Clamp-on, Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Ultrasonic meters measure flow rate by propagating ultrasound waves into liquid filled pipes and measuring the reflections. There are two technologies to choose from based on the fluid properties; Transit Time and Doppler. 

Transit Time - Clean fluids with small amounts of suspended solids or aeration.

For clean fluids with small amounts of suspended solids or aeration, transit time ultrasonic meters provide the best performance and can be used in a wide range of applications for pipes 1/2 inch and larger.

Transit time flow meters have two transducers, which function as both ultrasonic transmitters and receivers. The flow meters operate by alternately transmitting and receiving a frequency modulated burst of ultrasound energy between the two transducers. The burst is first transmitted in the direction of fluid flow and then against fluid flow. Since ultrasound energy in a moving liquid is carried faster when it travels in the direction of fluid flow (downstream) than it does when traveling against fluid flow (upstream), a differential in the times of flight will occur. The ultrasound's time of flight is accurately measured in both directions, and the difference in time of flight is used to determine the velocity of the fluid.

Doppler Flow Meters - Fluids with suspended solids.

For fluids with significant amount of particles or air bubbles, such as slurries, sewage and plastics, Doppler ultrasonic meters provide the best performance.

Each Doppler flow meter utilizes two separate transducer heads. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted from one transducer and reflected by reflectors suspended within the liquid and then recorded by a receiving transducer.  If the reflectors are moving within the ultrasound transmission path, ultrasound waves will be reflected at a frequency shifted (Doppler shift) from the transmitted frequency.  The difference between the transmitted frequencies and reflected frequencies is directly proportional to the speed of the ultrasonic reflectors.

For more information about clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters, contact Thompson Equipment Company. Call them at 800-528-8997 or visit their web site at https://teco-inc.com.

Handbook for Variable Area Flowmeters

This  “Handbook for Variable Area Flowmeters“, courtesy of ABB and Thompson Equipment, is a practical guide for the user with selection criteria for real applications (see Check List/Parameter Questionnaire), correction factors, Accuracy Classes, corrosion resistance tables and much more. A separate flyer with actual pictures demonstrate the application versatility.

Answers are provided to frequently asked questions about this measurement principle (see Page 20) and we have incorporated a preferential quick ship program for the most popular instrument versions.

We hope that this Handbook provides you with a practical selection guide; naturally our sales team is always ready to provide you with any personal assistance you may require.

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DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK FOR VARIABLE AREA FLOWMETERS FROM THIS TECO WEB PAGE

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Thompson Equipment (TECO)
800-528-8997
https://teco-inc.com

Magnetic Flowmeters Used in Industry

Magnetic flow meter.

Magnetic flow meters are effective for monitoring the flow rate of fluids that present difficult handling problems, such as corrosive acids, sewage, rock and acid slurries, sand and water slurries, paper pulp stock, rosin size, detergents, bleaches, dyes, emulsions, tomato pulp, milk, soda, and beer. Magnetic flow meters mainly are applicable to liquids that have a conductivity of 0.1 microsiemens per centimeter or greater. They are not applicable to petroleum products or gases.

Measurement Principal

The basis of the magnetic flow meter is Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. In summary, a voltage induced in a conductor (i.e., the fluid flowing in the conduit) moving in a magnetic field is proportional to the velocity of the conductor. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as follows:

Internal view of flow tube.

E=C×B×D×v

where:

E = induced voltage

C = constant

B = magnetic flux density

D = diameter of conduit

v = velocity of fluid

In principle, the fluid flowing through the pipe passes through the magnetic field. This action generates a voltage that is linearly proportional to the average velocity in the plane of the electrodes. If the velocity profile changes due to swirl or helical flow patterns, the total measured velocity is unaffected as long as the velocity profile across the pipe is symmetrical. Non-symmetrical flow profiles may cause flow rate measurement errors of several percent.

