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Flow Meters for Liquid, Gas and Steam Flow Measurement

Flow meters are used to measure the mass flow rate of a liquid or gas in a pipe or other container. A Flow Meter is most commonly used in industrial and commercial applications to measure the flow of water, oil, steam, or other liquids and gases. They can also be used to measure the flow of air in ventilation systems or to measure the flow of wastewater in sewage systems.

They are used in a range of industries, such as oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, chemical, food and beverage, production, and HVAC.

contact us for information about our flow measurement range, pricing, and availability from leading suppliers: Sierra Instruments, Seametrics, Flomec, and more.

A Flow Meter will measure the flow rate or quantity of liquids, gases, or steam that is moving through a pipe. There are many names associated with devices used to measure liquids and gases including flow indicators, liquid meters, and flow gauges.

Procon Instrument Technology can supply and support the following types of flowmeters from leading suppliers:

Mass Flow Meters and Mass Flow Controllers for liquid, gas, and steam flow measurement
Doppler / Transit Time Ultrasonic Flow Meter for liquid measurement
Turbine, Paddle Wheel, and Positive Displacement Flow Meters
Magnetic Flow Meters
Vortex Flow Meters
Agricultural and Industrial Water Meters

What is the difference between Mass Flow Meters and Velocity Flow Meters?

Mass flow meters measure the mass of a fluid passing through a pipe, while a velocity flow meter will measure the velocity of a fluid passing through a pipe. A Mass flow meter is more accurate than a velocity flow meter since they measure mass and not just velocity. A Mass flow meter is often used in industrial applications, such as measuring the flow of fluids in chemical processes, while velocity flow meters are more commonly used in water systems, such as measuring the flow of water in irrigation systems.

The output signal of a Mass Flow Meter is directly related to the mass passing through the meter. Thermal and Coriolis flow meters fall into this category.

The output signal of a Velocity Flow Meter is directly related to the velocity passing through the meter. Examples of Velocity Flow Meters are:

Electromagnetic
Ultrasonic
Turbine, Propeller, and Paddle Wheel
Vortex Shedding
Target
Variable Area and Rotameter
Orifice Plate, Open Channel, Flow Nozzle, Laminar, Venturi, and Pitot Tube

Things to consider when choosing a Flow Meter for your application

Selecting the proper technology for your application requires writing a flow specification that covers the use of the meter. There are usually trade-offs with each meter type, so knowing the critical specifications will be important.

Things you should factor in when selecting the right flow meter for your application:

Fluid to be measured: What is the Gas or Liquid that is being measured?
Flow Rate: Consider the maximum and minimum flow rates of the flow meter you are looking at to ensure it is suited to your application.
Accuracy: Make sure the flow meters you are considering are accurate enough for your application.
Cost: Consider the cost of the flow meter and any associated installation or maintenance costs.
Installation: Consider the installation requirements of the flow meter and make sure you have the necessary space and resources to install it.
Environment: Make sure the flow meter is suitable for the environment it will be installed in, such as if it can handle high temperatures, vibration, or corrosive liquids.
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the flow meter and if it will require regular calibration or cleaning.
Output: What type of output signal or readout is required
Pressure: What is the maximum pressure at the location and what pressure drop is allowable?

Flow Computers for Measurement

Flow computers are specialised electronic devices that have been designed to be used to measure and calculate the flow of liquids, gases, or steam in various industrial applications. They work by receiving signals from flow meters, temperature sensors, pressure transmitters, and other devices, and then process this data to provide accurate flow measurements. The measurements are often used for custody transfer, fiscal metering, or process control.

Flow computers can perform complex calculations, such as converting raw flow data into standardized volumes, calculating energy content, and auditing changes to measurement parameters. They also record events and alarms related to flow meters and provide data for supervision, accounting, and auditing.

Industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and energy rely on flow computers to ensure precise measurements, maintain safety, and optimise operations.

