- Main category · Flow meter
Volume and flow meters for industrial use
A flow meter – also known as a flow rate meter or flow meter – measures the volume of liquid, gas or steam passing through a pipe. Norditec supplies magnetic, vortex, turbine and Coriolis flow meters for industry, water and wastewater, and process plants.
The choice of technology depends on the medium, conductivity, viscosity, measurement range, pressure, temperature, pipe size, accuracy requirements and the type of signal the meter is to send to the control system. Start by looking at the measurement technologies below, or send us your process data.
Why choose Norditec?
Technical Consulting
We can help you choose the type, size and materials of the pump based on the fluid and the process.
Many technologies, one supplier
Positive displacement, centrifugal, drainage and dosing pumps – as well as valves and automation equipment.
Nationwide Delivery
An Oslo-based supplier with customers in industry, water and wastewater, and aquaculture throughout the country.
Complete solutions
From a single pump to a fully automated pumping and dosing solution.
Find the right flow meter
Four measurement principles cover most industrial needs. Each card shows what the technology measures, what media it is typically used for, and what determines its suitability. Technical data for each series is available on the product pages.
Magnetic flow meter
Magnetic flowmeters are suitable for electrically conductive liquids provided that the medium’s conductivity and other process conditions fall within the instrument’s specifications.
Vortex flow meter
Vortex flowmeters may be suitable for appropriate liquids, gases and steam provided that the medium, flow range, Reynolds number and installation requirements fall within the instrument’s specifications.
Turbine flow meter
Turbine flow meters may be suitable for media and operating conditions that are documented for the relevant series. Viscosity, particles, fluid type and measurement range all affect the choice and performance of the meter.
Coriolis mass flow meters
Coriolis flowmeters measure mass flow directly. Depending on the instrument and configuration, they can also provide process data such as density and temperature. Details regarding measurement variables, accuracy and available outputs must be confirmed for the specific model.
Water flow meter DN 66
Metering for billing or custody transfer purposes should only be referred to where the specific meter, its approval and its application have been documented for this purpose.
Related process instrumentation
Turbidity Sensor (0–4000) NTU
Turbidity sensors measure turbidity/optical cloudiness in the liquid and are not flow meters.
Automation and control
Frequency converter
A variable-frequency drive regulates motor speed and is not a flow meter or flow sensor.
Which measurement technology is suitable for the medium?
Many people know what they need to measure, but not which technology is suitable. Use the tables as a starting point. The specific model must always be checked against pressure, temperature and measurement range.
| MEDIUM / APPLICATION | ASSESSMENT | TECHNOLOGY |
|---|---|---|
| Water and conductive liquids | Magnetic measurement, when conductivity is sufficient. Common in water supply, cooling water, and process water. | Magnetic |
| Wastewater and particle-containing liquids | Magnetic measurement can be applicable because the pipe is open, but lining, electrodes, and mounting must suit the medium. | Magnetic |
| Steam | Vortex, where the selected model is approved for the pressure and temperature of saturated or superheated steam. | Vortex |
| Compressed air and industrial gases | Vortex, depending on gas type, pressure, temperature, and measuring range. | Vortex |
| Clean liquids with low viscosity | Turbine, when the liquid is clean and the meter is suitable for the viscosity. Coriolis is an alternative. | Turbine |
| Direct mass flow measurement and density measurement | Coriolis technology is applicable for direct mass flow measurement. Density measurement should only be mentioned where the relevant model supports this. | Coriolis |
What should be taken into account when choosing a flow meter?
The first question is whether you need a volume flow rate or a mass flow rate. A volume flow rate (e.g. m³/h) indicates the volume passing through. A mass flow rate (kg/h) indicates the mass. For gases and for liquids with varying temperatures or densities, mass is often the most useful value. These factors then determine the choice:
Medium
Liquid, gas or vapour
Conductivity
Crucial for magnetic measurement
Viscosity and purity
Affects the turbine and vortex
Particles, bubbles, multiphase
May cause measurement errors or wear and tear
Measuring range
Minimum and maximum flow, turndown
Pipe dimensions and connections
DN, flange or thread
Pressure and temperature
Operation and design
Accuracy and repeatability
Requirements for accuracy and repeatability must be assessed in relation to the chosen measurement technology, model, measurement range, medium and operating conditions.
Volume or mass
Have a look
Materials
Lining, electrodes, wetted parts, gaskets
Inlet and installation
Straight pipe runs, orientation
Leaving and integration
Pulse, 4–20 mA, digital protocols for PLC/SCADA
Pressure drop
Hvor stort trykktap som kan aksepteres over målepunktet må vurderes sammen med valgt måleprinsipp og installasjon.
Environment and enclosure
Outdoors, damp, submersion
Calibration and maintenance
Verification and servicing
Flow measurement for various industrial applications
What you measure, and why, is determined by the technology. Here’s what the requirements look like in the most common sectors.
Water and sewerage (VA)
In the field of wastewater and water treatment, self-priming pumps, vortex pumps and macerator pumps are most commonly used, as they can handle solid particles without becoming blocked.
Food industry
Chemistry and Processes
Oil and Gas
Aquaculture and biogas
Reliable pumps for sludge treatment, feed and process water in fish farming and biogas plants.
Water supply and industry
Do you need help choosing the right flow meter?
Send us the process data and we’ll suggest a technology and model. If any of the values are missing, just send us what you have.
- Medium and composition
- Liquid, gas or vapour
- Measuring range (min. and max.)
- Pipe size
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Conductivity, where relevant
- Installation conditions
- Viscosity
- Particles or bubbles
- Accuracy requirements
- Connection (flange, threaded)
- Output and PLS/SCADA requirements
- Installation and environmental conditions
Frequently asked questions about flow meters
The terms ‘flow meter’ and ‘volume meter’ are often used interchangeably in industrial contexts. The key factors in making a choice are the measuring principle used, the medium to be measured, and whether the requirement relates to volume flow, mass flow or cumulative volume.
For water and other conductive liquids, a magnetic flow meter is the most common choice. It has no moving parts and no restriction in the pipe. For pure water, turbine or vortex flow meters may also be used, depending on the pipe size, measurement range and accuracy requirements.
Vortex flow meters are often used for saturated and superheated steam, compressed air and industrial gases, provided that the selected model is suitable for the pressure, temperature and measurement range. Magnetic flow meters cannot measure gas or steam.
Magnetic measurement uses a magnetic field and requires a conductive fluid. Vortex measurement detects vortices behind an orifice and is suitable for steam, gas and low-viscosity liquids. Turbine measurement measures the rotation of a turbine wheel in clean, low-viscosity liquids. Coriolis measurement measures mass flow directly and often provides density as well.
When mass is more important than volume – for example, in dosing, mixing or wi
Medium, measuring range, pipe size, pressure, temperature, viscosity, electrical conductivity of liquids, accuracy requirements, connection and the signals the meter is to output. See the checklist above.
Yes, most industrial flowmeters have an analogue output (4–20 mA), a pulse output or digital communication. The available outputs and protocols depend on the model and are listed on the product page.
