The functionality of a flow meter is an essential component of a pipeline system. These meters work by measuring flow rates of substances, such as liquids or gasses throughout a pipeline over time. Water flow meters function to measure the volumetric flow rate of water flowing through a pipe, making efficiency in these meters a necessary component of a pipeline system.
The flow measurement of gas, fluid, or liquid flowing through a pipeline is extremely important in order to monitor possible safety risks and ensure proper system functioning. The high accuracy regarding the industrial application of water flow meters is a highly important factor that assists in ensuring the pipeline system is well protected and strong over time.
1. Using adequate pipe sizes
Improper pipe sizes create a range of possible damage risks, meaning that using the pipe sizes that are best suited for the pipeline is essential.
Understanding which types of flow meters and the required sizes for a pipeline keeps the process of installing water flow meters more efficient. Positive displacement meters directly measure the volumetric flow rate passing through the flow meter. Ultrasonic flow meters measure water flow through measuring traveling sound and the time that this sound takes to travel between two transducers.
2. Make sure that the meter tube is fully filled with a liquid at all times
Allowing fluids, such as water, to flow through the pipeline without risks of disruption provides the added efficiency of highly accurate measurements. The meter tube is a specific part of the pipe or pipeline that orifice plates are installed in. The orifice plates serve to measure the orifice flow rate, which is the mass flow rate of gas within a given period of time.
These tubes operate alongside upstream and downstream pipes as a system in order to ensure that the accuracy of measurement is equal overall. Because meter tubes function in a system, the proper installation of these tubes is key. Keeping meter tubes filled allows for more accuracy in measurement.
3. Proper upstream and downstream straight-pipe length
Improper installation, placement, or length of piping poses risks to both accuracy of measurement and efficiency of the piping system. Being aware of the necessary pipe lengths required in order to maintain the proper measurements of water flow is key for water flow meter installation.
A major factor to keep in mind to ensure that piping is straight is pipe diameter. Magmeters, for example, are highly accurate when properly installed. However, error in installation risks inaccurate water flow measurements and lowered overall efficiency of the piping system. Many errors in water flow meter and piping installation deal with errors in needed length of piping. Ensuring that the piping is installed at the necessary lengths is key in order to maintain both functionality and efficiency long term.
4. Proper magnetic flow meter installation
Regarding use with electromagnetic flow meters, or magmeters, installing the proper pipe length is essential for efficiency. These meters use magnetic fields, transmitters, and sensors in order to measure the flow of water throughout a pipeline. A recommended reference of the best lengths is a five-diameter length for upstream piping, and three diameters in length for downstream piping.
5. Avoid unnecessary air entering the pipe
Should the steady flow of water become disrupted by sudden changes in pressure, such as a major pressure loss, the pipe is more at risk for not functioning as needed. A distinct drop in pressure or sudden pressure loss risks allowing gas into the pipe that may cause damage to the pipeline.
Installing a water flow meter that is properly fitted in order to avoid allowing dramatic or sudden shifts in pressure allows the pipeline system to operate more efficiently, with reduced risk of damage long term.
