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What do you have to look for when purchasing flowmeters? These instruments measure a gas or liquid's mass or volumetric flow rate. They come in different ranges, so you need to find the one that suits your application. And by the way, some people might understand this device as a mass flow controller, a flow regulator, or a flow sensor. So, familiarize yourself with these terms. 

Most chemical and industrial processes require delivering accurate quantities of gas or liquid products. So, they can measure the delivery rates in either mass or volume. But choosing between them will depend on the application. 

In most cases, volumetric flow measurement is usually sufficient if the pressure and temperature are stable and known. But as mass flow measurement indicates the quantity of molecules present, it gets immune to density variation.

While these come in a wide range, Coriolis, differential pressure, and thermal mass are the most extensively used flow meters.

What are some of the essential elements you should consider when selecting an appropriate flow mass meter? These are many, and we'll dive right in:

Ask yourself if your application needs a low-pressure drop or high? The pressure drop represents a variation between the inlet and the outlet pressure. So, you need to know that flow meters have a maximum operating pressure. You must check the pressure rating of the device into consideration.

Different variations in the fluid temperature are likely to affect the accuracy of your measurement. You could go for flow meters with temperature compensation to be safe when temperature fluctuations occur. Ensure to check the temperature specifications of a meter provided by the manufacturer before purchasing. 

The flow rate indicates the quantity of the fluid flowing through a measuring instrument per unit time. The display of the fluid quantity can show in volume or standardized volume and true mass units. And this is a vital specification to look out for when selecting a flow meter. 

While price and performance are critical criteria for selecting a flow meter, you must also consider what you would like to achieve.

Other than the component pricing, what are the likely expenses you might incur later? So, you are looking at the installation charges, maintenance and repairs, and electrical consumption.  

These two are critical specs to look at when selecting your device. You must understand that not all flow meters will provide the same accuracy. And not all applications require higher accuracy. And a flow meter must give the same readings when operated under the same variables.

Use this guide if you plan to purchase a flow mass meter for your application. And whenever you're unsure, check what the supplier has indicated on the product series. Reading these yourself will help you understand which meter meets your application requirement.