Looking for the right gas flow meter for your application? Whether you’re considering a caudalímetro vortex, caudalímetro másico térmicoo pitot tube differential pressure meter, this practical guide will help you avoid common mistakes and choose the best option based on your actual operating conditions.
Two Common Mistakes in Gas Flow Meter Selection
🔸 Mistake #1: Choosing by Pipe Size Only
Selecting a gas flow meter based solely on pipe diameter is a major mistake. Each flow meter type is designed for specific working conditions and gas properties. No single technology fits all.
Key Tip: Always consider your application’s gas type, flow range, pressure, and temperature.
🔸 Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Price or Brand
A low price often means lower-quality sensors, electronics, or materials—resulting in inaccurate gas flow readings. Meanwhile, even premium brands can fail if not matched to your process conditions.
📌 Smart buyers look for performance compatibility, not just logos or discounts.
Real Case: Wrong Flow Meter Choice Delayed a Project
A distributor once supplied a vortex gas flow meter based only on pipe diameter, ignoring the customer’s fluctuating gas demand and low flow rates. The result? Poor low-flow accuracy and project delays.
Only after switching to a pitot tube differential pressure flow meter (MTKB- 201x) with a wider measuring range was the issue resolved.
📌 Poor selection increases service costs and risks your reputation.
Cómo Elegir el Caudalímetro de Gas Adecuado
To make a successful gas flow meter selection, evaluate the following seven key factors:
1. Confirm Gas Composition
Is the gas clean and dry? Does it contain moisture, oil mist, or corrosive components?
- Thermal flow meters (MT211x / MT221x): require clean, dry gas with no liquid water.
- Pitot tube differential pressure meters (MTKB-201x): require non-corrosive gases.
- Vortex flow meters (LUGBMT): must consider lower limit of flow measurement.
2. Confirm Actual Flow Rate
Is your system’s flow rate within the meter’s measurable range?
- MTKB-201x: 5–300 Nm/s
- MT211x Thermal Meter: 0.1–120 or 0.1–250 Nm/s (two ranges available)
3.Pipe Size & Probe Length
For insertion gas flow meters:
- 250 mm probe: suitable for DN25–DN250
- 400 mm probe: suitable for DN25–DN600
4. Accuracy Requirements
Standard: ±1.5%. High Accuracy (±1%): available upon request
5. Temperature Conditions
- For high-temperature gas (>200°C), use high-temp vortex meters
- For humid gas: enable anti-condensation design in differential pressure types
6. Pressure Range
- Pitot Tube (MTKB-201x): max 16 bar
- Thermal Flow Meter (MT211x): available in 16 / 40 / 64 bar options
- If pressure is <3 bar, ask for low-pressure calibration for better accuracy.
7. Additional Details to Confirm
- Pipe layout and straight run length
- Need for accessories (e.g., ball valve, power module, communication converter)
Need a Quick-Reference Gas Flow Meter Selection Table?
Yes—we’ve got it!
Application Scenario | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Installation without stopping gas flow | ✅ | ✅ | ||
High requirements for low pressure drop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
|
One flow meter adaptable to multiple pipe sizes | ✅ | ✅ | ||
Installed before post-treatment: with condensate, unclean gas (e.g., compressor outlet) | ✅ |
| ✅ | |
Micro-flow measurement at gas usage points (clean gas, no condensate) |
| ✅ | ✅ | |
High-pressure applications (16–64 bar), low velocity, clean gas, no condensate | ✅ | ✅ | ||
Vacuum flow measurement under clean conditions | ✅ | ✅ | ||
Blower flow measurement (low pressure, large pipe size) | ✅ | ✅ | ||
Small pipe applications (< DN32) |
| ✅ | ✅ | |
High temperature, high pressure, or humid gas (e.g., steam) | ✅ |
👉 Contact Metlan Instruments today to get your customized Flow Meter Selection Chart and expert guidance for your specific gas application.
