Flow Meter Selection Criteria

FLOW METER SELECTION
SEMINAR
Alan Graff
RL Stone Co
I&C Sales Manager
Upstate NY & New England
RL Stone Co. New England
Corporate Office: 115 Ainsley Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210 Tel: 888-404-8882 Fax: 315-479-5402 www.rl-stone.com
Process/HVAC Products and Solutions
Armstrong Steam and Condensate Group: Traps, Liquid Drainers, Steam

Distribution & Condensate Return Manifolds, Air Vents, Strainers, Wireless
Trap Monitors, Spargers, Separators
Armstrong Humidification Group (Vermont only): Direct Steam, Ionic Bed
Electric, Gas-Fired, Steam to-Steam, Evaporative Cooling Fogging, Unfired Steam Generators
Armstrong Condensate Management Group: Mechanical & Electrical
Condensate Pumps and Packages, Flash Tanks, Condensate Coolers
Armstrong Heat Transfer Group: Unit Heaters, Door Heaters and Make-Up
Air Heaters, Heavy-Duty Steam and Hot Water Coils, Replacement Coils,
DuraMix VIFB Coils, Fumigation Heat Treat Systems
Armstrong Hot Water Group: Instantaneous Hot Water Heaters, Direct
Fired Gas High Efficiency Hot Water Heaters, Thermostatic Mixing Valves, The
Brain & MEGAMIX Digital Electronic Mixing Center, Steam & Hot Water Hose
and Mixing Valve Stations
Armstrong Pressure Temperature Control Group: PRVs, Pneumatic and
Electric Industrial Control Valves, Temperature Regulators, Radiator Control
Valves
Armstrong Service Group: Steam System Optimization, Contracting:
Installation Construction, Engineering Audits and Steam Surveys, Heat Treat
Audits
Cataract Steel
Compressed Air, Gas & Heat Transfer Products, Industrial Heat

Exchangers, Pressure Vessels, Air Receivers
New and Replacement Steam, Water and DX Coils, Remote Condensers,
Fluid Coolers, Evaporative Coolers
Diversified Heat
Transfer
Heat Transfer Equipment, Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers, Plate and
Frame Heat Exchangers, Steam and Hot Water Generators
Refrigerant Leak Detection Monitoring Systems
Thermacor
Process
Pre-Insulated Above and Below Ground Piping Systems,

Containment Piping, High Temperature Polyisocyanurate
Foam, Pressure Testable Joints, ERM Leak Detection
TMI, Inc
Strip Doors, Air Doors, Screens and Curtains, Modular Enclosures,

Clear and Colored Flexible PVC Film, Noise Control Products
Flow Sensors & Instrumentation, Accelabar Zero Straight Run
Flow Meter, Utility Flow Metering Systems
Gauges: Pressure, Vacuum, Digital and Analog Indicators, Mini and
Industrial Diaphragm Seals, Pressure Transducers, AccessoriesPressure Snubbers, Gauge Cocks, Needle Valves, Siphons, Petes Plugs,
Bimetal Thermometers and Temperature Transmitters
R. L. Stone Services
Design Build, Installation, On-Site Seminars and Training, Energy

Audits, Steam Trap Surveys, Control Panels, SCADA System
A Leading Supplier of Flowmeters

to HVAC & Industrial Marketplace
Magmeters
Vortex & Swirl
Turbine
Thermal & Coriolis Mass
BTU Meter
Pitot, Wedge
Orifice Plates, Venturi
Positive Displacement
Rotameter, Variable Area
Define Application Basic Facts

Flowing Media (Steam, Water, Air, Gas etc)
Density - pressure and temperature
Flow Range, minimum to maximum (turndown
needed)
Accuracy how stated? % of range or span
Repeatability
Straight run requirements & available
Economic Considerations Initial cost, maintenance
cost & operating costs
Why are we here?

There is no 1 meter that will meet every
application
Every application needs to be looked at
individually
We can make some generalizations !!!!!!
FLOW MEASUREMENT
HOW MUCH (TOTAL)

HOW FAST (RATE)
Flow Through A Pipe
Idealized
Real World
Pipe
Velocity Profile
Flow Profile Correlation
Steam
Water
Heavy Crude
Velocity profile is a predictable function of Reynolds

number. Fluids with the same Reynolds number will have
similar velocity profiles.
General Flow Terminology
Reynolds Number (RE) A single dimensionless

parameter formed as the ratio of inertial to
viscous forces . Magnitude indicates whether
flow is laminar or turbulent
RE=
Inertia Forces
Viscous Forces
Fluid
Density
(p)
Fluid
Velocity
(V)
Characteristic
Dimension*
(D)
Fluid Viscosity ()
* Usually inside pipe diameter.
Characterization of Fluid Flow
Types of Flow
RE < 2100
Laminar
Transitional
RE >3000
Turbulent ***
*** Well documented & proven fully

developed flow profiles
Volumetric Flowrate (Q)
V
A
Q
Volume = Area x Length

Volume Flow = Area x Velocity
Mass Flowrate (m)