In operation, the magnetic coils create a magnetic field that passes through the flow tube and into the process fluid. When the conductive fluid flows through the flow meter, a voltage is induced between the electrodes, which are in contact with the process fluid and isolated electrically from the pipe walls by a nonconductive liner to prevent a short circuit in the electrode signal voltage. Grounding is required for magnetic flow meters to shield the relatively low voltage signal that is measured at the electrodes from the relatively high common-mode potentials that may be present in the fluid. If the pipe is conductive and comes in contact with the flow meter, the flow meter should be grounded to the pipe both upstream and downstream of the flow meter. If the pipe is constructed of a nonconductive material, such as plastic, or a conductive material that is insulated from the process fluid, such as plastic-lined steel pipe, grounding rings should be installed in contact with the liquid.

Magnetic flow meters can be used in pipes that range in diameter from 0.25 to 240 cm (0.1 to 96 in.). Magnetic flow meters are available for flow rates in the range of 0.008 liters per minute (L/min) (0.002 gallons per minute [gal/min]) to 570,000 L/min (150,000 gal/min). Since magnetic flow meters do not place an obstruction in the pipe, the devices do not cause a loss in fluid pressure. Also, straight pipe requirements do not apply to this flow monitor device. Magnetic flow meters are insensitive to density and viscosity and can measure flow in both directions. In addition, because they cause no obstructions, magnetic flow meters often are used to measure the flow rate of slurries.

Accuracy

If all components of a magnetic flow metering system are calibrated as a unit, system accuracies of ±0.5 percent of flow rate are possible. However, normal accuracy specifications are ±1.0 percent of flow rate. Higher accuracy systems match the primary flow meter with a transmitter in the factory.

For more information on magnetic flow meters, contact TECO by calling 800-528-8997 or visit their web site at https://teco-inc.com.

Differential Pressure Flow Metering for the Chemical Processing Industry White Paper

Flow measurement is a critical aspect of plant operation in the Chemical Processing Industry (CPI). Users choosing equipment to meter the flow of liquid or gas processes must consider a wide range of factors to arrive at an optimal solution Experience has shown there are significant differences between meter technologies, with each type of device having its own advantages and disadvantages for processing facilities

Common Differential Flow Metering Methods:

• Venturi
• Cone Meter
• Wedge Meter
• Averaging Pitot Tube

In modern chemical plants, personnel need to make faster and better decisions by capturing, managing and analyzing the right data at the right time These facilities rely heavily on flow processes, and thus accurate and reliable measurement techniques are vital to the efficiency and safety of their operations.

Badger Meter, a premier manufacturer of industrial flow meters, has authored an excellent white paper explaining the use of differential pressure flow metering in the chemical processing industry. You can get the white paper at this link.

For more information, visit Thompson Equipment Company (TECO) at https://teco-inc.com or call 800-528-8997 for immediate service.

Magnetic Flow Meters with Specialized Construction Still the Best Bet for Dredging Applications

Electromagnetic flow meters commonly measure slurry mixture flow on cutter suction dredgers and trailing suction hopper dredgers. These type of flow meters use exposed electrodes and non-conductive flow tubes. Ordinary magnetic flow meter flow tubes  are not designed to withstand the abrasive conditions prevalent in dredging. Standard magnetic flow meter electrodes  are prone to wear, breakage, and polarization requiring frequent re-adjustment. Standard electrode seals may also deteriorate and cause leaks and false readings.

As an alternative, non-invasive (non-wetted) flow meters, such as clamp-on or Doppler ultrasonic flow meters, have long been proposed because of their  ease of installation and maintenance savings. However, testing of clamp-on or Doppler ultrasonic flow meters has never panned out in dredging applications. While there has been limited success on smaller sized diameters, there are few, if any, large diameter dredging pipe application success stories.

Dredging engineers always seek the simplest and most accurate method of measuring slurry flow. Considering this, there is convincing evidence that the use of customized electromagnetic flow meters, specifically designed to stand up to the rigors of dredging, look to be the best overall option.

Dredging flow meter.
(TECO)

Dredging-specific flow meters provide wear solutions that can extend the life of equipment and keep systems at maximum operational levels. Some users report life span up to 10 years.

The dredging modifications include custom engineered ceramic brick or polyurethane liners, 3/4" stainless steel inlet and outlet protectors, independently sealed electrode wells, and field accessible Hastelloy B electrodes.

Thompson Equipment (TECO), a manufacturer of severe service magnetic flow meters located in New Orleans, will "remanufacture" any make or model of electromagnetic flow meter for dredging service. They have decades of experience servicing and remanufacturing instrumentation, and are leaders in building severe service flow meters.

