The 21 best flow meter brands
Endress+Hauser, Dwyer and ABB lead our ranking of 21 flow meter brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Flow Meter brands, ranked
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1
Endress+Hauser
Swiss process-industry maker whose Coriolis, electromagnetic and vortex flow meters suit chemical plants, food lines and utilities.
Website: endress.com |Brands like Endress+Hauser
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Dwyer
Visi-Float variable-area flowmeters give a simple tube readout for air and water, with stainless and brass body options.
Top products: VFA-24-BV· VFB-85· VFA-41-SSV
Website: dwyer-inst.com |Brands like Dwyer
Popularity 9.3/10
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3
ABB
Large industrial group whose electromagnetic and Coriolis flow instruments serve energy, water and manufacturing sites.
Popularity 6.4/10
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4
Micromotion
Coriolis mass flow meters measure density and flow directly, with little upkeep, for custody transfer and process control.
Popularity 5.7/10
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5
Yokogawa
Japanese instrumentation firm offering magnetic, vortex and ultrasonic flow meters for plant automation and measurement.
Website: yokogawa.com |Brands like Yokogawa
Popularity 5.6/10
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6
Foxboro
The Foxboro 43AP pneumatic controller is a process instrument that can regulate pressure, temperature, flow and level. Foxboro, a Schneider Electric brand, builds pneumatic and electronic instruments for industrial plants. Its temperature transmitters and sensors, such as the RTT15S transmitter, cover measurement and control in process systems.
Popularity 5.5/10
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7
KROHNE
German specialist in magnetic, ultrasonic and variable-area flowmeters for process plants and water treatment.
Website: krohne.com |Brands like KROHNE
Popularity 5.3/10
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8
Siemens
Siemens flow sensors include magnetic-inductive and ultrasonic models used in water distribution and process plants.
Website: new.siemens.com |Brands like Siemens
Popularity 5.1/10
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9
Badger
Water utility meter specialist covering turbine, positive displacement and ultrasonic designs for pipe sizes from small to large.
Top products: Vision BV3000· E-Series Ultrasonic· 108-6670
Popularity 3.9/10
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10
SIGNET
Paddlewheel and magnetic flow sensors for water, pool and chemical lines, often paired with its pH and conductivity monitors.
Popularity 3.7/10
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11
Agilent
Agilent began as Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business before it became an independent company. It makes laboratory instruments, electronic test equipment, and related services for research, life sciences, and industrial labs. Its product lines include attenuators, cables, and DC power...
Website: agilent.com |Brands like Agilent
Popularity 3.1/10
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12
Honeywell
Honeywell's process transmitters and Coriolis and differential pressure flow instruments serve refineries and chemical sites.
Website: honeywell.com |Brands like Honeywell
Popularity 2.6/10
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13
Teledyne
Teledyne's gas flow instruments, including thermal mass flow meters, are used in labs, environmental monitoring and semiconductor work.
Website: teledyne.com |Brands like Teledyne
Popularity 2.5/10
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14
GE
GE Lighting has been leading the lighting technology industry for over 130 years. Its mission is to provide customers with a first-class smart home experience. To do so, it has created novel lighting products designed to improve one's lifestyle and...
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 2.2/10
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15
Neptune
Residential-scale registers and radio-read modules let municipal crews read household water meters from the street.
Top products: 831 Flow Meter Register
Popularity 1.7/10
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16
TSI
TSI mass flow meters and anemometers serve lab, cleanroom and HVAC airflow measurement, with precise calibration options.
Top products: 4100 Series Mass Flow Meter Model 4140
Website: tsiflowproducts.com |Brands like TSI
Popularity 1.3/10
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17
Danfoss
Danfoss started its roots in 1993. The founder of the company is Mads Clausen. They provide robust solutions to a lot of industries in the current era. They deal with energy-efficient technology and help the technological development of the growing...
Website: danfoss.com |Brands like Danfoss
Popularity 0.9/10
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18
Festo
Festo Didactic is your ideal technical education partner. They provide educational tools for teaching vocational and technological courses efficiently. Students may discover how objects function and are made in practical, hands-on workshops. The brand offers a groundbreaking vocational and practical...
Website: labvolt.festo.com |Brands like Festo
Popularity 0.9/10
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19
Ashcroft
Ashcroft manufactures pressure gauges, temperature instruments, vacuum gauges, solenoid valves and pressure sensors for industrial use. These products measure and control pressure and temperature in demanding settings. The company concentrates on reliable instrumentation for safety-critical applications.
Website: ashcroft.com |Brands like Ashcroft
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
McDonnell & Miller
Flow switches and water-level and flow instruments for pumping stations, HVAC and wastewater systems, with compact industrial housings.
Website: mcdonnellmiller.com |Brands like McDonnell & Miller
Popularity 0.8/10
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21
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is the leading developer and producer of HVAC application solutions. Their company provides clients with integrated solutions to fulfill their demands in sectors like commercial buildings and industrial facilities. They provide various goods, including temperature control devices, sensors,...
Website: necc-controls.com |Brands like Johnson Controls
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endress+Hauser | endress.com | – | – | – |
| Dwyer | dwyer-inst.com | /DwyerInstrumentsIncorporated | @DwyerInstrument | DwyerInstruments |
| Yokogawa | yokogawa.com | – | – | – |
| KROHNE | krohne.com | /krohnegroup | @krohnegroup | – |
| Siemens | new.siemens.com | – | – | – |
Flow Meter Buying Guide
Flow meters are an essential piece of equipment for many industries such as agriculture, water management, plumbing, and chemical manufacturing. They are designed to measure the amount of liquid or gas passing through a pipeline. Flow meters are essential for monitoring the usage of fluids, as well as measuring the efficiency of machines and processes that require specific flow rates.
