eHandbook: Flow Measurement

Flow measurement is in the middle of a decisive shift. For example, differential pressure flowmeters—long saddled with complex, Reynolds-number-dependent calculations—are getting simpler. In this E-handbook, we discuss a new "Energy Correlation Method" that strips out discharge coefficients and expansion factors entirely, opening DP meters to applications once considered off-limits. 
Meanwhile, large-pipe flow measurement is rethinking the old assumption that bigger pipes need bigger sensors: dual-tube architectures that split flow through smaller, more manageable measuring elements are proving that "small meters" can outperform unwieldy large ones. They can even blend multiple technologies into a single hybrid, multivariable measurement platform. 
In addition, we examine 20 years of market data, confirming what many have sensed on the plant floor: Coriolis, magnetic and ultrasonic flowmeters have surged from 38.5% to 57.7% of global flowmeter revenue since 2002, as end users trade mechanical, inferential technologies for digital, high-accuracy alternatives.
Together, these three articles paint a picture of an industry moving toward simpler math, smarter architecture and higher-performance digital instrumentation.

In this issue:

• Energy correlation method: Measuring mass flow with differential pressure flowmeters … 4
• Large pipe flow measurement: large sensors or small meters …14
• Flowmeters: 20-year data show a shift to three technologies …18
• Resources … 21