Flow Meters

Malema Flow Meters FAQ

• How do flow meters work?

  A flow meter is an instrument that measures how much liquid, gas, or steam moves through a pipe or channel as volumetric flow (e.g., m³/h, GPM) or mass flow (e.g., kg/h). Common types of flow meters include ultrasonic, Coriolis, vortex, paddle wheel, differential pressure and electromagnetic.

• What are the different types of flow meters?

  Flow meters are available in the following types:

  • Coriolis flow meters directly measure mass flow and fluid density by detecting changes in a tube's vibration as fluid passes through. They provide highly accurate measurements and are commonly used in chemical dosing, high-purity processes and applications where exact mass flow is essential.
  • Ultrasonic flow meters use sound waves to measure the velocity of fluid moving through a pipe. They offer non-invasive or low-intrusion measurement options and are well-suited for corrosive chemicals, high-purity liquids and applications where maintaining system cleanliness is a priority.
  • Paddlewheel flow meters use a rotating paddle or impeller to determine flow rate. They are cost-effective, simple to install, and perform well in water, low-viscosity fluids and general industrial applications requiring straightforward flow monitoring.
  • Vortex flow meters measure flow by detecting vortices shed by a bluff body placed in the fluid stream. They are robust, low-maintenance and suitable for a wide range of fluids, making them valuable in industrial and utility systems.

• What is the difference between an ultrasonic and a Coriolis flow meter?

  Ultrasonic flow meters measure fluid velocity using sound waves and are typically non-invasive, making them ideal for high purity and corrosive liquids. Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow and density directly, providing high accuracy even under varying fluid properties such as density and viscosity and are more suitable for demanding industrial applications.

• What is the best flow meter for chemicals?

  Coriolis flow meters are often preferred for chemical applications due to their ability to handle corrosive fluids, provide accurate mass flow measurements, and tolerate changes in temperature and viscosity.