Positive displacement flow meters come in various types, each employing a specific mechanism to measure and quantify the flow of fluid. Here are some common types of positive displacement flow meters:
Piston Meters:
Working Principle: A piston moves within a cylindrical chamber to trap and displace a known volume of fluid.
Applications: Suitable for measuring the flow of both viscous and non-viscous fluids. Used in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, and water treatment.
Oval Gear Meters:
Working Principle: Consists of two oval-shaped gears that rotate within a chamber, trapping and displacing fluid.
Applications: Suitable for measuring the flow of liquids with various viscosities. Commonly used in industries like petroleum, chemicals, and food and beverage.
Rotary Vane Meters:
Working Principle: Rotating vanes inside a cylindrical chamber trap and displace fluid.
Applications: Well-suited for measuring the flow of liquids, including viscous fluids. Used in applications such as fuel dispensing and industrial processes.
Diaphragm Meters:
Working Principle: Flexible diaphragms expand and contract with the flow of fluid, displacing a fixed volume.
Applications: Used for measuring the flow of gas and liquids. Common in applications like natural gas measurement and water utilities.
Nutating Disc Meters:
Working Principle: A disc "nutates" or wobbles as fluid flows through, displacing a fixed volume.
Applications: Suitable for measuring the flow of liquids, including water and chemicals. Commonly used in residential water meters.
Gear Meters:
Working Principle: Gears rotate within a chamber, trapping and displacing fluid.
Applications: Used for measuring the flow of various liquids. Common in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and food processing.
Lobe Meters:
Working Principle: Lobes (rotating elements with lobed shapes) trap and displace fluid.
Applications: Suitable for measuring the flow of viscous liquids. Used in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Helical Screw Meters:
Working Principle: Two intermeshing screws trap and displace fluid.
Applications: Used for measuring the flow of both liquids and gases. Common in industrial processes and custody transfer applications.
Rotary Piston Meters:
Working Principle: Rotating pistons trap and displace fluid.
Applications: Suitable for measuring the flow of both liquids and gases. Used in industries such as chemicals and oil and gas.
Positive displacement flow meters are valued for their accuracy, especially at lower flow rates, and are commonly used in applications where precise measurement is critical. The choice of the appropriate positive displacement flow meter depends on factors such as the type of fluid being measured, flow rate requirements, and the characteristics of the application.
