Flow

Flow

Flow measurement instruments quantify the movement of liquids, gases, and steam through piping as a rate (volume or mass per unit time) and, when required, as accumulated totals. Reliable flow data supports mass and energy balances, batching and blending, and closed-loop control of pumps, valves, and burners. When used for reconciliation or custody-relevant transfers, measurement integrity directly influences compliance, cost allocation, and product accountability.

A broad technology portfolio is used to match the measuring principle to the process. Electromagnetic meters are optimized for conductive liquids; Coriolis meters provide direct mass flow and density; ultrasonic meters offer clamp-on or low-pressure-loss alternatives; vortex meters are common for steam and utilities; thermal mass meters address gas measurement; and differential-pressure solutions combine primary elements with DP transmitters for widely proven service.

Correct selection improves repeatability and turndown while limiting sensitivity to viscosity changes, entrained gas, coating, or wet-steam effects. The result is tighter control, less dosing giveaway, and faster identification of abnormal conditions such as fouling, leaks, or pump cavitation via diagnostic flags and trend behavior. Multi-variable outputs (e.g., mass flow plus density) can further support concentration control and material tracking without additional instruments.

Modern flowmeters are designed for efficient commissioning and maintainable operation. Digital communications enable guided setup, parameter backups, event logs, and integration into plant asset management systems. Verification features and health indicators help establish confidence between calibrations, and diagnostic status can be forwarded to higher-level systems for alarm handling and condition-based maintenance planning.

Typical applications range from utility and steam distribution monitoring to high-value chemical feeds and hygienic dosing. Common duties include blending and batching, cooling-water and CIP circuits, gas consumption tracking, and wastewater influent/effluent measurement. Selection balances required accuracy, pressure loss, straight-run availability, materials of construction, cleanability, and hazardous-area or safety requirements.

Engineered Equipment Company, a leading supplier of specialized industrial equipment.