The work that goes into creating high-quality products in the flow measurement industry is great. However, to achieve the best results in terms of accuracy and repeatability, proper measurement instruments have to be used. One of these devices is called a digital water flow meter with output. This type of flow rate measurement device provides electrical readings instead of mechanical. This has increased the accuracy levels and reliability when measuring water.
This guide explains what digital water flow meters are and their different types in various applications.
What is a Digital Water Flow Meter?
Among the most reliable flow measurement devices is a digital water flow meter with output. This is a hi-tech water measuring device that also monitors the flow of water. Most digital water flow meters are used in industrial processes to measure flow rate in plants that deal with portable water, RO water, wastewater, electronic effluent water, irrigation water, clean water, and tap water.
Accuracy is among the priorities of using digital water flow meters in industrial applications. Drinking water needs to be clean to make it safe for human consumption. When digital water flow meters are used, high accuracy and safety are achieved. These types of flow meters are also used to detect leaks in pipelines, hence helping to prevent and reduce water wastage. This also makes these types of flow meters cost-effective.
When used in the stored water industry or in our homes, digital water flow meters prevent water wastage from faulty or damaged water storage facilities. At the end of the month, the cost of water will reduce because there will be no wastage. This does not only apply in our homes but also in industries where water is used in different processes.
There are several factors that you need to put into perspective when shopping for the right kind of digital water flow meter with output to be used in your application. They include the cost of the flow meter, installation, calibration, maintenance, replacements. The flow meter’s lifespan should also be considered when choosing the perfect flow meter for your application. Some of the questions that you need to ask yourself are:
- What is the measured fluid’s temperature?
- What kind of liquid or gas needs to be measured?
- What are the required accuracy levels?
- When installing the digital water flow meter, what is the maximum and the minimum pressure requirement?
- Will the fluid flow sporadically or continuously?
- What is the pipe size that you intend to use in your flow system?
Digital Water Flow Meter Types
- Liquid Turbine Flow Meter
This type of flow meter works mechanically when measuring the flow rate of water. The energy from the flowing water going through the pipe or flow meter spins the pinwheel clockwise or anticlockwise. The force from the flowing fluid makes the blades inside a turbine flow meter spin. The number of revolutions is directly proportional to the flow of the fluid.
Blade rotations are measured using two monitoring methods. We have the magnetic mechanism and sensor. While using the magnetic mechanism approach, the blades have a magnet attached to them. A piece of metal is placed at an angle inside the flow meter. When the blades spin, they pass close to this piece of metal. You can get the flow rate by the time it takes for the blades to make a complete rotation.
What makes the turbine flow meter is the fact that it can measure the flow of water flowing in either direction. You can use the turbine flow meter to measure pure water, condense water, chilled water, and clean water
- Digital Magnetic Flow Meter Types
Another awesome digital water flow meter with output is called a magnetic water flow meter. The reason why this flow meter works well to produce accurate flow rate measurement is that it gives signals that are directly proportional to the water that goes through the pipe. When installing this kind of digital water flow meter, it is advisable to use a shorter meter connection. Whether you want to install it upstream or downstream, it will still work well because it can still be effective in low-pressure flow. Magnetic water flow meters don’t have moving parts, and that is why they last long because they don’t come into contact with the flowing water. They also ate quite cheaper compared to other types of flow meters. The best thing about this flow meter is that they don’t need the main source of power. They can easily run using batteries.
- Ultrasonic Digital Flow Meter Types
Another effective water flow meter is called the ultrasonic flow meter. This type of flow meter doesn’t come into contact with the measured fluid. It uses ultrasound to measure water flow rate. Since they also don’t have moving parts, they can go for long without maintenance, and they also last longer. Another benefit of an ultrasonic digital water flow meter is that you don’t need to interrupt the water flow in the flow system. Installing it is also quite easy.
Conclusion
With so many industrial processes to be performed in a plant, flow rate measurement is among the most critical processes. The reason why this process is important is that it determines the safety and accuracy of the end product in an industry. Food and medicines require high standards of safety to prevent harm when consumed. When choosing which kind of flow meter to use in your application, you have to consider many factors if you want to make it work effectively. The flowmeter market is flooded with all sorts of flow meters, and if you are not keen enough, you may end up picking the wrong type of water measuring instrument. The best thing to do if you are not sure which water flow meter to choose is to ask the manufacturer, who will advise you on the best choice.
