Turbine or paddlewheel flow meters are mechanical meters that have a freely rotating turbine set in the path of a fluid stream. The flowing liquid or gas causes the turbine to spin upon its axis. The rate of spin will be proportional to the velocity of the flow. The simple and reliable design of turbine meters makes them popular choices for large commercial and industrial users such as gas companies and municipal water districts.
Turbine meters are less accurate than some other types of flow meters but since the measuring element does not severely restrict the path of flow, they are able to measure high flow rates with low pressure loss. Though versatile, turbine meters do best in applications with constant conditions in liquids such as water or lower viscosity fluids. Strainers are generally required to be installed in front of the meter to protect the measuring element from gravel or other debris that could enter the flow system.
Selecting a Flow Meter
The basis of good flow meter selection is a clear understanding of the requirements of the particular application. Therefore, time should be invested in fully evaluating the nature of the process fluid and of the overall installation.
- What is the fluid being measured by the flow meter(s) (air, water, etc…)?
- Do you require rate measurement and/or totalization from the flow meter?
- If the liquid is not water, what viscosity is the liquid?
- Is the fluid clean?
- Do you require a local display on the flow meter or do you need an electronic signal output?
- What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the flow meter?
- What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
- What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
- Is the fluid chemically compatible with the flow meter wetted parts?
- If this is a process application, what is the size of the pipe?
If you have any questions or need any help selecting a flow meter, please contact us at sales@instrumart.com or 1-800-884-4967 to speak with an applications engineer.
