What is flow measurement?

Flow measurement is the process of measuring the flow rate or amount of a fluid that passes through a pipe. Flow measurement can be used to analyse the output of oil from a well, domestic gas or water usage in homes or to measure fuel dispensed from pumps for usage in cars. Accurate flow measurement is essential for ensuring product quality, optimising production processes, and controlling costs. There are several methods of measuring flow, including differential pressure, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and turbine flow meters. The choice of method depends on the application and the accuracy required.

Where is flow measurement used?

The water, food and beverage, medical, automotive and energy industries are all industries that we interact with daily, and which rely on good fluid flow measurement to be safe and effective. We know that good flow measurement is essential in any industry where there is a movement of fluids but what is efficient flow measurement? In this video, Colin Lightbody, Principal Consultant at TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory discusses the value of good commercial flow measurement.

Why do we measure flow?

Measurements are essential in any process requiring quantification. Understanding, monitoring and controlling flow rate, as part of industrial processes, are essential to the viable operation of production systems.

At various points in its journey from production to consumption, liquids or gases will be measured, typically by flow metering, for both fiscal and operational control purposes. The flow meter is the cash register for your business or the billing mechanism and it needs to be accurate.

What flow measurement services do TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory offer?

Flow meter calibration, testing, specialist consultancy and research and development are delivered by our team of expert consultants, scientists and engineers, backed up by the facilities of our independent accredited calibration laboratory, an unrivalled range of fluid flow measurement facilities in the world.

Why choose TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory for your flow measurement requirements?

We are independent and have a unique status as the UK’s NMI for flow measurement which means that we deliver an unbiased and independent solution to your flow measurement challenges. Get in touch with our team today via our contact us form, and experience the expertise of our professionals firsthand. 

  • How is flow measured?

    Flow is measured using flow meters which measure the flow rate i.e. the volume of a fluid passing through a pipe in a unit of time. Flow is usually recorded in cubic feet per second (ft³/s) or cubic meters per second (m³/s). Accurate flow measurement is essential for ensuring product quality, optimising production processes, and controlling costs. Get in touch with our team today via our contact us form, and experience the expertise of our professionals firsthand. 

     

  • How do flow meters measure flow?

    Flow meters operate on many different principles. Among the more commonly used there are traditional technologies - mechanical meters like turbine and positive displacement meters, and differential pressure meters like the orifice, cone and venturi meter, as well as more modern technologies such as ultrasonic, Coriolis and magnetic flowmeters. These devices provide accurate measurements for industries like water management, oil, and gas, to help monitor and control the flow for optimal efficiency. Get in touch with our team today via our contact us form, and experience the expertise of our professionals firsthand. 

     

  • What are the types of flow measurements?

    Various types of flow measurement devices are available. However, the two main ones are volumetric flow meters and mass flow meters. Volumetric flow meters measure fluid volume flowing through a specific location in a set period of time. Mass flow meters measure the fluid mass flowing through a specific location in a set period of time. Get in touch with our team today via our contact us form, and experience the expertise of our professionals firsthand. 

     

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