Picking the Right Paddlewheel Flow Meter

Paddlewheel flow meters, also known as turbine flow meters, are a type of velocity flow meter. They work by measuring the velocity of a fluid as it passes through a pipe, and then converting that velocity measurement into a flow rate.

The basic design of a paddlewheel flow meter includes a cylindrical body that fits inside the pipe, and a rotor with paddles that spins as the fluid flows through the meter. The fluid enters the meter through an inlet, and then flows through the rotor, causing the paddles to spin. As the rotor spins, it generates a magnetic field, which is detected by a sensor, called a pick-up coil, located outside the meter. The sensor generates an electrical signal that is proportional to the rotor speed, which is then used to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.

Paddlewheel flow meters are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including water treatment, cooling systems, and industrial process control. Some of the advantages of paddlewheel flow meters include:

-Highly accurate and repeatable measurements -Lower cost compared to other types of flow meters. -Easy to install and maintain -good for lower viscosity liquids -Good for relatively clean fluid

One of the main disadvantages of paddle wheel flow meters is their sensitivity to fluid impurities, such as air bubbles or particles, which can cause the rotor to stall, resulting in inaccurate measurements. To prevent this, paddlewheel flow meters are typically installed with a filter or strainer to remove impurities from the fluid.

Another limitation of paddle wheel flow meters is that they are not suitable for high-viscosity liquids, as the high viscosity can make it difficult for the rotor to spin freely. In addition, these meters are not suitable for high-pressure or high-temperature applications.

Paddlewheel flow meters are available in both inline and insertion styles. The inline style is installed directly in the pipe, while the insertion style is inserted into the pipe through an opening. Insertion style is preferred in retrofit situations.

Please contact us if you have any specific application or any questions about this type of flow meter, we will be happy to help with more information.