Electromagnetic flow meters have always been appealing for dredging applications in terms of accuracy, resolution, and response time. Their performance problems, caused by the direct and continuous flow of abrasive slurries, are mitigated through specialized construction.  By applying electromagnetic flow meters specifically designed for the application, dredging engineers now achieve excellent reliability, long life and significant reduction in maintenance and operational costs.

Selecting the Proper Flow Meter: Other Considerations

You Get What You Pay For

Engineers and maintenance personnel who purchase flow meters should remember that accurate instruments cost more based on their features and capabilities. It is always better to search for the type of flow meter best suited to a specific application before sacrificing features in favor of lower cost.

Flow meter specifiers should also take the time to examine long-term ownership costs. It may turn out that flow meters with low purchase prices may be very expensive to maintain. On the other hand, a flow meter with a high purchase price may require little or no service, and therefore lower cost of ownership over time. Lower purchase prices do not always represent the best long term, installed value.

Know Your Process

Users need to closely evaluate their overall process conditions, which include flow rates, pressure and temperature, and operating ranges. Be cautious of lower priced alternatives whose operating parameters don't fully support the requirements of the application.

All flow meters are affected to some extent by the process media and the way they are installed. As a result, their real-time performance will often be different from the controlled reference conditions under which they calibrated. There are some general rules that can be applied to flow meters to assist in reducing uncertainty:

• For the lowest uncertainty of measurement, positive displacement meters are generally the best option. 
• Electromagnetic meters provide for the widest flow range and turbine meters are usually the best choice for the highest short-term repeatability.
• Despite their high initial cost, Coriolis meters are ideal for measuring particularly viscous substances and anywhere that the measurement of mass rather than volume is required.

General Selection Concepts:

• In general, flow meters with few or no moving parts require less time and attention than more complex flow meters. 
• Meters constructed with multiple moving parts may malfunction because of dirt, grit or grime present in the process fluid.
• Flow meters with impulse lines can also plug or corrode.
• Flow meters with flow dividers and pipe bends sometimes suffer from abrasive media wear and blockages.
• Swings in ambient temperature may affect the internal dimensions of the flow meter and could require temperature compensation.

Calibration/Recalibration

The need for recalibration of flow meters is generally a function of how well the instrument is paired to its particular application. Should the application be critical, the flow meter accuracy should be checked at frequent, regular intervals. In some instances, mostly non-critical applications, recalibration may not be necessary for a period of years, becuase the application operating parameters never change.

Keep in mind though, that no matter what flow meter technology is chosen, overall system accuracy can never exceed the accuracy of the equipment used to perform the flow meter calibration. With that said, the most precise flow calibration systems on the market employ a positive displacement design. This type of calibrator, directly traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) via water draw validation, provides total accuracy of at least 0.05 percent.

For more information on flow meter selection, installation, calibration, service, and replacement contact Thompson Equipment Company (TECO). Call them at 800-528-8997 or visit their web site at https://teco-inc.com.

Magnetic Flowmeters for Measuring the Frac Fluid

A piece of equipment used in hydraulic fracturing is the blender truck. It contains the equipment used to prepare and measure the "frac fluid". Frac fluid is composed of water, sand, specialty chemicals, and gels, and is highly erosive and sometimes corrosive. This "blended" mixture of sand, water and chemicals is then injected into a well to hydraulically open cracks in the rock layers below. By opening the cracks, trapped natural gas and petroleum is released and flows more freely. 

Magnetic flowmeters are employed to measure the frac fluid flow and volume.  These flowmeters must accurately meter the frac fluid into the well, stand up to the continual erosive media, and be durable enough to handle the harsh ambient conditions. Standard process magmeters experience shortened lifespans under these conditions and must be pulled from service and repaired. A better alternative is a severe service flowmeters designed specifically for this service.

Thompson Equipment Company (TECO) manufactures an electromagnetic flowmeter (magmeter) designed for frac fluid flow metering. The TECO design incorporates two significant features to improve performance and extend operating life:

1. A ceramic sleeved liner made of “magnesia partially stabilized zirconia”
2. The use of solid tungsten electrodes.

The TECO fracing flowmeter provides huge benefits, namely operators save money through increased uptime, they reduce health, safety and environmental risk, and reduce costs related to magmeter replacement and repair.

