Differential Pressure Flowmeter

Tags: Pressure Differential Flow Instrumentation

Differential pressure (DP) flowmeter is a type of flow measurement device used to measure the flow rate of fluids in a pipeline or process system.  It operates based on the principle of Bernoulli's equation, which relates the pressure drop across a constriction in a pipe to the fluid flow rate.  DP flowmeters are commonly used in various industrial applications for monitoring and controlling fluid flows.

Here's how a Differential Pressure Flowmeter works

• Primary Element  -  The key component of a DP flowmeter is a primary element, which is placed in the flow stream.  This primary element creates a constriction or obstruction in the pipe, causing the fluid to accelerate as it passes through.  Common types of primary elements include orifice plates, venturi tubes, flow nozzles, and pitot tubes.
• Pressure Measurement  -  Two pressure taps are located upstream (before the constriction) and downstream (after the constriction) of the primary element.  Pressure sensors or transmitters are connected to these taps to measure the pressure differential across the primary element.
• Flow Calculation  -  The pressure difference between the upstream and downstream taps is directly related to the flow rate of the fluid according to Bernoulli's equation.  The pressure difference (ΔP), along with the known characteristics of the primary element (the shape and dimensions of an orifice plate), is used to calculate the flow rate.

The formula used to calculate flow rate in a DP flowmeter is typically based on the Bernoulli equation and may involve correction factors to account for various factors like fluid density, temperature, and the specific design of the primary element.

DP flowmeters offer several advantages

• Versatility  -  They can be used with a wide range of fluid types, including gases, liquids, and steam.
• Reliability  -  DP flowmeters are known for their robustness and reliability in various industrial environments.
• Wide Range of Applications  -  They are suitable for measuring both low and high flow rates, making them applicable in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and more.

However, DP flowmeters also have limitations, such as pressure drop across the primary element, which can affect system efficiency, and the need for periodic calibration and maintenance. Users should carefully consider their specific application requirements when selecting a flow measurement technology

flow nozzle

Flow nozzles are used to meter the flow of gas or liquid in a pipeline from the upstream to the downstream of the nozzle.

• Flange Flow Nozzle  -  Designed to be inserted between two flanges.
• Holding Ring Flow Nozzle  -  Used when you have to matching different materials.  The holding ring and pins are made of the same material as the pipe, the nozzle is to be inserted in.
• Tapped Flange Flow Nozzle  -  Similar to the flange flow nozzle but with a 1/2 inch tap.
• Weld-in Flow Nozzle  -  Welded in line.

flow tube

Instrumentation flow tube is used in flow measurement systems.  It's necessary to accurately measure the flow of liquids or gases for various purposes such as process control, monitoring, and research.  The flow tube measures the pressure difference between the large and small tapped straight sections.

orifice plate

An orifice plate measures the flow of a liquid or gas by the difference in pressure from the upstream to the downstream.  This plate creates a restriction in a pipe that causes a difference in pressure between the two sides.  A meter then measures the difference in pressure across the orifice plate.

Pilot Tube

The pitot tube measures the flow difference between the front of the tube (facing the flow) to the back of the tube.

venturi tube

The venturi tube measures the pressure difference between the front and the back of a restricted section of pipe.