If you’re an engineer you know how important accuracy in differential pressure flow measurement is to effectiveness of design. Differential pressure flow, one of the most conventional technologies for gauging flow, has an extensive history of achieving durability and high accuracy. This flow measurement technology allows temperature, pressure, and compensated readings from a unique flow meter solution. And in most instances, getting rid of the need for spontaneous lines. (Image Credit: Mimzy/Pixabay)
DP flow meters utilize Bernoulli’s equation to gauge the flow of liquid or gas in a pipe. This measurement technology brings pressure in the pipeline that establishes a pressure drop over the flow meter. When the flow expands, more pressure drop is, for the most part, established.
With that said, keep in mind that differential pressure flow measurement is intended for a specific application. And using the correct flow meter for particular applications can, without a doubt, remarkably improve productivity. In this post, we will walk you through some important info about this measurement technology.
Integrated Flow Meters
There are, for the most part, three crucial elements required to develop and create a differential pressure (DP) flow meter. The paramount element establishes a pressure drop over the flow meter by creating pressure in the pipeline.
For this reason, the pressured create in the pipe enables Bernoulli’s equation to be, more often than not, utilized for a flow rate computation. The pressure drop is gauged or calculated by a secondary element, which is the differential pressure transmitter. Moreover, the tertiary elements are comprised of everything within the system, for example, connectors and impulse piping.
Orifice Fittings
Orifice fittings are, believe it or not, extensively utilized in the gas and oil industry to gauge fluids, liquid, and gas with a bit of the second phase. The generally known components or parts of an orifice measurement system include the plate carrier, the plate, and the fitting.
The primary element is the plate along with the pipe’s adjacent part, as well as the pressure connections. This technology is, without a doubt, straightforward and cost-effective, and offers high accuracy without the process of calibrating it. Plus, it is easy to troubleshoot and use.
Primary Elements
DP main elements offer a lot of options and designs for various flow rates and line sizes. The options include conditioning and standard orifice plates, Venturi tubes, wedges, cones, flow nozzles, and averaging pitot tubes.
Each option presents and promotes benefits, for example, fundamental temperature sensor options for minimized process penetrations, reduced permanent pressure loss, low maintenance cost, easy installation, high accuracy, numerous mounting configurations, and tighter process control.
Flow Calculations
Differential Pressure Flow is, for the most part, equivalent to the differential pressures’ square root. Therefore, the pressure is indeed a quintessential component or element of Differential Pressure Flowmeters calculations.
Moreover, there are also other factors that affect the mass flow. It includes fluid type, pipe diameter, temperature, viscosity, and density. In most industrial processes, several control devices and measurements are, more often than not, utilized to ensure precise steam, gas, and liquid flow rates for increased cost-efficiency, productivity, and safety.
Flow Meter Outputs
Multivariable transmitters are used to gauge differential pressure and static pressure and can be used to measure flow. For the most part, flow meters can give or dispense process variable outputs and measured real-time mass, energy flow, and volumetric flow. Measured flow output provides reliable, accurate information easily and hastily for enhanced process performance.
Applications
Differential Pressure Flow measurement can be, more often than not, used to make the most effective use in several aspects of a process, such as safety applications, production efficiency, custody transfer, and product consistency.
There are lots of differential pressure (DP) flow measurement solutions that are easy to troubleshoot, easy to install, and versatile. Make sure to choose one with these qualities. DP Flow measurement is suitable for utilization in an extensive range of fluids such as gas, saturated gas, slurries, and corrosive liquids.
How To Use DP Flow Meters
DP flow meters measure the flow of vapor, gases, and liquids, for example, steam, industrial gases, air, chemicals, cryogenic liquids, and water. When handling such measurement technology, always keep in mind to be careful about fluids with high levels of viscosity, like foods and hydrocarbons, as their accuracy can be, for the most part, lessened the when Reynolds number is degraded. Understanding the flow of cryogenic materials is also essential when using DP flow meters. Not only will it help ensure flow accuracy, but it also helps prevent safety hazards.
This measurement technology can be, without a doubt, applied to clean fluids. The flow of abrasive fluids can also be measured, particularly with proper attention to the construction and materials of the device. Differential pressure flow measurement is all about precision.
Takeaway
Differential pressure flow meters are, more often than not, applicable or suitable to a lot of flows in most industries, for example, wastewater, water, petrochemical, chemical, petroleum, pulp and paper, mineral processing, and mining industries. Although other measurement technologies in the engineering field might do better compared to DP flow meters in most applications, DP flow meters are still utilized widely because of its user familiarity with the technology.
About The Author:
Sylvia Hopkins is a writer and a blogger who specializes in email marketing campaigns and ghost blogging. She writes about differential pressure flow measurement, flow measurement instrumentation, flow measurement application, and technology. When not working, Sylvia spends some quality time with her family and friends.