Q=VA
Mass Flow m =
Qp
= AV
V
A
m
Where
m
Q
= Mass Flow
= Volume Flow
= Fluid Density
Mass = Volume x Density
Mass vs Volume Flowmeters

Why are we concerned?
How much does it really matter?
Flow through a 4 line measured in a Averaging Pitot
Flow Rate
1000 cfm
1000 cfm
Pressure
5 psi
5 psi
Temperature
100 F
70 F
DP in WC
12.181
11.532
There is a 6% error just by changing density / temperature slightlycan

you meter cope??
General Flow Terminology
Factors affecting flowmeter performance

Process
Liquid
Gas
Density
media
Temperature
Velocity
(Specific Gravity)
Viscosity
Pressure
Flowmeter Performance
Accuracy
Repeatability
Linearity
Rangeability
Types of Accuracy
% Rate
% Full Scale
% Span
% Max DP
Accuracy
% Rate
The percent accuracy value is constant and

applied to the actual (or indicated) flowrate
Flowrate
1% rate
1 GPM
Example: 100 GPM
50 GPM
0.5 GPM
10 GPM
.01 GPM
% Full Scale The absolute value of error (as expressed in

engineering units)
Flowrate
Example: 100 GPM
50 GPM
10 GPM
1% Full Scale
1 GPM
1 GPM
1 GPM
% Rate
1%
2%
10%
Accuracy
Percent Error Versus Flow
Poor Repeatability Means

Poor Accuracy
Good Accuracy Means
Good Repeatability
Good Repeatability Does Not
Necessarily Mean Good Accuracy
Volumetric Flowmeters
DP
Turbine
Vortex / Swirl
Magnetic
Target
Ultrasonic
Displacement
Note: can be inferred mass with compensating transmitter
Differential Pressure Flowmeters

Flow Measurement Principles
Q=K
ORIFICE PLATE
(or FLOW TUBE)
VENA
CONTRACTA
Direction of Flow
MANOMETER
(or DP TRANSMITTER)
DP Primary Elements
Various
Orifice
Configuration
Flow
Tube
Flow
Nozzle
Venturi
Flowmeter
DP Primary Elements
Averaging Pitot
Accelabar Combined
Pitot & Venturi
Wedge Element
DP Flowmeters
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
ADVANTAGES
Use On Liquid, Gas, and Steam
Suitable for Extreme Temperatures
and Pressures
No Moving Parts
Low Cost
DISADVANTAGES
Limited Rangeability
Effected By Changes In Density,
Pressure, and Viscosity
Maintenance Intensive
Magnetic Flowmeters
Theory of Operation
Magmeter Requirements
Process must be a liquid

Minimum conductivity
Meter must be full
Magnetic Flowmeters
MAGNETIC
ADVANTAGES
No Moving Parts
Very Wide Rangeability
Ideal For Slurries
Unobstructed Flow Path
DISADVANTAGES
Liquid Must Be Conductive
Physical Pressure and Temperature
Limits
Magnetic Flowmeters
Advantages Over Other Technologies
No moving parts
No pressure drop
Flowrate independent of viscosity, temperature, and density
Minimum upstream piping requirements
Electronics interchangeable without regard to size
Measure dirty liquids with solids
Measure highly corrosive fluids
Very large turndown
Linear output
Vortex Meter
Vortex Meter
Principle of Operation
Q=VxA
Vortex
Vortex / Swirlmeter
VORTEX / SWIRLMETER
ADVANTAGES
No Moving Parts
For Liquid, Gas, or Steam
Uneffected by Pressure, Temperature,
or Density Changes.
Wide Rangeability
DISADVANTAGES
Span Limitations Due to Viscosity
Flow Profile Sensitive (Vortex)
Swirlmeter
Preamplifier
Housing
Swirler
Sensor Deswirler
Backflow
r
VA
VT
p
=
=
=
=
local radius
axial velocity of flow
angular velocity of flow
static pressure
Swirlmeters
Benefits
High Accuracy 0.50% of Rate
No Moving Parts
Minimal Upstream Piping
Measures Low Flows
Versatile
Electronics can be used for Diagnostics
Works with Entrained Liquids
Swirlmeter
Cut-Away View
Technical Data
Measures liquids, gases and steam
Available integral, remote, or flow
computer electronics
Accuracy 0.50% rate
Sizes 0.75" thru 16.0"
Minimal upstream piping req.
Flow as low as 1 GPM
Excellent in light gas applications
Installation Length
Swirlmeter
Swirlmeter
Vortex 4
Process
control valve
5D
1D
3D
1D
50 D
5D
25 D
5D
15 D
5D
90 elbow
min. 1.8 D
Reduction
3D
1D
Turbine Meter
Turbine Meter
Rotor velocity is proportional to fluid velocity
Turbine Meter
High accuracy (.5% of rate)

