What to Look for in Electromagnetic Flow Meter Manufacturers

Electromagnetic flow meter is used for the purpose of measuring the flow rate of electrically conductive fluids in pipelines. In contrast to other types of flow measuring devices, there are no moving elements in the measuring tube. An electromagnetic flow meter utilizes magnetic field and electrodes in order to measure the movement of the liquid.

As far as the industries dealing with water, waste water, chemicals, slurries and other conductive fluids are concerned, it is important to choose a correct manufacturer since this meter should correspond to process conditions. Innovatec Systems offers the industrial instrumentation solutions for applications requiring reliable flow and level measurement. When seeking Electromagnetic Flow Meter Manufacturers, it would be reasonable for the clients to study such aspects as the measuring principle of the instrument, its liner and electrodes, accuracy, mounting requirements and compatibility with your process.

The Fluid Determines the Right Meter Construction

First of all, one has to ask himself about the process fluid. An electromagnetic flow meter measures the conductive liquid; however, depending on the type of the fluid, different requirements can be imposed on the wetted elements.

For instance, clean water, wastewater containing solids, corrosive chemicals and abrasive slurries might require different combinations of liners and electrodes. It is also necessary to consider the chemical composition of the fluid as well as its temperature.

A good manufacturer will ask his customer about these process conditions prior to offering him a particular model. It is more helpful than choosing the meter based solely on pipeline diameter and cost.

Liner and Electrode Selection Deserve Attention

The liner is used as an internal surface of the measuring tube while the electrodes are in contact with the process liquid. Thus, the selection of the material of both components is important for their suitability and durability.

The important information for the customer is the chemical composition, temperature and concentration of the fluid as well as the presence of any abrasives. Innovatec Systems helps their clients in identifying the proper instrumentation according to the client's application requirements.

Even an ideal flow meter design would deliver inaccurate results if installed improperly. It can happen because of the pipe configuration, flow profile, grounding, air in the pipeline, and position of the meter itself.

That is why potential buyers should consult the manufacturer regarding the installation prior to the purchase. The manufacturer should know about the pipeline configuration and the conditions in which the instrument is going to be used.

This question becomes especially crucial in case of installing an instrument in an already existing pipeline since there might be problems with straight-run length and space for installation of the instrument.

Sizing Should Match the Actual Flow Range

Choosing the instrument based on matching the nominal pipe diameter leads to choosing an inappropriate measurement range. Minimum, average, and maximum flow rate must be taken into account.

The instrument should measure flows within the range which is significant for the plant. If the process works with a considerably lower flow rate than the measurement range of the selected meter, the customer won't have the desired measurement performance from the installation. That is why Electromagnetic flow meter Manufacturers should get some information about the process parameters before advising the instrument type.

Consider the Output and Control System

Modern industrial flow meters are usually part of automation systems. There could be a need to display the flow value locally, transmit it to the control system, or use it for control and monitoring purposes.

Before ordering, the customers should think about the output requirements and make sure that the meter is compatible with existing control system architecture.

The display type and configuration capabilities become also important for operators who need to check flow values at the plant themselves. An instrument that provides useful measurement range but difficult to configure would create additional operational effort.

Where Different Flow Technologies Fit

Electromagnetic measurement is not suitable for every fluid. Comparing technologies can help customers identify the right instrument for their process.

Flow Meter Type

Measurement Principle

Typical Suitable Applications

Electromagnetic flow meter

Magnetic field and electrode-based measurement

Conductive liquids, water, wastewater, chemicals and slurries

Ultrasonic flow meter

Uses ultrasonic signals to determine flow

Suitable liquid applications where non-invasive or alternative installation is required

Vortex flow meter

Detects vortices created around a bluff body

Steam, gases and suitable liquids

Thermal mass flow meter

Uses heat transfer to measure mass flow

Primarily gases and selected low-flow applications

The purpose of this comparison is not to treat these technologies as interchangeable. Each operates according to a different measurement principle and therefore needs to be matched to the process.

Application Knowledge Matters More Than a Product Catalogue

The manufacturing company might supply many types of instruments; however, what is important for the buyer is the fact that the supplier knows the actual process.

