Flow Meter (Volumetric and Mass) Test Stand
Calibrator, CS-100
A volumetric and mass flow test stand is used to measure and analyze the flow rates of gases through a given device. These test stands are commonly used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, metrology, and chemical processing, to ensure that components like Flow Meters, Valves, and Pumps meet performance specifications.
There are two types of flow measurements.
Volumetric Flow Measurement
Volumetric flow refers to the volume of fluid passing through a given point in a system per unit time. This is often measured in units like liters per minute (L/min) cubic feet per minute (CFM).
Example types of Volumetric Flow Test Equipment:
Pressure and Differential Pressure (Sonic Nozzle, Subsonic Nozzle, Venturi, Orifice Plate, etc.)
These meters can be categorized as volumetric or mass flow meters, since the flow rate can be calculated in both units. Sonic nozzles are considered constant volumetric flow devices, since the velocity and geometry are fixed at the throat.
Positive Displacement Flow Meters
- Principle: Measure flow by capturing a fixed volume of fluid and counting the number of times the volume is filled and emptied.
- Examples: Gear meters, diaphragm meters, and vane meters.
- Applications: Accurate measurement of low to moderate flow rates, suitable for both liquids and gases.
Turbine Flow Meters
- Principle: Measure flow by counting the number of revolutions of a turbine placed in the flow path.
- Applications: Widely used in industries for measuring high-velocity flows of liquids.
Ultrasonic Flow Meters
- Principle: Measure flow based on the time it takes for ultrasonic signals to travel through the fluid.
- Types: Transit-time and Doppler ultrasonic meters.
- Applications: Suitable for a wide range of applications including large pipelines and varying fluid conditions.
Rotameters (Variable Area Flow Meters)
- Principle: Measure flow by the position of a float within a tapered tube; the flow area changes with flow rate.
- Applications: Common in laboratories and process industries for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Flow Calibration Systems
- Purpose: Used to verify and calibrate flow meters to ensure accuracy.
- Components: Typically include reference meters, calibration fluids, and controlled environments.
Mass Flow Measurement
Mass flow refers to the mass of fluid passing through the test device per unit time, usually measured in units like kilograms per hour (kg/h) or pounds per minute (lbm/min).
Test Stand Features
- Accuracy and Precision: Ensuring that the flow measurements are accurate and repeatable.
- Data Logging: Capturing and storing flow data for analysis.
- Control Systems: Allowing operators to adjust and maintain flow conditions.
- Safety Features: To handle pressurized fluids and avoid leaks or accidents.
Examples types of Mass Flow Test Equipment
Sonic Nozzles and Critical Flow Venturis
Differential Pressure (Subsonic Nozzle, Venturi, Orifice Plate, etc.)
These meters can be categorized as volumetric or mass flow meters, since the flow rate can be calculated in both units.
Coriolis Flow Meters
- Principle: Measure the mass flow rate based on the Coriolis effect, where the flow induces a twisting force in the meter's tubes.
- Applications: High accuracy for both liquids and gases, used in industries requiring precise mass measurements.
Thermal Mass Flow Meters
- Principle: Measure the mass flow rate based on the cooling effect of the fluid on a heated sensor.
- Applications: Suitable for gases and often used in applications with varying flow rates and compositions.
Mass Flow Calibration Systems
- Purpose: Verify and calibrate mass flow meters for accuracy.
- Components: Include reference standards, test gases or liquids, and controlled environments.
General Features and Considerations
- Accuracy and Range: Ensure the equipment meets the required accuracy and flow range for your application.
- Calibration: Regular calibration is essential for maintaining measurement accuracy.
- Material Compatibility: Ensure the equipment is compatible with the type of fluid being measured.
- Data Logging and Analysis: Some equipment comes with integrated data logging and analysis tools for better monitoring and reporting.
Choosing the right equipment depends on your specific needs, such as the type of gas, flow rate, accuracy requirements, and budget.
OneFlow’s CS-100 Calibrator can calibrate many types of gas flow meters (volumetric and mass) using air or other common calibration gases. Utilizing the OneFLOWArray™ and OneFLOW+™ software, the Calibrator can set flow rates using sonic nozzles and measure the output of the flow meter over a programmed flow range automatically. Common flow meter outputs that the Calibrator can record include: voltage, current, and frequency. All measurements are National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable.
Standard test pressures range from atmospheric pressure to 100 psig (7 bar). Standard flow rates range from 0.00026 to 1 lbm/sec (0.00011 to 0.45 kg/s). Please call for other pressure and flow ranges.
Accuracies: 0.11% to 0.50% of reading on Mass Flow are available.
Other Examples types of flow meters:
- Laminar Flow Element
- Velocity
- Vortex Flow Meter
*Pictures coming soon