High rangeability (up to 50:1)
Compact design
Fast response time
Broad range of sizes
Clean water applications only
NIST Traceable Factory Calibration
Low cost, Easy to install
In and out of line, under pressure
Turbine Meter
Performance Considerations
Straight pipe run requirements

Process fluid lubricity
Reynolds number constraints
Viscosity
Density
Maintenance & recalibration
Turbine Flowmeters
TURBINE
ADVANTAGES
High Accuracy
Suitable for Extreme
Temperatures and Pressures
Can Be Used On Gas or Liquid
DISADVANTAGES
Only For Low Viscosities
Moving Parts
Sensitive to Flow Profile
Positive Displacement Flowmeters
PD Flowmeters
Types
Helical gear
Nutating disk
Oscillating
piston
Oval gear
Rotary
Positive Displacement Meter

Typical Principle of Operation
Schematic of a
nutating-disk meter
Schematic of a
rotary-vane flowmeter
Schematic of a
lobed-impeller flowmeter
PD Flowmeters
Advantages
Ideal for viscous fluids
Custody transfer
Batching
Minimal straight piping
requirements
Ultrasonic Flowmeters
Types
Doppler
Time of
flight
Doppler
Flowmeter
Transit-Time
Flowmeter
Performance Considerations
Reynolds number constraints

Entrained gas or particles for doppler
Clean liquids for time of flight
Installed without process shut down
Straight upstream piping
requirements
Ultrasonic
ULTRASONIC
ADVANTAGES
No Moving Parts
Unobstructed Flow Passage
Wide Rangeability
DISADVANTAGES
For Liquids Only (limited gas)
Flow Profile Dependent
Errors Due To Deposits
Mass Flowmeter
Direct Measurement
Thermal Dispersion
Coriolis
Coriolis Mass Flowmeter
Coriolis
Coriolis
CORIOLIS
ADVANTAGES
Direct Mass Measurement
High Accuracy
Additional Density Measurement
Uneffected By Flow Profile
DISADVANTAGES
High Purchase Price
High Installation Cost
Size Limitations
Vibration Sensitive
Thermal Dispersion
Thermal Dispersion Mass Flowmeter
Gas application only

Relatively inexpensive
Easy to install and remove under pressure
Accuracy 0.5%
Turndown, 100:1
Capable of monitoring extremely low flows
True mass flow meter (compensates for
temperature/pressure)
Piping Considerations
Always need a full pipe
Proper up / down diameter
BTU Monitoring
Summary Each Application is

Different
Flowing Media (eg Steam, Water, Air, Gas etc)
Density - pressure and temperature
Flow Range, minimum to maximum (turndown needed)
Accuracy how stated? % of range or span
Repeatability
Straight run requirements & available
Maintenance and reliability
General HVAC Recommendations
Steam : Accelabar or Swirl

Chilled or Hot Water: Hot Tap Insert Turbine
Natural Gas or Air: Thermal Dispersion
Fuel Oil: Coriolis or Wedge

Flow Meter Selection Criteria

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What are some common types of flowmeters discussed in the document?

What are some common types of flowmeters discussed in the document?

What factors need to be considered when selecting a flowmeter for an application?

What factors need to be considered when selecting a flowmeter for an application?

FLOW METER SELECTION

RL Stone Co. New England

Process/HVAC Products and Solutions

Armstrong Steam and Condensate Group: Traps, Liquid Drainers, Steam

Compressed Air, Gas & Heat Transfer Products, Industrial Heat

Pre-Insulated Above and Below Ground Piping Systems,

Strip Doors, Air Doors, Screens and Curtains, Modular Enclosures,

Design Build, Installation, On-Site Seminars and Training, Energy

A Leading Supplier of Flowmeters

Define Application Basic Facts

Why are we here?

HOW MUCH (TOTAL)

Flow Through A Pipe

Flow Profile Correlation

Velocity profile is a predictable function of Reynolds

General Flow Terminology

Reynolds Number (RE) A single dimensionless

* Usually inside pipe diameter.

Characterization of Fluid Flow

*** Well documented & proven fully

Volumetric Flowrate (Q)

Volume = Area x Length

Mass Flowrate (m)

Mass = Volume x Density

Mass vs Volume Flowmeters

There is a 6% error just by changing density / temperature slightlycan

General Flow Terminology

Factors affecting flowmeter performance

The percent accuracy value is constant and

% Full Scale The absolute value of error (as expressed in

Poor Repeatability Means

Note: can be inferred mass with compensating transmitter

Differential Pressure Flowmeters

Process must be a liquid

Rotor velocity is proportional to fluid velocity

High accuracy (.5% of rate)

Straight pipe run requirements

Positive Displacement Flowmeters

Positive Displacement Meter

Reynolds number constraints

Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

Thermal Dispersion Mass Flowmeter

Gas application only

Proper up / down diameter

Summary Each Application is

General HVAC Recommendations

Steam : Accelabar or Swirl

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