Flow sensor or flowmeter?

flow sensor

Flow sensor or flowmeter, that’s the question 😉

To be honest, when we would be having a conversation about your application, it doesn’t matter wether the needed instrument is referred to as flowmeter or flow sensor. We will both know what we mean and come to the right conclusion.

A different situation is the moment that an engineer starts searching the internet for a flow sensor. Chances are high that the search result returns a sensor which has no proper measuring capability. A disappointing testresult is to be expected.

When to choose for a flow sensor?

Flow verification

A flow sensor will return a signal when flow is detected. So if you look for a flow-verification, a sensor is sufficient. You may have already a signal that the pump is running, but due to numerous aspects in the piping system, it is well possible that the intended flow is not happening. A simple sensor will provide certainty!

High-Low flowrate

In your system there might be situations where a high or a low flowrate occurs, a sensor might be ccurate enough to properly determine which of the stages is actual. Again a good sensor-application.

When is a flowmeter the better option?

Input for a controlled flow

In equipment there are often liquid cooling circuits in which a nominal flowrate is designed. In process-circumstances the actual flowrate may differ from the nominal value.
The actual flowrate is converted in real-time to an analogue value (often 4-20 mA range).
This signal acts as a reference for adjusting the pump.
The result is a flowrate that is continuously at the designed value, providing maximal thermal stability to the equipment.
MIB’s Flowmax 44i is a commonly used instrument in piping up to Dn25 m.
Higher flowrates are handled by Flowmax 54i.

Qualification of a pump

Imagine your engineers designed a new setup which will be the basis of all your machines in the future.
Do you trust the specs on paper, or would a validation make sense? In most industries qualification and validation are mandatory.
A test-bench with an accurate flowmeter is part of that.

Volumetric / Batch-control

In applications where a certain volume needs to be dispensed or transported, a flowmeter is the right instrument to measure the volume which has passed.
Flowmax has the option to define the batch-volume and when this amount is measured, a digital output signal informs the system that valves can be shut and pumps turned off.

Volumetric control for financial transactions

When purchasing fuel, the dispenser registers the amount of dispensed.
The measured volume is used to initiate the financial transaction.
The instrument to use here is not a flowensor and not a normal flowmeter, it requires MID-approval.
Flowmeister is happy to advise you on this topic!
Sorry we can’t fill it in with the range of Flowmax instruments.

What’s your application? Get advised and receive a quote !

Your instrument has been tested, which is certified with the delivery. Optionally, a 3- or 8-point calibration-certificate can be ordered to prove the exact accuracy.

Before you submit:

you may trust an honest advise. If FlowMax is not your best possible solution, I will explain you why that is.

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