Nine Questions That Will Help You Determine the Flow Rate for Your Application

To size the meter correctly, you must know what your flow rate is. Although this task seems obvious, it is essential for getting accurate measurement and ensuring productivity. Engineers should not only find out what the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate is, but also the expected normal flow rate as well. You may discover that at startup, the flow rate is unique. Here are 9 questions you should ask to determine the flow rate of your application.

1. How high is the flow rate? To decide on the meter size, it is necessary to obtain this value – the maximum flow rate. Based on your maximum flow rate, our engineers at JLC International can optimize the rangeability and accuracy of your application by providing you with a flowmeter that has a maximum flow rate just above yours. Keep in mind that some percentage should always be on hand, since this value could change over the life of the plant.
2. How low is the flow rate? As mentioned above, this value too can be crucial in selecting a meter size. In some cases, there is no point in utilizing a flowmeter that will meet the maximum flow rate but not the minimum flow rate. For example, this factor is true for applications where it is essential that 0.001 gpm is to be measured. It may be that another technology is required or that there is space for two flowmeters.
3. What’s the normal flow rate? Sometimes, the user may not know the flow rate very well or at all. If the user does know the normal flow rate of the process, it can be provided to the manufacturer so that they can use it as a size guide. But if it is not known, then a flowmeter is needed so that the user can learn what the normal flow rate is.
4. What is the startup flow rate regime? The flow rate at startup can possibly dictate the type of meter that should be selected. At the beginning of the process, there might be a couple of long acceleration times below the considered minimum flow rate. Knowing this value can help you prevent the instantaneous acceleration from damaging the meter.
5. If the process is batching, how does the flow rate change afterward? If the flow rate changes, linearization may be necessary to bring out the best performance of the flowmeter. Let’s say that the process is designed to slow down at the end to reduce the effects of splashing. Linearization would then be beneficial.
6. Is linearization required in the process? Linearization won’t improve the performance of the flowmeter if the flow rate always remains the same.
7. Is the flow rate limited by other processes at times during the day? In a ring-main water distribution system, there might be other processes that draw off pressure and flow at random times that unpredictably alter the normal flows and fundamental maximum.
8. Is there an accidental flow surge? In an emergency situation, the flow rate may suddenly increase or even change phase to steam. Determine if the flow meter is required to measure the process, or if it is only required to survive.
9. What is the direction of the flow? This is another factor to consider for your application to ensure topnotch results. By determining the flow direction, you can find out how to enhance the process, like whether the flow backward needs to be deducted or added from the forward, and if the reverse flow needs to be measured or just be survivable.

We can help you select the correct industrial flow meter for your application. Our line of low flowmeters, beverage flowmeters, and inline flowmeters are of the highest quality.