How does a Magnetic Flow Meter Measure flow?

magnetic flow meter

Magnetic flow meters are widely used in the process industries for measuring the flow of conductive fluids. Unlike other types of flow meters, they have no moving parts and are, therefore, highly reliable and accurate.  This article will explore how a magnetic flow meter works and the factors that affect its accuracy.

Overview of Magnetic Flow Meters

A magnetic flow meter, also known as a mag meter, is a device that measures the flow of a conductive fluid by measuring the voltage generated as the fluid passes through a magnetic field. The principle of operation is based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, which states that a voltage is induced in a conductor when it moves through a magnetic field.

Components of a Magnetic Flow Meter

A magnetic flow meter consists of the following components:

1. Flow Tube: The flow tube is the primary component of the mag meter. It is made of non-magnetic material and contains conductive fluid.

2. Liner material all flow tubes have liners to protect it from fluid, corrosiveness, abrasive, pressure and temperature, etc.

3. Electrodes: The electrodes are mounted on the flow tube and are in contact with the conductive fluid. They generate the magnetic field and measure the voltage generated by the fluid. Electrodes are usually made of 316 stainless steel but other materials can be used depending on the fluid condition.

4. Transmitter: The transmitter processes the voltage signal generated by the electrodes and converts it into a flow rate.

5. Grounding Rings: The grounding rings are placed around the flow tube to provide a return path for the magnetic field and improve the flow measurement’s accuracy.

How Magnetic Flow Meters Work

Magnetic flow meters work on the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. A voltage is induced when a conductive fluid flows through the magnetic field generated by the electrodes. The magnitude of the voltage is proportional to the velocity of the fluid and is measured by the electrodes.

The voltage the fluid generates is very small and susceptible to noise and interference. The mag meter uses a high-frequency alternating current (AC) excitation signal to overcome this problem. The AC signal is generated by the transmitter and is sent to the electrodes, which generate the magnetic field.

A voltage is induced as the conductive fluid flows through the magnetic field. The voltage is proportional to the velocity of the fluid and is measured by the electrodes. The electrodes send the voltage signal to the transmitter, which amplifies and processes the signal. The transmitter then converts the voltage signal into a flow rate and displays it on the output device.

Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Magnetic Flow Meters

Several factors can affect the accuracy of magnetic flow meters. Some of the most important factors are:

The conductivity of the fluid

Magnetic flow meters measure the voltage the fluid generates through the magnetic field. Therefore, the conductivity of the fluid is an important factor that affects the accuracy of the measurement. The higher the conductivity of the fluid, the more accurate the measurement will be.

Velocity Profile of the Fluid

The velocity profile of the fluid also affects the accuracy of the measurement. The velocity profile is the distribution of fluid velocities across the flow tube. A flat velocity profile generally produces more accurate measurements than a non-uniform velocity profile.

Size of the Flow Tube

The size of the flow tube is also an important factor affecting the measurement’s accuracy. Generally, a larger flow tube produces more accurate measurements than a smaller one.

Presence of Air Bubbles or Solids

The presence of air bubbles or solids in the fluid can also affect the accuracy of the measurement. Air bubbles and solids can cause turbulence in the fluid, affecting the velocity profile and generating noise in the voltage signal.

FAQs

What types of fluids can be measured using a magnetic flow meter?

Magnetic flow meters can measure the flow of conductive fluids, such as water, milk, acids, bases, and slurries.

How accurate are magnetic flow meters?

Magnetic flow meters are highly accurate, ranging from 0.5% to 0.25% of the flow rate.

Can magnetic flow meters be used for measuring the flow of non-conductive fluids?

No, magnetic flow meters cannot measure the flow of non-conductive fluids as they work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

How does the flow tube’s size affect the measurement’s accuracy?

Tube sizes are chosen based on the user’s flow turn-downs.  Generally the larger the flow tube, the more flow it can measure.

What are some common applications of magnetic flow meters?

Magnetic flow meters are commonly used in the process industries for measuring the flow of fluids in pipelines, such as in water treatment plants, food and beverage production, and chemical processing.

Nicole Middleton
Nicole calls herself a typical millennial girl and thrives on her share of social media, celebrity gossip, and all things viral content. She’s a big fan of pop music and plays the guitar as a hobby.