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Helical Rotor Flowmeters and Industrial Applications

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Helical rotor flowmeters are a special type of positive displacement flowmeter. They operate based on the principle of axial helical rotors being rotated by the fluid flow. Each rotation of the rotor represents a fixed and known volume, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability. They are widely used in petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, particularly for measuring high-viscosity fluids.

Helical Rotor Flowmeters

WORKING PRINCIPLE

As the fluid passes through the meter, it causes the helical rotors to rotate axially. The rotation displaces a fixed volume of fluid, which is measured to calculate volumetric flow.

Basic equation:
Qv = n · Vc
Qv: volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
n: rotor rotation frequency (Hz)
Vc: displaced volume per rotation (m³).

Helical rotor flowmeters are less affected by fluid density and viscosity, providing stable and accurate performance.

STRUCTURAL FEATURES

  • Body materials: stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum
  • Measuring elements: helical (screw-type) rotors
  • Output signals: magnetic pickup, pulse, digital signals
  • Low pressure drop
  • Excellent performance with high-viscosity fluids

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Advantages:

  • High accuracy (±0.2% – ±0.5%)
  • Reliable performance at low flow rates
  • Suitable for viscous and dense fluids
  • Minimal pressure loss

Limitations:

  • Moving parts require maintenance
  • Reduced lifespan with abrasive fluids
  • Less suitable for fluids containing solid particles

APPLICATION AREAS

  • Fuel and oil measurement
  • Polymer and solvent monitoring in chemical industries
  • Syrup, molasses, and honey measurement in food industry
  • Precise dosing in pharmaceutical applications
  • Lubrication systems in energy and automotive sectors

STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION

  • OIML R 117: Standard for liquid measuring devices
  • ISO/IEC 17025: Calibration laboratory accreditation
  • ATEX-certified models for explosive environments
  • Regular calibration is necessary to maintain accuracy

CONCLUSION

Helical rotor flowmeters play a vital role in industries requiring precise measurement of high-viscosity fluids. With their robust design, low pressure drop, and reliable accuracy, they provide long-term and dependable solutions for demanding industrial applications.

Positive Displacement Flowmeters and Industrial Applications

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Positive displacement (PD) flowmeters are precision instruments that measure flow by dividing the fluid into fixed volumes and counting these volumes as they pass through the meter. Because they operate on a volumetric principle, they provide excellent accuracy at low flow rates and with highly viscous fluids. They are widely used in oil, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and automotive industries.

Positive Displacement Flowmeters

WORKING PRINCIPLE

PD flowmeters measure flow by separating the fluid into known volumes within a mechanical chamber and counting these cycles. Each cycle corresponds to a fixed volume, and the number of cycles is proportional to total flow.

Equation:
Qv = n · Vc
Qv: volumetric flow rate (m³/s), n: cycle frequency (Hz), Vc: chamber volume (m³).

Common types include:

  • Oval gear meters
  • Piston meters
  • Helical rotor meters

STRUCTURAL FEATURES

  • Body materials: stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum
  • Measuring elements: oval gears, pistons, helical rotors
  • Output: mechanical register, magnetic pickup, digital pulse
  • Excellent performance with viscous fluids
  • Capable of measuring very low flow rates

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Advantages:

  • Very high accuracy (±0.1% – ±0.5%)
  • Suitable for low flow measurement
  • Excellent performance with viscous fluids
  • No external power required (mechanical designs)

Limitations:

  • Moving parts require periodic maintenance
  • Wear from abrasive or particulate fluids
  • Limited use in very large pipe diameters

APPLICATION AREAS

  • Fuel and oil measurement
  • Solvent and polymer measurement in chemical industries
  • Syrup, honey, and oils in the food industry
  • Precise dosing in pharmaceuticals
  • Hydraulic systems for oil flow monitoring

STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION

  • OIML R 117: International standard for liquid measuring devices
  • ISO/IEC 17025: Calibration laboratory accreditation
  • ATEX-certified models for explosive environments
  • Regular calibration is essential to maintain accuracy

CONCLUSION

Positive displacement flowmeters provide unmatched accuracy and reliability, especially under low flow and high viscosity conditions. They are indispensable for applications requiring precise dosing and consumption measurement across various industries.