Engineers and operators often wonder “what is the right flow meter for my application?” With so many options on the market between brands, sensor types, certification requirements and more, it can be a challenge to know what’s best for you. In this article, we’ll review some of the more important criteria for choosing the right flow meter and provide a few options for consideration.
An operator must consider many flow meter conditions regarding flow conditions. First, you must be sure to include certain parameters for the flow meter to properly match your application. Please refer to the information below when considering what’s right for your application before consulting with a distributor / manufacturer or consulting with an engineering firm. The category descriptions below will help you specify the proper flow meter:
Flow meter considerations for gas are simple if you are flowing air or a pure gas such as hydrogen, nitrogen, etc. Gas mixtures should be considered with each gas listed as a percent of the total, with the sum equal to 100%. Whenever possible, manufacturers will calibrate your thermal mass flow meter with the actual gas requirements. When this is not possible, manufacturers will use a calibration for a gas or gas mixture with closely equivalent heat transfer characteristics.
Although you may not know your exact maximum flow rate (Full Scale), you must provide an estimate for the calibration. If the Full Scale is not known, it is best to over-estimate a flow. This information can be in units of mass/volume flow (SCFM, Lbs/Hr, NCMH, etc.) or velocity (SFPM, MPS, etc.).
Whether you require an inline style or an insertion style thermal mass flow meter, we need to know your process line size. You may express this as the nominal pipe size and schedule (ANSI, DN, etc.) of round pipes or the outside dimensions and wall thickness (or gauge) of rectangular ducts, for example.
Of course, it’s also important to consider the application for which you plan to use the flow meter. Whether the media is corrosive, abrasive, or high viscosity can make a difference in which flow meter is the best choice. Furthermore, flow meters come with a specific flow range. So, very low flow rates can require a flow meter specifically for low flow instead of a standard flow meter.
We will calibrate your thermal mass flow meter under conditions as close to your process environment as possible. So, it’s important to know both the design and operational ranges of the gas temperature and the line pressure.
Electronics temperature refers to the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the flow meter’s electronics. We can provide options for a wide range of conditions.
You must specify whether the thermal mass flow meter will need power by 24 VDC, 115 VAC, or 230 VAC. Consult your supplier for use with alternate power sources such as 12 VDC or solar panels.
Through EPI, we provide both Inline and Insertion style thermal mass flow meters. We typically supply inline style flow meters for line sizes from 1/4″ to 4″ with a number of installation options. For example, we offer MNPT ends, ANSI, DIN flanges, etc. Insertion style flow meters can come in line sizes of 2″ or greater. They can mount with ball valve retractor assemblies, compression fittings, pipe nipples, etc.
We also distribute flow meters with either Integral or Remote Style electronics. The integral configuration is generally less expensive. However, the remote style allows easy access to the electronics even when the actual process line installation is in an otherwise inconvenient location.
Our thermal mass flow meters, from EPI, have been tested and approved by a number of certifying agencies. If your application requires an agency approval, please select from the list below:
Master-Touch MP Series Flow Transmitter
For use in hazardous area locations by CSA/CUS (default except for EU), ATEX (default for EU), IECEx, and KOSHA (customer must specify which approval is necessary).
Master-Touch MP Series Remote Enclosure
For use in Ordinary (Non-Hazardous) area locations: Type 4X, IP66. For use in hazardous area locations (options): ACEX or DCEX.
For use in Ordinary (Non-Hazardous) area locations: Type 4X, IP66.
CE Mark
We know that choosing the right flow meter for your application can be over-whelming. So don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Gather as much information as you can about your process requirements and get in touch with our engineers to get a recommendation that will give you the best outcome: [email protected] or call (281) 491-3833.
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