Flow computers will:

audit changes that have been made to any of the parameters required, turning the raw flow meter data into volumes
record events and alarms related to the flow meter
keep a running tally of the volume for each flow meter it monitors
create a record of this volume on an hourly, daily, batch, or monthly basis

415

Steam and Gas Flow Computer

The 415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer is ideal Gas Law using temperature and pressure correction, but where compressibility correction is not required.
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425

Flow Computer

The 425 can handle a wide range of flow applications where high accuracy and flexibility is required and will interface with most flowmeters.

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212

Heat Calculator

The 212 has been designed to measure the energy consumed in hot water heating systems and chilled water cooling systems.

Learn More

415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer by Contrec

Contrec's 415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer incorporates the following compensation equations for gas and vapours:

Ideal Gas Law uses temperature and pressure correction, but where compressibility correction is not required.

General Gases where compressibility is calculated using the Redlich-Kwong¹ state equation. This equation is suitable for gases that have known properties, and information on common industrial gases is provided in the operating manual.

Natural Gas using the NX-19² equation to calculate super compressibility.

Steam Equations for both saturated and superheated steam. Mass and energy flow rates are calculated using standard equations to determine the specific weight and enthalpy of steam.

Programming is simplified with the 415's backlit alphanumeric display providing a clear indication of all parameters, as well as engineering units. The 415 is fully programmable and all operating parameters are entered via the front panel keypad. This instrument is available with direct RTD input (415R) or with 4-20mA temperature input (415A). Both accept a 4-20mA pressure input. Inputs from a wide range of flowmeters are accepted, including vortex, turbine, orifice plate, averaging pitot tubes, wedges, and target flowmeters. Where two differential pressure transmitters are used across an orifice or similar device, to increase the measured flow range, both DP transmitter inputs are accepted and scaled separately with automatic crossover.

Displays mass flow, corrected volume, and energy flow
Accepts 4-20mA and frequency flow inputs
Temperature and pressure compensation
Dual-ranged DP transmitter inputs
Operates from 14-28V dc or ac mains
Simplified programming
Data logging output

