What Is a Flowmeter? Classification & Applications in Industry

In modern industrial systems—from steam, compressed air, water, oil, to chemicals—accurate flow measurement is essential. Flow data forms the basis for:

• Operational optimization

• Reducing energy losses

• Pressure–temperature–PID control

• Production quality control

• Predictive maintenance

Because of this, flowmeters have become mandatory components in every factory.

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What Is a Flowmeter?

A flowmeter (flow gauge, flow measurement device) is used to measure:

✅ Instantaneous flow
✅ Total flow (Totalizer)
✅ Flow velocity
✅ Mass flow

Flowmeters can measure various media, including:

• Steam

• Compressed air, Nitrogen (N₂), CO₂

• Clean water – hot water – chilled water – wastewater

• Oil, fuel, solvents, chemicals

Depending on the type of medium, pressure, temperature, and viscosity, different flowmeter technologies will apply.

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How a Flowmeter Works

Flowmeters operate based on one of the following principles:

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Common Types of Flowmeters Used in Industry

Below are the most widely used flowmeters in industrial plants:

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1. Vortex Flowmeter (Steam Measurement)

Best suited for: saturated steam, superheated steam, compressed air.

Principle: Measures the frequency of Karman vortex shedding behind a bluff body.

Advantages:

• Very stable for steam

• Withstands high temperature (200–450°C)

• Cost-effective

• Long lifespan

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for dirty liquids with solids

• Requires straight pipe lengths

✅ Recommended brands: Yokogawa, TLV, Endress+Hauser
✅ Phuc Minh supplies all models and accessories.

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2. Orifice Flowmeter (Steam & High-Pressure Gases)

Principle: Measures ΔP (differential pressure) across an orifice plate.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost

• Easy installation & replacement

• Suitable for high-pressure systems

Disadvantages:

• Lower accuracy

• Higher pressure loss

✅ Applications: steam, compressed air, nitrogen.

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3. Electromagnetic Flowmeter (Water – Conductive Liquids)

Principle: Faraday’s Law – induced voltage proportional to fluid velocity.

Advantages:

• Very high accuracy

• Not affected by viscosity

• No obstruction in the pipe

Disadvantages:

• Only works with conductive liquids

• Cannot measure steam, gas, oil

✅ Applications: clean water, wastewater, chemical liquids.

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4. Ultrasonic Flowmeter (Clamp-On)

Advantages:

• No pipe cutting required

• Measures water, oil, chemicals, and even steam

• Quick installation

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost

• Requires clean pipe surface

✅ Ideal for temporary measurement or large pipe sizes.

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5. Turbine Flowmeter (Fuel & Oil Measurement)

Advantages:

• Good repeatability

• Affordable

Disadvantages:

• Moving parts wear out → maintenance needed

• Not suitable for dirty fluids

✅ Applications: diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, solvents.

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6. Coriolis Mass Flowmeter (Ultra-High Accuracy)

Used for: chemicals, oils, liquefied gases.

Advantages:

• Extremely low error

• Direct mass flow measurement

• Not affected by temperature or pressure changes

Disadvantages:

• Highest cost

✅ Ideal for petrochemical & high-precision industries.

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Applications of Flowmeters in Industrial Plants

Flowmeters are used in:

✅ Boilers
✅ Steam distribution pipelines
✅ Compressed air systems
✅ HVAC systems (Cooling Tower – Chiller)
✅ Oil – fuel – solvent lines
✅ Water treatment – RO – UF – EDI
✅ Chemical mixing
✅ Textile – Food – Pharmaceutical industries

Flow data helps engineering teams:

• Monitor equipment efficiency

• Reduce losses

• Optimize energy usage

• Detect leaks

• Plan maintenance accurately

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How to Select the Right Flowmeter for Your Plant

When choosing a flowmeter, consider:

✅ 1. Medium type (steam, water, gas, oil…)
✅ 2. System pressure & temperature
✅ 3. Electrical conductivity
✅ 4. Clean or contaminated fluid
✅ 5. Pipe size
✅ 6. Required accuracy
✅ 7. Budget

Examples:

• Steam → Vortex or Orifice

• Clean water → Electromagnetic

• Oil → Turbine or Coriolis

• Compressed air → Thermal Mass

Phuc Minh provides on-site surveys and selects the correct model for each application.

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Common Mistakes When Choosing the Wrong Flowmeter

❌ Choosing the wrong technology → high error rate
❌ Installing at the wrong location
❌ Not having enough straight pipe length
❌ No periodic calibration
❌ Using water flowmeters for steam → immediate damage

These mistakes can cause 5–20% monthly energy losses.

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Why Choose Flowmeters from Phuc Minh Engineering?

✅ Over 10 years of experience with steam – air – water systems
✅ Official distributor: Yokogawa, TLV, Endress+Hauser, Kitz, Yoshitake
✅ Correct technical selection and consultation
✅ On-site installation – calibration – maintenance
✅ Full CO – CQ certification, long warranty

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Contact for Flowmeter Consultation

PHUC MINH ENGINEERING CO., LTD
📞 Hotline: 0902 800 728 – 0907 450 506
📧 Email: info@pm-e.vn
🌐 Website: https://pm-e.vn

Phuc Minh – The optimal measurement & control solution for industrial systems.