Liquid flowmeters play a critical role in industries that rely on precise measurements of liquid flow, such as oil and gas and chemical processing. However, misconceptions about flowmeters often lead to improper usage, reduced efficiency and unnecessary costs. As a leading manufacturer of turbine flowmeters, Turbines, Inc. is here to debunk some of the most common liquid flowmeter myths to help you make informed decisions and ensure optimal performance in your systems.
Myth 1: All flowmeters are the same
One of the biggest misconceptions is the belief that all flowmeters are essentially the same and can be used interchangeably. In reality, different types of flowmeters are designed for specific applications, fluids and environments.
Truth: Flowmeters come in various designs, such as turbine, ultrasonic, magnetic and Coriolis. Each type excels in certain applications. For example, turbine flowmeters are ideal for clean, low-viscosity liquids and are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, cryogenics and food and beverage for their accuracy, reliability and value proposition. On the other hand, magnetic flowmeters can only be used for conductive liquids, while Coriolis meters are used when flow applications requiring accuracies greater than +/- 0.25% but come at a higher price point and larger footprint than competing technologies.
Choosing the right flowmeter for your application is crucial to achieving accurate and efficient measurements.
Myth 2: Turbine flowmeters aren’t suitable for viscous liquids
Some believe that turbine flowmeters cannot handle viscous liquids effectively, leading to a misconception that they are only suitable for low-viscosity applications. However, this isn’t entirely true.
Truth: While turbine flowmeters are indeed more effective in measuring clean, low-viscosity fluids, advancements in technology have allowed turbine meters to be used in applications involving moderate levels of viscosity. For highly viscous liquids, other flowmeter types may be more appropriate, but turbine meters can still be an excellent option in many fluid measurement scenarios.
Myth 3: Flowmeters don’t require regular maintenance
Another common myth is that once installed, flowmeters do not require any maintenance to function correctly over time. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding can lead to inaccurate readings and premature equipment failure.
Truth: Regular flowmeter maintenance is essential to ensuring long-term accuracy and performance. Debris buildup, mechanical wear or sensor malfunctions can impact the precision of the flowmeter over time. Routine inspections, cleaning and recalibration are necessary steps to keep your flowmeter running efficiently and to extend its lifespan.
Myth 4: Flowmeter calibration isn’t necessary
One of the most dangerous myths is the assumption that once installed, a flowmeter doesn’t need to be calibrated. This can lead to significant inaccuracies and costly operational errors over time.
Truth: Flowmeter calibration is critical to maintaining measurement accuracy. Over time, environmental factors, wear and tear, and system changes can cause a flowmeter to drift from its original calibration settings. Regular recalibration ensures that the meter continues to provide precise readings and meets regulatory standards in industries such as oil and gas, where accuracy is paramount.
Final thoughts
Understanding the truth behind flowmeter misconceptions can help you make better decisions about your liquid flowmeter systems. From recognizing the importance of maintenance and calibration to selecting the right meter for your specific needs, these insights will ensure you maximize the efficiency, accuracy and longevity of your measurements.
Turbines, Inc.
Mark Weiss | Marketing Specialist, Turbines, Inc.
Mark Weiss is a marketing specialist at Turbines, Inc.
