This document discusses fundamentals of flowmeters, which are instruments used to measure linear and nonlinear mass or volumetric flow rates of liquids and gases. Flow measurement is vital for industries like water supply, oil extraction, gas distribution, and pharmaceuticals. There are various types of flowmeters that measure volumetric or mass flow rates using different operating principles like variable area, Coriolis effect, differential pressure, or turbine rotation. Flowmeters must be properly selected and calibrated according to factors like the fluid properties, pipe size, pressure, temperature, and compatibility with wetted parts to ensure accurate measurements.

1. Fundamentals of Flowmeters
John McCutcheon January 2014

2. What are Flowmeters?
 Instruments to
measure
 Linear
 Nonlinear
 Mass or Volumetric
flow rates of liquid or
gas.

3. Why is flow measurement vital?
 Industrial sectors
 Water supply
 Oil extraction
 Gas distribution
 Pharmaceutical industry

4. Types of Flow Measurement
 Mass flow rate
 Volume flow rate

5. Flow Fluid Measurements
Volumetric Flow Rate
Q = VT
Q = volume x time
Q = V x A
Flow = velocity x area
V = Q * T
Volume = flow x time

6. Fluid Flow Measurements
Reynolds Number
(Re) = p x D * v/u
p = density
D = internal pipe diameter
V = velocity
U = dynamic viscosity

7. Types of Flow
 Laminar
 Transition
 Turbulent

8. Laminar Flow

9. Transition Flows

10. Turbulent Flow

11. Flow of Fluid
Factors affecting flow of fluid:
 Velocity – speed fluid moves
 Viscosity – ease of flow of fluid
 Density – weight per unit volume

12. Flow Meter Types

13. Flow Meter Types

14. Flow Meter Types

15. Flow Meter Types

16. Flow Meter Investigation
(Variable Area Flow Meter)
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Applications

17. Mass Flow Meter
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Applications

18. Coriolis Flowmeter
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Applications

19. Differential Pressure Meters
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Applications

20. Turbine Meter
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Applications

21. Flow Meter Selection Reasons
 What is the fluid being
measured by the
flowmeter or flowmeters
(air, water, etc.)?
 If it is not water, what
viscosity is the liquid?
Is the fluid clean?
 If this is a process
application, what is the
size of the pipe?
 What is the minimum
and maximum process
pressure?
 What is the minimum
and maximum process
temperature?
 Is the fluid chemically
compatible with the
flowmeter wetted parts?

22. Calibration
 Must be done
conditions of actual
operation.
 Performed by a
certified company.

23. Types Of Calibration
 Wet calibration
 Standing start and
finish method

24. Reasons For Calibration
 Deposit on internal
surfaces
 Contamination
 Chemical attack
 Abuse
 Aging
 Electrical changes
 Mechanical changes
 Fluid property
differences
 Improper instilation
 External influences

25. Calibration Time scale
 When should these
be calibrated?
 Does time play a
factor?
 Do they require to
be calibrated?

26. Summary Of Investigation
 Any questions?