Frequently Asked Questions!

Flowquip have over 40 years in specifying flow meters. Below are the most common questions we get asked. 

Troubleshooting 

• Why is my flow meter showing inaccurate readings?
  
  Inaccuracies are usually caused by improper calibration for the fluid being measured, sensor damage, or installation issues like air bubbles, cavitation, or a lack of sufficient straight pipe runs. 

• How can I tell if a flow meter is faulty or out of specification?
  
  A failing device will often exhibit symptoms such as erratic readings, zero output signal, unusual physical damage, or a consistent deviation from expected process values. 

• Why is there no output signal?
  
  Users often need to check the power supply, output configuration, and wiring connections. You can diagnose potential issues using systematic Flow Meter Troubleshooting guides. 

Flow Meter Selection 

• How do I choose the right flow meter?
  
  Choosing the right meter requires answering key application questions: What is the fluid type (liquid, gas, steam)? What are the minimum and maximum flow rates? What are the operating temperatures, pressures, and pipe diameters?

• What are the different types of flow meters?
  
  The most common technologies include Coriolis Mass Flow Meters (measures mass flow directly with high accuracy), Electromagnetic Flow Meters (best for conductive liquids like water), Vortex Flow Meters (Ideal for Steam and Gases) Ultrasonic (often non-intrusive clamp-on options), and Turbine meters. 

• What is “turndown ratio”?
  
  Turndown ratio (or rangeability) defines the operational range of a flow meter. It is the ratio of the maximum measurable flow rate to the minimum measurable flow rate while maintaining the specified accuracy. 

Installation & Maintenance

• How often should flow meters be calibrated or replaced?
  
  Most industrial flow meters require recalibration at least annually to maintain accuracy, while highly critical applications may demand semi-annual checks. Devices typically last 10 to 20 years depending on the medium. Flowquip have an in-house calibration rig and can offer a 2-3 day turnaround on most flow meters. 

• What are the installation requirements?
  
  Proper installation is vital for accuracy. Most flow meters require a specific amount of straight, unobstructed pipe upstream and downstream to ensure the fluid develops a stable, predictable flow profile. 

• Can flow meters be installed vertically?
  
  It depends on the technology. While many meters (such as ultrasonic or magnetic) can operate in any orientation, mechanical meters like rotameters (variable area) generally must be installed vertically with flow moving bottom-to-top. 

Flowquip have over 45 years experience in supplying flow meters for a wide range of applications. Speak to our team today who are happy to answer all your application questions [email protected] or call (01422) 829920.