TECO Proudly Supports Sky High at the Midland Permian Basin Banquet & Clay Shoot

Thompson Equipment Company (TECO) proudly supports the fantastic work Sky High does "Saving Kids. Healing Families."

Sky High's mission is to provide comfort, fund research and save lives of children fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening conditions at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.

TECO is proud to attend and support the "Midland Permian Basin Banquet & Clay Shoot" this past September. We strongly suggest our friends, vendors, and partners get involved with this wonderful group.

https://teco-inc.com
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Choosing the Right Industrial Flow Meter

Which Industrial Flow Meter to Choose?

Choosing the right flow measurement solution can have a major impact on operational and business performance. For this reason, companies anticipating a flow meter purchase should consult with a knowledgeable instrumentation supplier, such as Thompson Equipment Company (teco-inc.com), in the early stages of a project. The effort spent learning about basic flow measurement techniques, and available meter options, will ensure a successful application once the equipment is installed.

This white paper, courtesy of Badger Meter, does a great job outlining all the various types of flow meter technologies, including:

• Coriolis
• Differential Pressure
• Electromagnetic
• Positive Displacement
• Thermal Mass
• Turbine
• Impeller
• Variable Area
• Ultrasonic
• Vortex
• Oval Gear
• Nutating Disc

Download your own PDF copy of "Choosing the Right Flow Meter here, or view the embedded document below.

https://teco-inc.com
800-528-8997 for Immediate Service

Choosing the Right Industrial Flow Meter from Thompson Equipment Company

Severe Service Flowmeters by TECO

For flow measurement of extremely abrasive slurries in Mining, Dredging, Fracing, and Oil and Gas Exploration.

Capabilities include:

• Liners: magnesia stabilized zirconia ceramic, aluminum oxide ceramic, polyurethane rubber, neoprene rubber, Linatex, Teflon (PTFE), rotationally molded Tefzel (ETFE), PFA, and others. 
• Electrodes: SS, Hastelloy C (C-276), Hastelloy B, zirconium, titanium, platinum/iridium, solid tungsten carbide, tungsten carbide coating, etc. 
• Exotic tube constructions available (100% titanium).
• Specialty Coatings: epoxy paints, powder coat, custom colors, etc.

TECO

https://teco-inc.com

800-528-8997

Important Flowmeter Performance Metrics

Animation of differential flow

Common to most flowmeters are rated levels of performance; some of the more universal
performance metrics include accuracy, precision/repeatability, turndown ratio, resolution, ease of installation, straight pipe run requirements, on-going operations and maintenance, and costs.

Accuracy
Accuracy is the difference between a measured value and the actual value. No flowmeter is 100% accurate and most manufacturers provide a range of accuracies in their product line - tighter accuracy requirements are typically more expensive and may also be more restrictive to specific applications.

Precision/Repeatability
The precision or repeatability of a measurement entails the ability to reproduce the same value (e.g., flow rate) with multiple measurements of the same parameter, under the same conditions.

Turndown Ratio

Rotameter
(ABB)

The turndown ratio refers to the flow rates over which a meter will maintain a certain accuracy and repeatability. For example, a steam flow meter that can measure accurately from 1,000 pounds per hour (pph) to 25,000 pph has a turndown ratio of 25:1. The larger the turndown ratio, the greater the range over which the meter can measure the parameter within the accuracy stated.

Resolution
The resolution is the smallest increment of flow that can be incrementally registered by the meter. For example, a water meter designed for a small diameter pipe may be able to provide a resolution of 100 pulses per gallon (or more) as a signal output, but a meter designed for a larger pipe or higher maximum flow may only be able to provide 1 pulse per 100 gallons. Further, a very large flow meter may only be able to provide 1 pulse per 1000 gallons. The metering system may have limitations with regard to peak signal frequency or minimum time between pulses to properly register the data signal.

Ease of Installation
Select make-and-model decisions considering size and weight constraints, specific electrical and communications needs, and the overall environment the flowmeter will operate in.

