What is Positive Displacement Flow Metres and Its Applications?

 

Positive displacement flow metres are devices used to measure the volume of fluid flowing through a pipeline or channel by dividing it into measured segments. These metres are among the most popular and accurate flow measurement devices in use today. Positive displacement flow metres measure the quantity of fluid that flows through a pipe or duct by dividing it into measurable units. This blog post will explore positive displacement flow metres and their various applications.

 

What is Positive Displacement Flow?

Positive displacement flow refers to a type of flow where the volume of fluid that flows through a pipe or channel is determined by the movement of a piston, gear, or other mechanical component. As fluid moves through the metre, the movement of these mechanical components creates measurable units of fluid, which can be counted to determine the total volume of fluid that has flowed through the metre.

Types of Positive Displacement Flow Metres

There are several types of positive displacement flow metres. These include:

Piston Metres: Piston metres are widely used in the oil and gas industry for measuring the flow of petroleum products such as crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel. They are also used in the food and beverage industry for measuring the flow of liquids such as milk and fruit juices. Piston metres are capable of measuring both high and low flow rates accurately, making them ideal for applications where precise measurements are necessary. One of the key advantages of piston metres is their ability to maintain accuracy over a wide range of flow rates. They are also highly precise, with the ability to measure fluid flow within a very narrow range of tolerance. Piston metres are durable and can withstand harsh operating conditions, including high temperatures, pressure, and corrosive fluids.

Oval Gear Metres: Oval gear metres are commonly used in applications where high accuracy is required. These types of flow metres have a simple design and can be used to measure a wide range of fluids, including corrosive and viscous fluids. The gears in oval gear metres are typically made of materials such as stainless steel, PTFE, or other suitable materials that can withstand the properties of the fluid being measured. One of the advantages of oval gear metres is their ability to maintain their accuracy over a wide range of flow rates, making them ideal for measuring the flow of fluids that vary in viscosity. Oval gear metres are also capable of measuring flow in both directions, which can be useful in some applications.

Nutating Disc Metres: Nutating disc metres use a disc that is mounted on a central ball that is offset from the centre. As the fluid flows through the metre, the disc wobbles or nutates. The wobbling motion of the disc creates a space between the disc and the metre body, which varies in size with the flow rate. The volume of fluid that passes through the metre is measured by counting the number of disc wobbles and multiplying it by the known volume of each wobble. Nutating disc metres are highly accurate and can be used to measure a wide range of fluids, including those with low viscosity. They are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications where precise measurement is required.

Rotary Vane Metres: Rotary vane metres consist of a rotor with blades that rotate as fluid flows through the metre. The blades are slightly offset, which creates a chamber for the fluid to flow through. As the fluid passes through the chamber, it causes the rotor to rotate, which in turn creates measurable units of fluid. Rotary vane metres are known for their high accuracy and wide flow range. They are often used in applications where precision and accuracy are critical, such as the measurement of fuels, chemicals, and food products. The simple design of rotary vane metres also makes them easy to maintain and repair.

How Do Positive Displacement Flow Metres Work?

Positive displacement flow metres work by dividing the fluid flowing through a pipeline or channel into measurable segments. As fluid moves through the metre, it creates mechanical movement that is measured by the metre. The metre then records the number of segments created and calculates the volume of fluid that has flowed through the metre.

 

What are the Applications of Flow Metre?

Positive displacement flow metres are used in a wide range of applications in various industries, including:

Petroleum Industry: Positive displacement flow metres are commonly used in the petroleum industry to measure the volume of crude oil, gasoline, and other petroleum products flowing through pipelines.

Food and Beverage Industry: Positive displacement flow metres are used in the food and beverage industry to measure the volume of liquid ingredients, such as milk, fruit juice, and beer, that are used in the production of various food and beverage products.

Chemical Industry: Positive displacement flow metres are used in the chemical industry to measure the volume of chemicals flowing through pipelines during the manufacturing process.

Pharmaceutical Industry: Positive displacement flow metres are used in the pharmaceutical industry to measure the volume of liquid ingredients used in the production of various drugs and medications.

Conclusion

Positive displacement flow metres have proven to be an indispensable tool in various industrial applications, including chemical processing, food and beverage production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, to name a few. The ability of these metres to accurately measure and control fluid flow makes them crucial for ensuring product quality and consistency as well as optimising production efficiency. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovations in positive displacement flow metre design and functionality, further expanding their applications and capabilities.

IDEX India is a trusted manufacturer of liquid handling solutions, including positive displacement flow metres. With its commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation, IDEX India has established itself as a leader in the fluid handling industry. Their positive displacement flow metres are designed to meet the demanding needs of a wide range of applications and industries, delivering accurate and precise flow measurement in even the harshest operating conditions. Whether for industrial or commercial use, IDEX India's positive displacement flow metres offer the accuracy, reliability, and durability needed for optimal performance and productivity.