Gas Flow Meters
In industries ranging from oil and gas to healthcare and environmental monitoring, gas flow meters play a crucial role in ensuring the accurate measurement and control of gas flow. Accurate gas flow measurement is essential in numerous industries to monitor and control processes, detect leaks, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. Gas flow meters operate based on different measurement principles, such as differential pressure, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic waves, or vortex shedding. The choice of a gas flow meter depends on factors such as the type of gas, flow rate, pressure, temperature, and required accuracy. Here’s the gas flow meter selection guide.
| Factor | Thermal Mass Meter | Vortex Meter | Coriolis Mass Meter | Ultrasonic Meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Types | Clean, dry gases | Steam, dusty gases | High-value gases | Dusty/high-humidity gases |
| Accuracy | ±1% | ±1% | ±0.2% | ±0.5% |
| Flow Range | Wide range | Medium to high | Low to Medium | Wide range |
| Temp. Range | -40°C to 150°C | -200°C to 400°C | -200°C to 350°C | ≤65°C |
| Max. Process Pressure | 63 bar | 250 bar | 250 bar | 420 bar |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Thermal Mass Flow Meters
Suitable Gas Types for Thermal Mass Flow Meter:
Clean, dry gases (e.g., compressed air, nitrogen, argon), corrosive gases (with special coatings), biogas
Advantages of Thermal Mass Flowmeter:
- Direct mass flow measurement (no temperature/pressure compensation required)
- Low pressure loss (suitable for low-pressure gases)
- Fast response (0.5–2 seconds)
- Capable of measuring low flow rates (minimum 0.05 m/s)
- Wide Turndown Ratio
Vortex Flow Meters
Suitable Gas Types for Vortex Flow Meter:
Steam (saturated/superheated), medium-to-high velocity gases (e.g., process gases, exhaust gases), gases with minor liquid droplets
Advantages of Vortex Flowmeter:
- High-temperature tolerance (up to 400°C)
- High-pressure tolerence (up to 250 bar)
- Can handle partially two-phase flows
Turbine Gas Flow Meters
Suitable Gas Types for Turbine Flow Meter:
Non-corrosive gaseous media with medium to low flow rates, such as natural gas, propane, butane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
Advantages of Turbine Flowmeter:
- Suitable for high-pressure systems.
- Cost-effective for large-diameter pipelines.
Coriolis Mass Flow Meters
Suitable Gas Types for Coriolis Flow Meter:
High-value gas measurement (LNG, ethylene), process gases with bubbles, non-Newtonian fluid gases
Advantages of Coriolis Mass Flowmeter:
- Direct mass measurement with highest accuracy (±0.1%)
- Suitable for multi-phase flows (gas-liquid mixtures)
- Unaffected by fluid properties
Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meters
Suitable Gas Types for Ultrasonic Flow Meter:
Natural gas, flue gas, flare gas, high-humidity gases (≤5% liquid droplets), dusty gases (dust concentration <50 g/m³)
Advantages of Coriolis Mass Flowmeter:
- No pressure loss (ideal for large pipelines)
- Bidirectional measurement
- High turndown ratio
- Tolerates dirty media
How to Choose the Right Gas Flow Meter
Choosing the right gas flow meter depends on several factors:
- Type of Gas: Determine whether the gas is clean, corrosive, or contains particulates.
- Flow Rate Range: Ensure the flow meter can handle the expected flow range.
- Accuracy Requirements: Select a flow meter that meets the precision needed for the application.
- Operating Conditions: Consider temperature, pressure, and environmental factors.
- Installation Constraints: Decide whether a non-intrusive or inline meter is more practical.
- Budget: Balance cost with performance and maintenance requirements.