3 Tips When Buying a Mass Flow Meter

Choosing a mass flow meter requires a bit of knowledge about what is being measured. Both gas and liquid can be quantified using gauges that compute the flow at kilograms per second or liters per second in relation to the density of the material. Each device is different and you can't use the same meter for both wastewater plant and potable water, for example. But choosing one that's perfect for you will not be as difficult if you follow the tips below.

Make a checklist
What is the material to be measured: is it liquid or gas? If so, what type of liquid or gas are you working with? Is the liquid dirty or clean? Do you want the process the information manually or remotely? What about the temperature conditions of the plant and the material, are they hot or cold? Measuring hot water may need a gauge that will compensate for the change in temperature to get an accurate reading. Make sure you consider in your checklist the following: the liquid viscosity, corrosive and conductive properties, toxicity if applicable, and type of piping. When dealing with gases, make sure you list down if it's wet, corrosive, toxic, combustible, or clean.

There are numerous mass or water flow meters to choose from such as coriolis, differential pressure, energy, magnetic, open channel, optical, massive displacement, thermal, turbine, ultrasonic, variable area and vortex. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Narrowing down prospects
There are so many companies offering these devices but the best manufacturers have the best engineers to help you identity plant specifications through an easy-to-follow guide will help determine the perfect product for your needs. You also want a company with strong local presence with qualified partners in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This is to minimize the potential shut-down time when the mass flow meters encounter a snag since the manufacturer can immediately send in engineers. Also, the manufacturer should be able to offer you a competitive rate along with technical training of your staff, application assistance or taking care of the repair and maintenance.

Saving on costs
The process of listing down the plant specifications will entail cost, if you consider the number of manpower hours alone. Then you have to find the perfect technology that fits your need. An educated estimate would place the expense somewhere between 30 to 40% of the sales cost. There are online configuration processes like the Smart Matrix which will allow you just point and click to determine which mass flow meter would be the ideal apparatus for your plant needs. Once you have the suggested product, you can then research the technical information online or ask the installing engineer to explain the features for you.