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The technology for flow measuring has changed radically in the last ten years. Before then it was necessary to actually open a pipe and put in a tool in order to measure the flow. Now you can attach a couple of transducers and get an accurate measurement of the gas or liquid flowing inside. A portable flow meter will allow you to measure different areas in a pipe as well as only have one unit to measure multiple locations. The technology that makes this possible is called transit time.
What is Transit Time?
Transit time enables flow meters to measure relatively clean fluids with low aeration accurately. These meters operate by comparing the time for a signal to travel with the flow against the time for a signal to travel against the flow. By measuring the downstream time versus the upstream time you can get a proportional measurement of the flow.
A portable flow meter is a unit that has two clamps on it that attach to the pipe and send the signal. The portable flow meter will convert the information to the flow rate and total flow. By placing the transducers on the outside of the pipe, a portable flow meter is able to measure the flow without having to go into the pipe. This is a large advantage over the more invasive methods of having to cut into the pipe.
Magmeters, vortex meters, and turbine flow meters have serious down time for installation and can pollute a system. A portable flow meter does the exact same job with no risk of these things happening. There is no drop in pressure, no moving parts, and no risk of leaks. Once in place, a portable flow meter is completely maintenance free.
The other huge advantage of using a portable flow meter is that it can be moved from site to site and be used to measure different parts of the pipe. Traditional flow meters do not offer this advantage. In addition, a portable ultrasonic flow meter is at least if not more accurate than the alternative methods. The reason for this is simple; it does not change the active system in any way while it is in operation.
Hopefully this has helped to give you an idea of what a portable flow meter can do for you. The only way to really see how useful these tools are is to get one for yourself and try it out. Luckily for the most part the tools are not that expensive and can measure a wide variety of pipes. |