415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer Specifications

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS	Display	2 line x 20 characters (5.5mm high) alphanumeric backlit LCD.
	Keypad	Sealed membrane keypad with four keys.
	Power	Transducer Supply Requirements - 8-24V dc field adjustable, 65mA max dc supply - 14 to 28V dc, 300mA typical (no options) ac supply - ac mains set internally to 95-135V ac or 190-260V ac
	Temperature	0 to 55°C
	Sealing	IP65 (Nema 4X) watertight
APPROVALS	Electrical	ETL (US) approved to UL508 and CSA
	Interface	CE Compliance
	Enclosure	CENELEC, FM, CSA, and SAA-approved enclosures available for hazardous areas
Frequency Input	Range	Miniumum: 0.25Hz on Rate, 0Hz on Total Maximum: 10KHz
	Input Circuits	Accepts most sine, logic, and proximity switch inputs
	K-factor Range	0.1000 to 999,999
	Non-Linear Correction	Up to 10 correction points
4-20mA Inputs	Input Types	Flow (2 ranges), pressure, and temperature
	Input Impedance	250 ohms
	Measurement Range	Pressure: 0 kPa abs (0 psia) to 100,000 kPa abs (10,000 psia) Temperature: -273°C to 1200°C
	Span (flow)	999,999
	Accuracy	0.05%
	Circuit	250 ohm resistors connected to a common signal ground (current sinking)
	Non-Linear Correction	A 20 point curve can be applied to the flow input
RTD Input (Model 415R)	Type	Platinum PT100
	Range	-100°C (-l48°F) to 200°C (392°F). (Note a wider temperature range can be handled via a 4-20mA input.)
	Accuracy	0.1°C
	Linearity	The nonlinearity of the RTD is internally compensated for
Pressure Input	Type	Absolute or gauge
	Span	Absolute or gauge pressure is programmable at 4mA and 20mA
	Atmospheric	If a gauge pressure sensor is used, the atmospheric pressure is programmable
Pulse Output	Pulse Width	l0ms (negative going pulse).
	Duty Cycle	49 pulses/sec max
	Output	Open collector transistor will sink l00mA max. (Note: Suitable for driving remote counters or PLC's.)
RS232/422 Option	Type	Both RS232 and RS422 are provided. (Note: When using the RS422, multi-point communication (RS485) can be implemented with up to 32 instruments connected to a common bus.)
	Function	The printer and computer protocols are fully programmable.
	Printer	A print is initiated on each reset or at a programmable time interval. (Note: Protocols are provided for roll & column printers.)
	Computer	An ASCII based protocol enables all displayed parameters to be read and the totals to be reset
	Baud rate	300 to 9600
	Data Bits	7 or 8
	Parity	None, Odd, or Even
	Data Logging	Output is generated at intervals of once a minute to once every 24 hours. The totals can be programmed to reset on each print or at 24:00 hours.
	Time	A real-time clock is provided to give time and date on each output
4-20mA Output Option	Function	The outputs flow rate in mass, corrected volume or energy. The 4 and 20mA points can be programmed to provide a fully scaled output.
	Resolution	10 bits
	Accuracy	Better than 0.1%
	Maximum Load	500 ohms internally powered. 950 ohms from external 24V dc
	Isolation	Output is isolated
Relay Output Option	Function	High and low flow rate alarms are based on the flow rate in mass, corrected volume, or energy.
	Maximum Ratings	Power: 250VA. Voltage: 250V ac, 30V dc. Current: 5 Amps.
Ideal Gas	Display	Corrected Volume: m³ or ft³ Mass: kg or lbs
	Temp Range	-273°C to 800°C
	Pressure Range	0 kPa abs (0 psia) to 100,000 kPa abs (10,000 psia)
General Gas	Gases	Handles most gases for which the critical temperature, pressure, and specific gravity are known
	Compressibility	Calculated using the Redlich-Kwong equation
	Temp Range	-273°C to 800°C (RTD has a more limited range)
	Pressure Range	0 kPa abs (0 psia) to 100,000 kPa abs (10,000 psia)
Natural Gas	Calculations	Uses NX-19 equation to calculate super compressibility F_PV
	Temp Range	-40°C (-40°F) to 115°C (240°F)
	Pressure Range	101.325 kPa abs (14.69 psia) to 34,380 kPa abs (4985 psia).
	Specific Gravity Range	0.554 to 1.000
	Carbon Dioxide	0 to 15% mole
	Nitrogen	0 to 15% mole
Steam	Calculations	Uses 1967 IFC Formulation (ASME) equations to calculate specific weight and enthalpy of steam.
	Types	Saturated and Superheated.
	Temp Range	20°C to 800°C (RTD has a more limited range.)
	Pressure Range	1 kPa abs (1 psia) to 100,000 kPa abs (10,000 psia).
	Saturated Steam	When measuring saturated steam, it is possible to omit either the pressure or temperature sensor since, on the saturated line, there is a corresponding pressure for all temperatures.

1 Redlich & Kwong, "An equation of State", Chem Rev., vol 44, p233, 1949.

2 Par Research Project NX-19. "Extension of Range of Super Compressibility Tables", American Gas Association, 1962.

Important: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The 415 accepts most flowmeter inputs including:

Frequency-producing flowmeters such as vortex, turbine or positive displacement.
Volumetric flowmeters with 4-20mA outputs such as vortex or turbines with a frequency to current converter on the output.
Differential Pressure devices such as orifice plates, averaging pitot tubes, wedges, cones, elbows, or target flowmeters, where a square law relationship applies.
Linear Differential Pressure devices where the 4-20mA output is directly proportional to the flow rate.
Dual Range (Stacked) Differential Pressure Transmitters where two separately spanned transmitters are used across a common flow device such as an orifice (both square and linear inputs).
Non-Linear Differential Pressure devices such as laminar flow tubes or VA meters. A 20-point correction curve can be programmed to compensate for any non-linearities in the flowmeter.

