Titan Enterprises goes ‘back to basics’ with flow meter sensors

“Deciding on the best flow meter for a particular application can be problematic,” states Neil Hannay, Senior R&D Engineer with Titan Enterprises. “There is such a wide array of sensing and output technology combinations, each with its advantages and disadvantages. We wanted to pull together a technical explanation of flowmeter sensors and pulse output types so users can choose the one that will give them the most efficient system operation.”

Flow meters have developed into many forms over the years, from mechanical devices – such as a turbine or rotating gear – which rely on measurement of a rotational component, to devices that use ultrasound and other advanced technologies. These meters generally use a sensor to relay the flow measurements to a reading device. Nearly all types of flowmeters, from ultrasonic to turbines, are offered with pulse output flow signals. Sensing components used in a flowmeter measure the movement or flow rate of the liquid or gas passing through the system. The pulse output signal from these devices is, in essence, an on/off switch which changes state at a frequency related to the fluid flow.

As well as discussing the different sensors primarily used in today’s flowmeters and drawing on examples of application, a detailed review of the semiconductor sensor components is also included. Titan’s technical review touches on advantages and disadvantages of each sensor type, along with best practice for connecting sensors to the desired read-out device.

Defining some of the key functions and recommended applications of these sensors provides a useful comparison to guide the user’s decision as to the optimum output for their flow measurement requirements.