Thermal Flow Meter

When performing on-site analysis in the processing plant or similar environment, there are various different ways and approaches that must be employed in order to arrive at the desired result. This should not come as much of a surprise since different plants serve a number of different purposes. As such, it is best to look towards the most comprehensive approach to the operation of the processing system as possible. That means a variety of equipment will need to be installed in order to ensure that the pipeline or vessel transporting liquids will operate in a full service manner. Of the many varied items a processing engineer requires, thermal flow meters serve some of the most helpful functions.

For those curious as to what purpose these devices actually perform, here is a brief overview: they are intended for the purpose of measuring the flow of a fluid by way of examining the thermal properties of the fluid. This is done by examining a controlled and measured amount of heat to the fluid. (Hence, this is where the term thermal derives from) A sensor will then log the results which can be reviewed by the Engineer or operative. The results of this review can then be weighed for a variety of different purposes and results.

While some may assume that the development of thermal flow meters is the result of new advancements in engineering and associated industries, the origin of this type of equipment actually dates back to the very early part of the 20th century. Of course, there have been many modern advancements made in the development of this particular device. This has allowed it to achieve a level of accuracy and function that adds a level of confidence to the process that would not have been possible without such technological achievements.

The engineering and processing industries are fields that are always growing and innovating. The equipment used in these areas often follow suit quite rapidly. That is why there is such great success in the development of systems such as thermal flow meters. They are able to take an age-old concept or system and effectively update it in such a way that it delivers a great help to all manner of relevant environments. To say this delivers a great value to this environment would be tremendous understatement and most Processing and engineering personnel are grateful that such advanced systems exist to aid them in their work.

There are two different methods that thermal flow meters employ to deliver on their intended results. The first process is known as a constant temperature differential approach and the other is a constant current system. The former system employs measurements of heat and gas while the latter method measures heat and the heat of a particular flow stream. Is one better than the other? Honestly, the issue is not whether one is better than the other as much as certain systems are more appropriate for some labs than others. In general, both serve their prime purpose well.