mechanical, positive displacement, oval gear flow meters, how they work, their applications, advantages etc

1. Oval Gear Flow Meters
Traditional, mechanical, positive
displacement flow meters, with oval
shaped gears; first invented more
than 60 years ago by OVAL
Corporation of Japan and now widely
used for flow metering applications

2. OVAL Corporation of Japan
A leading manufacturer of precision and speciality flow
meters and is recognised as a pioneer in the field of
flow measurement and control:
• Specialists in flow measurement and control for over 60 years
• Recognised throughout the world for its high quality flow solutions
• Product range based on state-of-the-art and traditional flow
technologies
• Modern manufacturing facilities with high precision machining and
quality control systems
• Master meters traceable to national and international standards

3. Oval gear meters are available in a
range sizes and designs .......

4. .... and with a range of
gear profiles

5. Example: Compact Oval Gear Flow Meter
The Flowmate series of compact oval gear flow meters offers a
cost effective yet accurate and stable solution for flow
measurement in low flow ranges:
• Flow range 0.1 to 500 L/h or from 0.09 L/hr (size 38)
• Simple, robust construction
• Operating temperature range: -20 to +80°C
• Built-in pulse generator for remote control
• Ideal for metering fuels, fuel oils and lubricants
• Nominal size: BSP 1/8 or 1/4

6. Example: Flanged Oval Gear Flow Meter
The Flowpet EG is a positive displacement, oval
geared flow meter for fuel oil metering or boiler
feed water with high temperature option:
• Robust, proven technology with inherent
accuracy of measurement
• Digital LCD register shows total and instantaneous flow
• Meter face can be orientated to any angle over 180°
• Operates on an external power source or internal battery
• Wide flow range covered, up to 24000 L/h for oil service
• High temperature version operating at up to 150°C

7. Oval gear meters
measure flow by
employing a geared
rotor to pass known
volumes of a fluid
through a housing …..

8. .... Counting the ‘known volumes’ gives a measurement of the
volumetric flow rate. This is typically achieved by embedding
magnets in the rotors, which then actuate a reed switch or
provide a pulse output as they rotate.
Pulse Generator
Oval Gears
Display Transmission Gear

9. OVAL Gear Flow Meter Advantages
• Traditional proven flow technology
• Simple to install
• No straight pipe runs required so flow
meters can be installed in restricted areas
OVAL Gear Flow Meter Limitations
• Not suitable for steam or multi-phase fluids
• Fluid slippage adversely affects accuracy; this varies with flow
rate, differential pressure, temperature, viscosity and clearance
• Accuracy adversely affected by bubbles present in fluids

10. OVAL Gear Flow Meter Applications
The oval gear flow meter is designed primarily for use with higher-
viscosity fluids, which has led to applications in metering of oils,
syrups and fuels, for example:
• Dosage and metering of additives
• Determination of net fuel consumption
• Leakage monitoring
• Fuel cell applications
• Fuel oil metering
• Shipping and accepting petroleum products

11. The main questions which need to be considered
before selecting an oval gear flow meter:
• What is the viscosity range of the fluid being metered?
• What is the minimum and maximum working flow range?
• Is the fluid clean; are there any solids present?
• What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
• What is the minimum and maximum process temperature ?
• What is the degree of accuracy required?
• Is an output required and, if so, what type?
• Is the meter operating in a hazardous area?
• Are specific approvals (eg ATEX) required?
• Is a flow instrument required?
• What type of connection is required?

12. For more information or to discuss your application, please contact
icenta Controls Ltd
Exclusive distributor in the UK for OVAL Corporation of Japan
Tel: +44 1722 741890
sales@icenta.co.uk
www.icenta.co.uk