With a vast array of flow meters available in the market, it can be challenging for many users to decide the best one to purchase. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive Flow Meter Buying Guide. This guide will help you understand what flow meters are, the different types of flow meters, and the features you should consider when choosing a flow meter for your specific application.
What is a flow meter?
A flow meter is a device used to measure the rate of liquid or gas flow. The measurement can either be volumetric or mass flow. Flow meters come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, and can measure flows of liquids or gases in pipes of various sizes.
Flow meters work on the principle that a fluid passing through a pipe causes a measurable effect. For instance, when water flows through a pipe, it creates pressure differences in the pipe wall. The change in pressure can be measured, and the flow rate can be calculated accordingly.
Types of Flow meters
There are various types of flow meters available in the market. They differ in their designs, principles of operation, and features. The following are the most common types of flow meters:
1. Differential Pressure Flow Meter
Differential Pressure (DP) flow meters are among the most common types of flow meters. They work on the principle that when a fluid flows through a pipe, it creates a differential pressure. A DP flow meter consists of two pressure taps connected to either side of the pipe. The pressure drop across the device is measured and used to calculate the flow rate.
DP flow meters can be further classified into two types:
- Orifice plate
- Venturi tube
2. Magnetic Flow Meter
Magnetic flow meters, also known as electromagnetic flow meters, measure the velocity of a conductive fluid as it passes through a magnetic field. The fluid must be electrically conductive, such as water or milk.
The principle of operation is based on Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, an electrical voltage is induced in the conductor. The voltage is proportional to the velocity of the fluid, and therefore the flow rate can be calculated based on the voltage induced.
3. Ultrasonic Flow Meter
An ultrasonic flow meter measures the velocity of a fluid by sending and receiving high-frequency sound waves through the fluid. The sound waves are sent from transducers located outside the pipe and are reflected back to the transducers from the fluid.
The time taken for the sound waves to propagate through the fluid is measured, and the velocity of the fluid can be calculated based on the time taken. Ultrasonic flow meters are non-intrusive and can measure the flow of any liquid, as long as it can conduct sound waves.
4. Turbine Flow Meter
A turbine flow meter works on the principle that a fluid flowing through a pipe causes a rotor to spin. The rotor is fitted with blades that are oriented to catch the flow of the fluid. The rate of rotation is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid.
The flow rate is determined by measuring the rotational speed of the rotor. Turbine flow meters are commonly used for measuring liquids, such as water or oil.
5. Vortex Flow Meter
A Vortex flow meter measures the frequency of vortices that are generated as a fluid flows past a bluff body. The frequency of the vortices is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid.
The Vortex flow meter has a bluff body that is placed in the path of the fluid. As the fluid flows past the bluff body, it creates alternating vortices downstream. The Vortex frequency is detected and used to calculate the flow rate. Vortex flow meters are commonly used for measuring liquids and gases.
6. Positive Displacement Flow Meter
Positive Displacement flow meters work on the principle of fluids filling and emptying a chamber, causing a rotational or reciprocating motion. The volume of fluid flowing through the chamber is proportional to the number of cycles of motion.
Positive Displacement flow meters are commonly used for measuring the flow of high-viscosity fluids, such as oil or syrup.
Features to consider when selecting a flow meter
When selecting a flow meter, there are several features that you should consider. Understanding these features will help you select the right flow meter for your specific application.
1. Flow rate range
The flow rate range is the range of flow rates that a flow meter can measure. Consider the maximum and minimum flow rates that you need to measure in your application. Choose a flow meter that has a flow rate range that can accommodate your flow rate needs.
2. Fluid type and properties
The fluid type and properties are crucial when selecting a flow meter. The viscosity, density, conductivity, and corrosiveness of the fluid can impact the performance of the flow meter. Consider the fluid being measured and choose a flow meter that is designed to work with that fluid.
3. Accuracy
The accuracy of a flow meter is the degree of uncertainty in the measured flow rate. Flow meters have a stated accuracy, which shows how close the measured value is to the true flow rate. Consider the level of accuracy that you require in your application and choose a flow meter that meets your accuracy needs.
4. Installation requirements
Flow meters can have different installation requirements. Consider the space available for installation and the orientation of the flow meter. Choose a flow meter that can be installed in your space and meets your installation requirements.
5. Maintenance requirements
Flow meters require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to operate accurately. Consider the requirements for maintenance, such as calibration, cleaning, and replacement of parts. Choose a flow meter that has low maintenance requirements and is easy to maintain.
6. Output signal
Flow meters can provide different kinds of output signals, such as analog or digital signals. Consider the type of output signal that you require for your application.
7. Cost
Finally, consider the cost of the flow meter. There are many flow meters available in different price ranges. Consider your budget and choose a flow meter that meets your requirements and budget.
Conclusion
Flow meters are essential devices that help industries measure fluid flows accurately. There are different types of flow meters available, each with unique features and benefits. When selecting a flow meter, consider the flow rate range, fluid type and properties, accuracy, installation requirements, maintenance requirements, output signal, and cost. Understanding the features will help you select the right flow meter for your specific application.