Magnetic flowmeter
(TECO)

Straight-pipe Run Requirements
Applicable to some types of fluid (gas, liquid and steam) flowmeters, straight-pipe run requirements relate to the length of unobstructed straight pipe required leading up to and immediately following the flow meter’s location. Obstructions in the fluid flow (such as elbows, tees, filters, valves, and sensor fittings) cause changes in the flow pattern (flow regime and velocity profile). Straight-pipe runs allow the flow pattern to normalize/stabilize making measurements by velocity-type and differential-pressure-type flow meters less prone to measurement error. Straight-pipe run requirements are usually expressed in terms of the number of pipe diameters.

The straight pipe requirement is in addition to the length of the flowmeter itself. The straight-pipe run requirements can be reduced with the addition of flow straightening or flow conditioning devices installed upstream.

Ongoing Operations and Maintenance

Vortex flowmeter
(ABB)

The lowest cost flow metering technology may not be the best choice if it has high associated maintenance costs (e.g., frequent service, calibration and recalibration, sensor replacement). As with most capital purchases, a life-cycle cost approach (including all capital and recurring costs) is recommended for decision making.

Installation Versus Capital Cost
In some situations, the cost to install a flowmeter can be greater than the capital cost; this can be true where system shutdowns are necessary for flowmeter installations, or where significant redesign efforts are needed to accommodate a flowmeter’s physical size, weight, or required connection. In these cases, decision makers should consider alternative technologies that may have a higher capital cost but a much lower installed cost. A good example of this is the use of non-intrusive flow metering technologies (e.g., ultrasonic flowmeters) that typically have a high capital cost but often a significantly reduced installed cost. It is recommended that meters be installed with isolation valves or switches making it easier to remove, replace, or service the meter in the future.

Reprinted and abstracted from US Department of Energy paper titled "Metering Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Utility Resource Efficiency, "

Oval Gear Flow Meters: Accurate, Robust, and Long Life

Although there are many types of flow meters used to measure fluid flow rates, positive displacement (PD) designs, including Oval Gear flow meters, are unique as they are the only meters on the market that directly measure actual volume. All other metering techniques infer the volume by making a type of measurement and equating it to the flow rate.

One of the key criteria in selecting the right flow meter is the degree of accuracy dictated by the application. To meet high-precision requirements in various industrial environments, Oval Gear flow meters fit the bill. These meters feature a wide flow range, low pressure drop and extended viscosity range. Oval Gear flow meters offer easy installation and high accuracy, plus measure high temperature, viscous and caustic liquids with simple calibration.

Oval gear flow meters are simple and robust. They operate by interlocking two oval gears, offset by 90 degrees, inside the meter housing which are then rotated by the flowing media. They are very rugged and designed to operate in very harsh environments. Accuracy is maintained irrespective of temperature, viscosity change, or flow pulsation. It's not unusual to see these meters perform in the field for upwards of 40 years.

Flow path and operation of Oval Gear Flow Meter

Oval Gear flow meters are an excellent choice for any number of industrial applications including:

• Chemicals
• Petrochemicals
• Water and Wastewater
• Oils and Diesel Fuel
• Pulp and Paper
• Paints and Coatings
• Printing

Download Oval Gear flow meter brochure here.

For more information on Oval Gear flow meters visit https://teco-inc.com or call 800-528-8997.

What Customers Say About TECO

Failed Flowmeter - Replace with New or Remanufactured?

Many companies don't realize that when you have a failed mag meter or mass meter, it's often more cost-effective and efficient to have them restored to mint condition, than it is to replace them with new units.

But if you send meters to the original manufacturer they can disappear into their system for weeks or months. And you have no idea how long it will really take, or if it will fail again later from undetected problems. The fact is you can't afford the loss of productivity or downtime. But what if there were a place you could send broken flow meters that could save you money and time by restoring them to pristine condition. A cost-effective specialist who could guarantee rapid turn around time and premium customer service. A team of experienced professionals with the capabilities to keep equipment in service, even if it's no longer supported by others.

For a proven partner like this, there's only TECO. Established in 1947, TECO has become the global leader in restoration and customization of magnetic flow meters, Coriolis meters, and other process control instruments.

