Why use a magnetic flow meter?

The pros and cons

Magnetic flowmeters use Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction to determine the flow of
liquid in a pipe. In a magnetic flowmeter, a magnetic field is generated and channelled into the
liquid flowing through the pipe. Following Faraday’s Law, flow of a conductive liquid through
the magnetic field will cause a voltage signal to be sensed by electrodes located on the flow
tube walls. When the fluid moves faster, more voltage is generated. Faraday’s Law states that
the voltage generated is proportional to the movement of the flowing liquid. The electronic
transmitter processes the voltage signal to determine liquid flow.

In contrast with many other flowmeter technologies, magnetic flowmeter technology produces
signals that are linear with flow. As such, the turndown associated with magnetic flowmeters
can approach 20:1 or better without sacrificing accuracy. They represent about 23% of all
flowmeters sold.

Pros:

• No moving parts or flow obstructions and, therefore:

• NO WEAR AND TEAR – SERVICE LIFE OF 75 YEARS!
• Almost zero pressure drop (Since the coefficient of friction for the liner materials (Tef
lon) may be lower than the actual piping material they may provide less of a pressure
drop than the same length of piping material)
• Accurate to +/-0.25% of reading for both very low or very high flows
• Flow range turn-down of 300 to 1 or better
• Available for pipe diameters from 1/10” to ten cubic feet
• Multidirectional – upstream or downstream
• Relatively unaffected by viscosity, temperature and pressure as long as the magmeter
is selected based on the process conditions
• Can respond well to rapid changes in flow
• Applicable to liquids with heavy particulates
• Applicable to water, water bases, acids, and bases.
• Available in a wide variety of communication protocols
• Ability to register locally, remotely or to interface with an energy management system
Cons:

Despite these advantages, magnetic flowmeters also present certain difficulties for flow rate
measurement. These flowmeters are only effective on conductive fluids, and materials such
as unmixed hydrocarbons and gases cannot be measured. However, magnetic materials
themselves may also present problems, as hydrodynamic effects can alter the normal flow
pattern and disturb the velocity rate enough to interfere with operations. Depending on their
size and capacity, magnetic flowmeters can be relatively heavy, and those with higher corro-
sion and abrasion resistance can be expensive.

For further information contact:

David Almond, Head of Sales and Market-
ing,
PVL Ltd, Unit 9 Lexden Lodge Industrial
Estate, Jarvis Brook, Crowborough, East
Sussex, TN6 2NQ
Telephone: 01892 664499
Fax: 01892 663690
www: http://www.pvl.co.uk/
e-mail: David.Almond@pvl.co.uk
Blog: http://blog.pvl.co.uk/
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