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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.

Gear Flowmeters and Industrial Applications

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Gear flowmeters are a type of positive displacement flowmeter that measure volumetric flow by using intermeshing gears. As the fluid moves through the chamber, it drives the gears to rotate, and each rotation corresponds to a fixed volume. Due to their ability to provide accurate measurements with viscous fluids and at low flow rates, gear flowmeters are widely used in industries such as oil, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and automotive.

Gear Flowmeters

WORKING PRINCIPLE

In gear flowmeters, the fluid passes through a chamber containing two precision gears. As the fluid flows, it causes the gears to rotate. Each gear rotation corresponds to a known volume, which is counted to calculate the total flow.

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

They are especially accurate in low flow and high viscosity applications.

STRUCTURAL FEATURES

  • Body materials: stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum
  • Measuring elements: precision intermeshing gears
  • Output signals: magnetic pickup, pulse output, digital signals
  • High-pressure resistant designs
  • Wide measuring range (from 0.01 l/min up to hundreds of l/min)

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Advantages:

  • Very high accuracy (±0.1% – ±0.5%)
  • Reliable for viscous fluids
  • Precise measurement even at low flow rates
  • Compact and durable construction

Limitations:

  • Moving parts require maintenance
  • Reduced lifespan with abrasive or particulate fluids
  • Limited by high-temperature conditions

APPLICATION AREAS

  • Hydraulic oil and fuel measurement
  • Solvent and polymer measurement in chemical industries
  • Syrups, honey, oils in the food industry
  • Precision dosing in pharmaceuticals
  • Lubrication systems in automotive applications

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 essential for accuracy

CONCLUSION

Gear flowmeters are reliable and accurate instruments, particularly suitable for viscous fluids and low flow rates. Their durability and precision make them one of the most efficient flowmeter options in industrial measurement applications.