Information is displayed in many windows which can be selected using the DISPLAY key.

General

The flow rate of the mass, corrected volume, or energy is displayed in units per day, hour, minute, or second.

Total of the mass, corrected volume, or energy. A reset key on the front panel enables totals to be reset, or the key can be disabled during setup. Totals are displayed with 8 digits.

Gas Flow

Corrected volume at base conditions (m³ or ft³)

Mass (kg or lbs)

Temperature (°C or °F)

Pressure (kPa or psi) in absolute or gauge

Compressibility Z, for general gases

Super compressibility Fpv for natural gas

Steam Flow

Mass (kg or lbs)

Energy (MJ or Btu x 1000)

Temperature (°C or °F)

Pressure (kPa or psi) in absolute or gauge 3

Specific weight in dm /kg

Specific enthalpy in kJ/kg

415 Flow Computer Dimensions by Contrec

415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF for the 415 Steam and Gas Flow Computer by Contrec

425 Flow Computer by Contrec

Contrec 425 Flow Computer

The 425 Flow Computer can handle a wide range of flow applications where high accuracy and flexibility are required.

It will interface with most flowmeters and accepts most types of pulse inputs.

Either the Flow Rate or a Resettable Total can be continuously displayed in engineering units on the large six-digit LCD display. A non-resettable Accumulated Total is also displayed whenever the DISPLAY key is pressed.

A scaled pulse output, suitable for driving remote totalisers, is a standard feature and the instrument also provides an 8-24 Volt dc power supply for driving transducers.

High/low flow rate alarms can be output on two form C relays.

An isolated 4-20mA output is available as an option.

Features of the 425 Flow Computer by Contrec

Large LCD Display
Operates from 12-28V dc or Universal ac mains voltage
Scaled Pulse Output
Accepts most types of frequency flow inputs
Provides 8-24Vdc Transducer Power
High Accuracy
Adjustable Backlight
Simplified programming
CE Compliant
RS232 and RS485 output
Custom headers for ticket printing

RS232 and RS422/485 Communications interface
Communications, included as standard, include both RS232 and RS485 interfaces for communicating with a computer.
Software drivers are also included for a number of printers and can print a ticket with time and date, a sequential ticket
number, and the resettable and accumulated totals.

Set-Up data is stored in non-volatile memory
The 425 is initially set up by following a calibration sequence that enables scaling factors, digital filtering, and display formatting to be set and stored in a non-volatile memory that does not require battery backup.
The instrument will operate from 12 to 28V dc or from universal ac mains.

Digital filtering enhances rate accuracy
Frequency fluctuations caused by pulsating flow through a flow meter, often make the rate impossible to read with any precision.

The 425 has a digital filter that will average out these fluctuations and enable the rate to be read to a four-digit accuracy. The degree of filtering is fully programmable which means that highly accurate and stable readings can be obtained without excessive lag.

Different mounting options are available
The 425 is designed for panel mounting with the facia watertight to IP65 (Nema 4X) and resistant to most chemicals.

A field enclosure and an explosion-proof are optionally available.

Download for the Contrec 425 Flow Computer

DOWNLOAD PDF for the 425 Flow Computer by Contrec

212 Heat Calculator by Contrec

Contrec 212 Flow Computer The 212 Heat Calculator by Contrec has been designed to measure the energy consumed in hot water heating systems and chilled water cooling systems. The 212 is supplied complete with temperature probes and is able to interface with a wide range of flowmeters, including positive displacement and inferential water meters, magnetic flowmeters with pulse outputs, turbine, and paddle wheel flowmeters.

PROVIDING FLEXIBILITY TO MEET ALL APPLICATION

Offering multilingual capability, data logging, and peak/off-peak operation are standard. The 212 in addition has four modes of operation covering heating and cooling to ensure that it is flexible enough to meet all energy measurement applications.