TECO understands that time is money, which is why they provide the fastest turnaround time in the
industry. They don't simply repair a broken part and return it, they do a full restoration and back the whole meter with a full warranty. Their quality control includes NIST traceable flow calibration, which is often required by regulatory agencies, and ISO 9000 standards. They also provide independent calibration to serve your preventive maintenance and metrology needs.

While their low cost, high quality work has made them the industry leader, it's their commitment to premium customer service that keeps their clients loyal. Extensive capabilities, combined with a focus on service, also means they can manufacture custom flow meter solutions to meet the demands of severe applications.

• Low cost, rapid restoration of mag meters, mass meters and other instruments. 
• Pristine, like-new equipment, backed with a full warranty. 
• Customized solutions and expert customer service you can trust. 

It's all part of the package with TECO.

If you have failed mag meters, Coriolis meters, or other instruments, call TECO today. After receiving your equipment they'll turn around a quote in 48 hours or less - no return authorization required. To develop a customized solution for your needs, contact TECO.

Phone (504) 833-6381
Visit https://teco-inc.com

Top 5 Reasons TECO Consistency Transmitters Stand Above the Competition

1. TECO Consistency Transmitters are shipped with built-in flow-rate compensation. This is important because blade style consistency sensors are sensitive to shifts in production flow-rate. This means that their output has a component which is strictly a function of flow-rate. If this isn’t compensated for, changes in flow-rate will look like changes in consistency. TECO Consistency Transmitters include a flow-rate input so that this flow-rate function which automatically gets applied to the consistency signal. This feature is unique to TECO.
2. The key feature of our C3000 and C5000 probe style sensors is that they aren't sensitive to flow-rate changes to begin with. The C3000 and C5000 are insensitive to shifts in production flow-rate below 3.0 fps. This means that as long as the flow-rate stays below 3.0 fps, shifts in flow-rate will not produce any negligible affect on the probe output signal. For flow-rates above 3.0 fps when using C3/5000 series sensors, it is recommended that active compensation be used.
3. The C5000 sensor is retractable, allowing it to be removed from an active process. This feature is particularly useful when installed in hostile measurement environments, such as blow lines and bleach plant operations. The retractable feature allows for quick change-out when it comes time for replacement, allowing the restoration of a critical measurement in minutes, instead of waiting weeks or months for a scheduled shutdown. This is a strong competitive advantage for C5000 users.
4. All TECO sensors are hot-swappable, saving the time and effort of a recalibration procedure when a sensor is replaced. All that is required is use the built-in normalization procedure and "zero" the replacement sensor. Your new sensor is ready to use.
5. TECO consistency transmitters can be upgraded to act as a consistency controller, or function as multi-input controller, so that other process parameters can be adjusted for in the consistency control loop.

More Reasons:

• TECO consistency transmitters can also be set up as a dilution controller.
• 100% Made in the USA. 
• TECO consistency transmitters are very competitively priced.

More information at https://teco-inc.com

800-528-8997

Stock Prep Solutions - Helping Paper Manufacturers Stay in Business

The concept behind stock prep is to manage the raw materials being added to the process so the finished stock meets the requirements of the paper machine and the final quality of the finished product. Finished stock is a suspension of fibers, additives, and impurities matching a defined level of quality, which ultimately determines the operation of the machinery and the quality of the final product. Most of the machines used for individual processes provide not only the desired effect, but also may produce undesirable side-effects. Implementing process controls to reduce or eliminate these undesirables help paper producers gain considerable improvements in quality, consistency, and yield.

This video introduces, and presents a case for, specific process instrumentation designed for stock prep.

http://www.teco-inc.com
800-528-8997

Positive Displacement Flowmeters

Positive displacement flowmeter.
(Badger Meter Blancett)

Positive displacement flowmeters use fluid to mechanically move internal components such as pistons, gears and discs to measure flow.  These devices are both precise and simple to operate.

The positive displacement flowmeter, in contrast with other types of flowmeters, directly measure the volume of fluid passing through the meter instead of employing inferential flow measurement. The rotational velocity of the rotor in the flow meter is directly proportional to the rate of flow. Electronic versions of positive displacement meters rely on magnets to activate sensors in their fluid chambers, whereas their non-electrical counterparts rely on the rotation being driven by the fluid flow.