Different kinds of facilities require completely different types of measurements. The properties of the fluid, pipeline layout, temperature, pressure, flow range, and cleaning requirements will have an effect on the choice of instruments.

Innovatec Systems will help the customer to consider instrumentation taking into account the process rather than just choosing equipment according to the specifications without knowing the process.

Level Measurement Is a Separate Requirement

Flow measurement and level measurement are quite common in one and the same facility; however, these are two different kinds of measurements. The flowmeter is responsible for the measurement of the fluid flow in the pipeline, while the level transmitter is used to measure the level of the substance in the tank, vessel, or any other container.

Radar Level Transmitter is a type of level transmitter using radar signals to measure the level and not the same principle of measurement as the Electromagnetic Flowmeter. This fact gives relevance of the radar technology for the tanks and vessels requiring the continuous level monitoring.

Questions to Ask Before Placing an Order

Comparison between different Electromagnetic flow meter Manufacturers will require sufficient process data from the customer for application-oriented recommendations.

Data such as the following is necessary:

• Type and Conductivity of the liquid
• Lowest, average, and highest flow rates
• Pipeline size
• Temperature and Pressure of operation
• Chemical Concentration when needed
• Any suspended particles
• Need for Liner & Electrode compatibility
• Installation configuration
• Outputs required and method of communication

These parameters provided at the start of the comparison process can help avoid choosing a meter which may not be suitable to the conditions.

Innovatec Systems for Industrial Flow Measurement

Innovatec Systems provides industrial instrumentation services related to flow and level measurement. Innovatec Systems can have the following value for its customers that consider Electromagnetic flow meter Manufacturers – to understand the process and choose proper instrumentation.

Also, Innovatec Systems' experience may be relevant for those applications when the customers would like to compare the measurements using electromagnetic technology to ultrasonic, vortex, or thermal mass flow measurement. The correct choice of the technology depends not on its advanced features, but on the process itself, fluid, and the goal of the measurements. Additionally, those customers that have requirements for the tanks-level measurement could find Radar level transmitter solutions relevant.

Benefits of Choosing Innovatec Systems

Using the experience of those manufacturers, which know several measurement technologies, the customers could understand their instrumentation requirements better and not think that one technology can fit every process. Instead, the buyers would be able to consider the features of the process and compare the measurement principle to them.

Innovatec Systems gives customers the opportunity to choose instrumentation solutions for different requirements of flow and level measurements. It is important for industrial customers that consider both single instruments and measurement systems.

Thus, in case of electromagnetic flow-meter application, the key benefit for the customer is the possibility to choose the instrument according to the process parameters.

FAQs

What kind of liquid does the electromagnetic flow meter measure?

The electromagnetic flow meter measures electrically conductive liquids such as water, waste water, many chemicals, and some slurries.

Does an electromagnetic flow meter measure gas?

No. An electromagnetic flow meter measures conductive liquids and not a universal gas measurement tool.

What are the steps in selecting the correct size meter?

There are a range of things that should be considered including the minimum, normal, and maximum flow rates, as well as pipeline diameter and process conditions. 

How is the electromagnetic flow meter different from the ultrasonic flow meter?

The two meters use different measuring techniques. The electromagnetic uses the magnetic field and electrodes while the ultrasonic uses sound waves. The right one is determined by the fluid and installation specifications.

Are flow meters and Radar level transmitters similar?

No. A flow meter measures fluid flows in a pipeline while a radar level transmitter measures the level of the substance in a vessel.

Selecting the Manufacturer Around the Application

Decision-making between Electromagnetic flow meter Manufacturers should be based on the process and not on the instrument manual. Conductivity of the fluid, chemical composition, flow rate range, temperature, pressure, pipeline diameter, installation situation, and output signals all play a part in making that decision.

The expertise offered by Innovatec Systems could help clients assess their needs for the electromagnetic flow measurement along with other devices such as Ultrasonic flow meter Manufacturers, Vortex flow meter, Thermal mass flow meter, and Radar level transmitter. Matching the measuring technique with the application enables the instrumentation system to serve its purpose better.