Proper flow measurement requires different types of tools to deliver accurate and reliable readings. The most critical instrument used in flow measurement is a flow sensor. This article will explore the various kinds of flow sensor technologies to help you understand how they work. Continue reading for more insights.
A water flow sensor is the type of device that measures the amount of water or fluid passing through a confined channel or pipeline. Water Flow sensors come in many different varieties; therefore, it is upon the plant manager to distinguish and understand what is needed in a flow system. Once he establishes which type of flow sensors are needed, he can purchase flow sensors from reputable flow sensor suppliers.
A flow sensor is vital in any flow measurement process as it allows machine operators to ensure the right flow quantities are processed at one given time. This doesn’t only ensure safety in the plant but also reduces wastage. Let us now mention and explain the different types of flow sensing technologies and their use.
Types of Flow Sensing Technologies and Their Use
With the flow industry rapidly evolving, different types and designs are coming up every day. These flow meters are designed based on the type of flow application they will be used for. Knowing the differences between these flow measuring tools helps dictate the benefits you will get from each piece of measuring equipment.
The different varieties of flow sensors mean that they are built differently, and some flow sensors are more effective than others. Their effectiveness is given by the flow measurement accuracies and the quantity of the fluid a sensor measures. Below are different categories of flow sensors that are available in the market today.
Mechanical Flow Sensor Types
If you are looking for the most affordable flow sensors in the market, you need mechanical water flow sensors. They are also commonly found and don’t require much to install in your flow system. A mechanical water flow sensor uses a rotating turbine that can be a propeller, shunt, or paddle. Flow rate is given by the speed of the rotating blades inside a particular water flow sensor.
Since these blades move inside the flow sensor when measuring flow, using them with slurry or dirty fluids with particles may clog the flow sensor. The results may either be giving inaccurate flow rate readings or damaging the flow sensor. Due to their high sensitivity, mechanical flow sensors require frequent maintenance more than other flow sensors.
Vortex Flow Sensor Types
These types of flow sensors are unique in that they measure flow rate using vortices. A vortex is produced when swirls form when fluid pushes past an obstruction. A flow meter comes with the sensor tab that flexes when vortices go through it. When this happens, a frequency output is created, which measures the flow rate of the fluid going through the pipe. Going for the multivariable vortex flow sensor allows you to measure up to five variables. These variables are useful if you will use this type of flow sensor for several flow applications. The variables that a multi-sensor device can measure include density, flow rate, mass flow rate, pressure rate, and temperature. These types of flow sensors are ideal measuring devices when using larger pipes.
Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Types
When sensing or measuring flow rate, an ultrasonic flow sensor uses ultrasound technology to measure the speed of water or fluid flowing inside the pipe. These flow sensors are non-invasive, which means that they don’t come into contact with the fluid that is being measured. If you are considering buying an ultrasonic flow meter, there are two basic options that you need to focus on. These two options include the clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensors and transit-time flow meters. When measuring flow rate, a signal is first sent downstream before another one is sent upstream. By comparing the two signals, the user will get the flow rate of the fluid passing through the pipe.
When it comes to the clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters, they are usually placed on the outer areas of the enclosed channel. These are the types of flow sensors.
Conclusion
When you need to get accurate and efficient flow rate readings, then flow sensors are highly recommended. With so many types of applications and fluids to be measured, several considerations need looking into. We hope this article was helpful, and you are now ready to purchase a flow sensor that matches your application needs.