The operating principle of the positive displacement meter may be simple, yet the flowmeter type offers a few specific advantages for industrial application. A main benefit of this flowmeter is a high level of accuracy due to its internal components. The accuracy of the flowmeter is directly related to the size of the clearances, or the space between the sealing faces.

These flowmeters are also particularly useful for handling a high range of viscosities. As the fluid viscosity increases with the positive displacement meter, less slippage or bypass will occur, meaning more total fluid will pass through the positive displacement meters. In addition to these design-based advantages, the positive displacement meter typically allows for excellent repeatability and linearity.

The longstanding use of positive displacement flowmeters across various industries has been a source of stability in terms of design, with the most recent advancements in positive displacement technology focusing on maintaining precision at lower costs.

There are a few known limitations for the use of positive displacement meters. The meters are not the optimal choice for measuring fluids with large particles, and are also non-ideal for measuring fluids with large air pockets. Additionally, systems using positive displacement meters need to account for slight pressure drops in the positive displacement meter. While the meters are able to accurately measure non-lubricating fluids, using positive displacement flowmeters to measure these types of liquids will not be as efficient as using the flowmeter for lubricating fluids. Overall, these types of flowmeters are a cost effective, accurate and volumetrically based flow measurement solution.

For more information on positive displacement flowmeters, call Thompson Equipment Company (TECO) at 800-528-8997 or visit https://teco-inc.com.

An Easy Way to Understand Laminar Flow vs. Turbulent Flow

Image courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Laminar flow occurs when a fluid flows in parallel "layers" with no interaction between the layers. When flowing at low velocities, fluids tend to flow without lateral (sideways) mixing, and adjacent layers glide past one another, analogous to playing cards sliding between others in a deck.

In contrast to laminar flow, turbulent flow, caused by excessive kinetic energy in parts of a fluid flow, undergoes mixing and lateral irregularities characterized by eddies, recirculation, and apparent randomness. Fluid speed magnitude and direction changes chaotically in turbulent flow.

The video below provides a very simple, but very effective, demonstration of laminar and turbulent flow.

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Get Your Worn Out Process Instrumentation Remanufactured by TECO

As the world’s largest remanufacturer of instrumentation, TECO has the experience, trained technicians, and facilities to remanufacture your equipment to meet or exceed all OEM specifications and performance standards. Send us your overworked instrument and we'll send it back to you as good as new, and ready for action!

• All Brands
• NIST Traceable Certificate
• Off-the-Shelf Meters Available
• Obsolete Meters our Specialty
• No Evaluation Charges
• Magmeter Customization Services
• All Magmeter accessories
• New Warranty
• Failure Analysis
• Severe Application Meters
• Converter/Transmitter Repairs
• Remanufacturing is GREEN

Instrument Remanufacturing, Custom Flow Solutions, Full Service Repair, Calibration, and Valve Automation Center.  https://www.teco-inc.com | 800-528-8997

World's First Magnetic Flowmeter Developed Specifically for Hydraulic Fracing

When suspended solids are mixed with a liquid (such as water), a mud-like substance referred to as a “slurry” is formed. Slurries are challenging because of their abrasive nature. Add a highly caustic or acidic condition to the slurry, and the magnetic flowmeters (Magmeters) used to measure flow become particularly susceptible to failure. In these situations off-the-shelf magnetic flowmeters won’t last, so consideration must be given to custom flowmeters built specifically to withstand the application’s unique requirements. Hydraulic fracturing (fracing) is one industry where the movement and handling of slurries is very common, and specially designed Magmeters should be used.

Thompson Equipment (TECO) is now offering their "Severe Application Meter (SAM)" (patent pending) which is specifically designed as the world's first Magmeter developed specifically for the hydraulic fracing industry. It is designed with an impact and wear resistant ceramic liner, solid tungsten carbide billet electrodes, and quick change Victaulic flanges. The SAM can also be retrofitted to the customers existing electronic secondary system, such as Rosemount, E+H, Yokagawa, etc.

For more information, contact TECO by calling (504) 833-6381 or by visiting https://www.teco-inc.com.