The Rubik's Cube Challenge

Selecting a flowmeter can be a challenge — so many meter types, so many manufacturers, so many application requirements — fluid type, specific density, flow range, pipe size, electronic accessories, etc. And flowmeter type — thermal, turbine, electromagnetic, Coriolis, positive displacement, vortex, ultrasonic. But the most current critical issues in flowmeter selection are low operating costs and accuracy.

David Ivester, V.P. marketing and planning, Emerson Process Management, Rosemount Measurement says, “Rising energy costs are driving end users to seek more accurate measurement of material consumption, so we are seeing a trend toward adding additional measurement points. The focus on reducing unnecessary maintenance and improving environmental compliance has generated interest in inline meter verification and flowmeter diagnostics to provide early warning detection when conditions change. As the world’s hydrocarbon energy supply deals with more difficult extraction and processing, we are seeing more demand for exotic materials and flowmeters that can withstand higher temperatures and pressures.”

Randy Brown, marketing director, Fluid Components International, says, “Process engineers continue to demand greater flow measurement accuracy and reliability to achieve higher plant volume output at the lowest operating cost. The focus on reducing unnecessary maintenance and improving environmental compliance has generated interest in inline meter verification and flowmeter diagnostics to provide early warning detection when conditions change. ”