Things You Have To Consider When Choosing Magnetic Flow Meter

To decide the perfect flow meter for your requirements, you need to concentrate on your application details instead of the flow meter's production specifications. Electromagnetic flowmeters are often the first choice of many individuals due to their cost-effectiveness, longevity, and high precision. Even then, while choosing a flow meter, there are specific points to consider. These points must be taken into close consideration as these will help you fix your mind on whether having a magnetic flow meter is the best option for you to take.

Your budget allocation

Usually, devices with high precision cost more. However, a magnetic flow meter is a device of great accuracy that comes at a reasonable price. You can typically get an accuracy rate of about 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent of the flow rate, and it is usually six months or less to get the return on your investment (ROI). These magnetic flowmeters are versatile and suitable for a wide range of municipal and industrial processes. Also, as there are no moving parts, device maintenance is minimal. It is then necessary to amortize this cost over the lifetime of the device.

Your requirements for application

Next, come the understanding and review of your application requirements. This includes the fluid used, the fluid's temperature, the flow range, and operating pressure. Only conductive liquids function as electromagnetic flowmeters. Compressible fluids are therefore not suitable for this meter. The type of magnetic flowmeter appropriate for your application also depends on whether you measure drinking or wastewater, the type of electrode material used, and the inner surface of the tube's liner or coating material. Other factors such as its temperature and operating pressure are also significant, other than understanding the form of process media being measured.

 

Characteristics of Fluids

The fluid properties that you need to calculate decide the kind of flow meter you need. The process liquid must be conductive to use a magnetic flow meter; otherwise, it won't work.

 

Size of Line

The cost of the flow instrumentation largely depends on the size of the line. For installation, you need to have ample space. Usually, for the flow to be reliably measured, full bore magnetic flow meters need a minimum upstream and downstream straight run distance. Flow disturbers, such as modulation valves, chemical injection points, etc., must also be considered before calculating the flow rate.

Fluid measure

A significant factor is the properties of the process fluid. Whether or not the fluid is corrosive or clean or wastewater would substantially impact the decision, mainly when the lining material is chosen. Usually, liners are made of neoprene, hard rubber, Tefzel, Teflon, and ceramic materials. However, these liners do run the risk of delamination. That is why the best option is known to be an electromagnetic flowmeter with a liner that is fusion-bonded.