Gas flow measurement: How to select the right flowmeter to enable intangible gases to have a measurable figure?
In fields such as industrial production, energy measurement, and environmental monitoring, the precise measurement of gas flow has always been a major challenge. Unlike liquids, gases' compressibility, temperature and pressure sensitivity, as well as their low density, make the measurement of gas flow extremely complex. When faced with a wide variety of gas flow meters on the market, how to choose the most suitable measurement solution? This article will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the key technologies for gas flow measurement.
I. Unique Challenges in Gas Flow Measurement
Gas flow measurement faces numerous unique challenges, which directly influence the selection of flow meters and their operational effectiveness:
The influence of gas properties
Compressibility: Density varies significantly with temperature and pressure.
Low density: Weak signal, difficult to measure
Pulsating flow: Inconsistent outlet flow from the compressor
Humidity influence: Properties of water-containing gases change in a complex manner
The complexity of operating conditions
Wide temperature range: from cryogenic to high temperature (-200℃ to +800℃)
Large pressure variation: from vacuum to ultra-high pressure (0 - 40 MPa)
Wide range of flow rates: from milliliters per minute to tens of thousands of cubic meters per hour
High safety requirements: Explosion-proof and leak prevention are of utmost importance.
II. Comprehensive Analysis of Mainstream Gas Flow Meter Technologies
Thermal gas mass flowmeter: Directly measures gas mass flow rate
Working principle
Based on the principle of thermal diffusion, the mass flow rate can be directly calculated by measuring the change in heat when the gas flows through the sensor.
Highlights of Redware's Autonomous Control Innovation
Adopting a dual-sensor design enhances measurement stability.
Built-in temperature and pressure compensation, with an accuracy of ±1% of the reading.
The range ratio exceeds 1000:1, and it can accommodate a wide range of flow rates.
The micro-flow measurement can reach as low as 0.1 liters per minute.
Applicable scenarios
Compressed Air Measurement and Energy Efficiency Management
Monitoring of combustion air for boilers / kilns
Control of aeration flow rate for wastewater treatment
Precise metering of semiconductor special gases
Orifice Flowmeter: The Economical Choice for Measuring Steam and Gases
Working principle
By utilizing the principle of Karman vortex street, the flow velocity can be calculated by measuring the frequency of the vortices.
Breakthrough in Redware Automatic Control Technology
Optimize the design of the vortex generator, reducing pressure loss by 40%
Digital signal processing technology, with the anti-vibration capability enhanced by three times
Integrated temperature and pressure compensation, directly outputting standard state volume
High-temperature resistant design, with a maximum temperature of up to 400℃
Applicable scenarios
Measurement of saturated steam and superheated steam
Low-pressure gases such as natural gas and gasoline
Gas Monitoring in Chemical Processes
Measurement of steam flow in the heating system
Differential pressure flowmeter: A classic and reliable solution
Working principle
Based on the Bernoulli equation, the flow rate is calculated by measuring the pressure difference before and after the throttling device.
Redware Automatic Control Innovation Solution
Provide various throttling devices such as standard orifice plates, Venturi tubes, and uniform velocity tubes.
The accuracy of the intelligent differential pressure transmitter is ±0.075%.
Integrated temperature and pressure compensation scheme
Online diagnosis function, real-time monitoring of equipment status
Applicable scenarios
High-pressure natural gas transmission
Power plant ventilation system
Petroleum and chemical process gases
Measurement of large-diameter gas
Gas turbine flowmeter: The preferred choice for high-precision trade settlement
Working principle
The turbine rotates under the drive of gas flow, and the rotational speed is directly proportional to the flow rate.
Advantages of Redware Automatic Control Products
The accuracy level is as high as 0.5 grade, with a repeatability of 0.1%
The bearing life has exceeded 80,000 hours.
Wide range ratio of 20:1, suitable for flow fluctuations
Explosion-proof design, safe and reliable
Applicable scenarios
Urban gas trade settlement
Precise metering of industrial gas usage
Laboratory gas calibration
Gas metering at the refueling station
Ultrasonic gas flowmeter: Expert for measuring large pipe diameters
Working principle
The flow velocity can be measured by using the time difference between the forward and backward propagation of ultrasonic waves in the gas.
The innovative features of the redware automatic control system
Multi-channel design, flow field adaptive
No pressure loss, significant energy-saving effect
Continuous installation, easy maintenance
Accuracy ± 1.0%, Reproducibility ± 0.2%
Applicable scenarios
Natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline network
Power plant induced draft and supply air system
Total aeration pipe for sewage treatment
Smoke emission monitoring
