent Flow

Flow of Fluid
Factors affecting flow of fluid:

Velocity speed fluid moves

Viscosity ease of flow of fluid
Density weight per unit volume

Flow Meter Types

Flow Meter Types

Flow Meter Types

Flow Meter Types

Flow Meter Investigation

(Variable Area Flow Meter)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Mass Flow Meter

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Coriolis Flowmeter

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Differential Pressure
Meters

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Turbine Meter

Advantages

Disadvantages

Applications

Flow Meter Selection

Reasons

What is the fluid being

measured by the
flowmeter or
flowmeters (air, water,
etc.)?
If it is not water, what
viscosity is the liquid?
Is the fluid clean?
If this is a process
application, what is
the size of the pipe?

What is the minimum

and maximum process
pressure?

What is the minimum

and maximum process
temperature?

Is the fluid chemically

compatible with the
flowmeter wetted
parts?

Calibration

Must be done
conditions of
actual operation.

Performed by a
certified company.

Types Of Calibration

Wet calibration

Standing start
and finish method

Reasons For Calibration

Deposit on
internal surfaces
Contamination
Chemical attack
Abuse
Aging

Electrical changes
Mechanical
changes
Fluid property
differences
Improper
instilation
External influences

Calibration Time scale

When should these

be calibrated?

Does time play a

factor?

Do they require to
be calibrated?

Summary Of Investigation

Any questions?