Choosing a flowmeter can be a challenging task because it comes in many varieties. Adding to this, there are several factors also which have to be closely observed while selecting the one. Hence, to help you buy the best flow system for your application quickly, some tips are being shared below.

Tips to Choose the Best Flowmeter

Identify Need:

If you just want to note the flow of a liquid or gas in a pipeline, then buying a simple flow indicator makes sense. A flowmeter indicator for this purpose can be obtained at cost-effective rates from a reputed vendor. You can install these flow indicators easily as these don't need any external power. In fact, you can very well do without a flowmeter if the flow which needs to be measured is limited to the rate of 10%. But for convenience, you can always go with a simplified version of this system.

Think beyond Price:

Cost should not be the driving factor behind your purchase of flowmeter. A flowmeter bought at cheap prices can give you only short-term advantages. If you buy a flowmeter at the expense of technical support from the supplier, then it's not worth considering. Because a cost-effective solution is one which comes with technical back-up, test facilities, and product guarantee, etc.

Gauge the Flow:

In order to find the perfect flowmeter for your application, you have to understand the behavior of liquid or gas passing through the pipeline. This can be defined in terms of viscosity. You have to check the resistance of liquid or gas to flow as this can affect their flow speed or velocity in the pipeline.

To be precise, in order to choose the most suitable option, you have to analyze the Reynolds number of your application, which can be done by noting down its minimum and maximum viscosity and flow rate. Once the number is calculated, you can compare it with the Reynolds range of a flowmeter to determine your selection.

Check the Turndown Ratio:

Turndown ratio indicates flowmeter's ability to measure the maximum and minimum flow rates of a liquid or gas within an accurate range. Since it is difficult to ascertain the exact range of flows to be gauged, experts recommend users to opt for a flowmeter that provides wide turndown ratio for all the different types of flow variations. Choose on the basis of application:

You have to pick a flowmeter that goes well with your application. For instance, if you want to measure widest flow range, then electromagnetic meters are good. For maximum short-term repeatability, turbine meters are suitable. For viscous substances, you can opt for the relatively expensive Coriolis mass flowmeters.

In addition to all these factors, you also have to see where and how your flowmeter can be positioned for best performance. The accuracy and repeatability of your flowmeter may get affected if the area near pipeline is not clear. To ensure the flowmeter is well installed, do look for manufacturer's assistance. Another thing is that your flowmetering system should consist of compatible components such as a meter, a flow computer or such other output device. For this, you have to make sure that you buy the whole system from one supplier in order to stick to the same standards.

This post is contributed by SpireMT, a leading supplier of ultrasonic flow meters, magnetic flow meters, digital flow meters, water flow meter, electrical energy meters and many more. For more information visit at http://www.spiremt.com