The high accuracy of the 212 ensures that it meets European and International approvals for heat calculators.

ACCURACY TO OIML R75 CLASS 4 AND EN1434

The 212 can be supplied with two precision 4-wire Pt100 RTDs and has an inbuilt correction for the non-linearity of the RTDs. For chilled water measurement where the temperature difference (Δt) is likely to be small, provision is made in the set-up program to zero out any offset between RTDs. The 212 is fully programmable and all set-up data and totals are stored in non-volatile memory for a minimum of 10 years.

Features

Complies with OIML R75 and EN1434 Standards
Multilingual Capability
Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning
Built-in Density and Enthalpy Tables
Meter-Bus Interface or RS485 Communications
Metric or US Units
4-Wire PT100 RTD Temperature Inputs
Fully Programmable
Calculates and Displays Volume, Energy, Temperatures, and Peak Energy
Watertight to IP66 (Nema 4X)
High Accuracy
CE Compliant
4-20mA Output Option

Display

Type: 7-digit LCD - 7 numeric digits and 11 alpha characters

Digits: 15.5mm high

Characters: 6mm hihg

Display Units: kWh, MWh, MJ, GJ, therm, BTU x 1000, tons x hours (refrigeration)

Maximum Thermal Power: 3000MW

Measurement Time: 0.5s

Accuracy: OIML R75 Class 4 and EN1434

Approvals: Approved by the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology to OIML Class 4

Interface: CE Compliance

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DC Power: 12 to 24Vdc @ 100mA maximum

AC Power: Supplied via power adaptor

Battery Version

Battery Type: 2 x Lithium battery packs

Battery Life: 5 years

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Temperature

Operating: 5 to 55°c

Storage: -20 to +70°c

Environmental Class: EN1434 Classes A & C

Enclosure

Protection: IP66 (Nema 4X) watertight

Materials: Polycarbonate and ABS

Mounting Options

Wall: Wall mount bracket

Panel: Mounting clips

Inputs

Flowmeter

Type: Frequency or pulse between 0.01Hz to 20KHz. The default low-frequency cutoff is 0.25Hz

K-factor Range: Programmable in the range 0.0001 to 999,999.9 pulses per litre, m³, US gallon or ft³

Signal Type: Pulse, open collector, reed switch, proximity switch, or coil

Location: In either the return or feel lines

Temperature

Type: 4-wire PT100 RTS's to IEC 751. 1/10 DIN

Location: 1 x Feed Line and 1 x Return Line

Linearisation: Built-in RTD linearisation

Temp Range: -10 to +220°c (1 to 200°c approved)

Temp Difference: 1 to 200K (1 to 199K approved)

Measurement Time: 3s

Cable Length: <50m

Connection: G1/2B

Outputs Display

Pulse

Type: Open collector will sink up to 100mA, 30Vdc maximum

Width: 10ms

Function: Volume or Energy (scaled)

Frequency: 1 pulse for every preset number of units of energy or volume total

Alarm (Not available with 4-20mA output)

Type: 2 solid-state optoisolated relays which will sink up to 100mA, 30Vdc maximum.

Function: High and low alarms are individually programmable as unsigned values for flow rate, energy flow rate, feed temperature, return temperature, or temperature difference.

4020mA Output Option

Function: Volumetric flow rate, energy flow rate, feed or return temperature, Δt

Accuracy: 0.1%

Span: Programmable

Load: Maximum of 300 ohms at 12v

Meter-Bus

Type: Conforms to CEN/TC176 meter bus standard

Protocol: ICE 870-5

RS485

Data Transmitted: All data calculated can be transmitted

Baud Rate: 300 to 9600 baud

Parity: Odd, even or more

Stop Bits: One or two

Bus Address: Programmable for multiple instruments on the same bus

Protocol: Modbus RTU

IMPORTANT: Specifications are subject to change without notice

Dimensions

212 Heat Calculator Dimensions by Contrec