Water Flow Meters

Flow Measurement Solutions for Liquids, Gases, and Steam

Industrial flow measurement is critical for ensuring consistent product quality, operational safety, process optimisation, and environmental protection. Every day, industries measure and manage water, natural gas, steam, mineral oil, and chemicals.

Choosing the right flowmeter for your specific process is essential, as there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Liquimech offers a comprehensive range of flow measurement technologies tailored to your operational needs. In many areas, it is mandatory to measure how much liquid is pumped from A to B or how much water is discharged or extracted from a particular area. Liquimech boasts a large range of water flow meters, including mechanical water flow meters, electromagnetic water flow meters, portable water flow meters, mass flow meters, differential pressure flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters. Depending on the site requirements, Liquimech engineers will work with you to provide a fit-for-purpose solution. Liquimech’s unique design approach ensures that each project is analysed on its own specific requirements and regulations to ensure a seamless process from “issue to integration”. Liquimech boasts a team of engineers; including Software, Systems, Mechanical, Automation and Electronics, to ensure any project of any size is exacting to the environment in which it will be used. Liquimech’s flow sensors and flow monitors, monitor flow and flow rates of liquids; including slurries. A flow sensor can be as simple as alerting users if flow is detected, whereas a flow monitor can be coupled with our fully automated systems to cut off supply when a pre-set value is reached. Liquimech’s range of Water Flow Meters is often coupled with our telemetry control systems and alarms to provide complete control and peace of mind.

At Liquimech, our priority is to provide products and systems to make your working life easier, minimising frustrations caused by poorly functioning equipment and unplanned downtime. We supply a wide range of standard products to suit most applications, or we will work with you to create a bespoke solution if required.

Selecting the Right Flow Meter: 7 Key Considerations

When measuring, controlling, or monitoring fluid flow in industrial processes, a flow meter provides the critical data you need to make informed operational decisions. Choosing the right meter ensures accurate measurement, process efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Here are the seven essential considerations when selecting a flow meter:

1. Fluid Type: Identify the nature of the fluid to determine the appropriate flow meter:

• State of the fluid: Is it a liquid or a gas? Gas measurement requires specialised meters.
• Clean vs. dirty: Dirty fluids containing solids may damage meters with moving wetted parts. Non-contact meters such as electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or Coriolis are better suited for particle-laden fluids.
• Chemical compatibility: Ensure meter components (body, seals, rotors, paddles) are compatible with the fluid. Thermoplastics may be preferred for corrosive fluids, while metals may suit organic compounds.

2. Viscosity and Flow Profile: The fluid’s thickness and flow behaviour directly influence meter selection:

• High viscosity fluids (honey, oils) generally have laminar flow, where positive displacement meters provide more consistent readings.
• Low viscosity fluids (water, solvents) are typically turbulent, making velocity meters like turbine or ultrasonic meters more effective.
• Temperature effects: Higher temperatures reduce viscosity; consider operating temperatures when predicting flow behaviour.
• Flow dynamics: Use the Reynolds number to determine laminar (Re < 2300) or turbulent flow (Re > 2300) and ensure the meter matches the flow profile.

3. Flow Rate: Accurately determining the minimum and maximum flow rates is critical:

• Meter sizing: Undersized meters risk damage during peak flow, while oversized meters may underperform at low flow.
• Optimal range: Operate meters between 20–80% of their rated capacity to maximise accuracy, longevity, and reliability.

4. Temperature and Pressure Ratings: Ensure the flow meter can handle the environmental conditions:

• Temperature: High temperatures affect fluid viscosity, meter seals, and electronics; remote mounting may be necessary for sensitive electronics.
• Pressure: The meter must withstand maximum operating pressures without deformation or performance loss. Consider safety factors for occasional pressure spikes.

5. Accuracy, Repeatability, and Linearity: Precision is vital for process-critical applications:

• Accuracy: Reflects how close measurements are to the true flow rate.
• Repeatability: Ability to consistently produce the same measurement under identical conditions. High accuracy requires high repeatability.
• Linearity: Ensures the meter maintains performance across its entire flow range for predictable and reliable readings.

6. Installation Requirements: Proper installation ensures optimal performance:

• Orientation: Horizontal, vertical, or bidirectional installation affects accuracy.
• Pipe layout: Straight runs upstream and downstream may be required for velocity meters to stabilise flow. Flow conditioning may be needed if space is limited.

7. Output and Data Indication: Consider how the flow data will be used:

• Display & signals: Choose local or remote, available as analogue, digital, or pulse.
• Power requirements: Externally powered or battery options may be needed depending on site conditions.