Wednesday, 10 August 2016

An Overview of the Electromagnetic Flow Meter

The two most common types of flow meters generally used to measure the flow of water in a pipe are differential pressure and positive displacement flow meters. The third most common meter is the electromagnetic flow meter, also known as the magnetic flow meter or simply mag meter.

How Does Electromagnetic Flow Meter Australia Work?


All magnetic flow meters measuring liquid flow rates function on the principles of Faraday’s law, which specifies that relationship between the moving conductor and the voltage created by it within the magnetic field.

Magnetic flow meters measure the velocity of liquids such as water, slurries, acids etc. in pipes. A magnetic field is applied to the tube resulting in a difference being created which is proportional to the velocity of the flow running perpendicular to flux lines. The physical phenomenon taking place here is called electromagnetic induction. Magnetic flow meter requires a conductive fluid and works properly when the electrical conductivity of the said liquid is high. Liquids having low conductivity can cause the magnetic flow meter to malfunction and measure zero flow incorrectly.

Despite the similarities in the working of the different magnetic flow meters, some are better suited to specific uses than others. Because of this selecting the right flow meter and its appropriate application is an important concern in liquid measurement.

Limitations and Disadvantages:

·The substance being measured has to be conductive. It cannot be utilized for measuring the flow rates of gases or petroleum products as they have low conductivity.

·In order to render the meter insensitive to alterations in the resistance of liquids, the resistance of the fluid between the electrodes must not go beyond 1% of the impediment of the external circuit
·To prevent any trouble likely to be caused by entrained air, when the flow tube is installed inside a horizontal pipe, the electrodes too must be on the horizontal diameter.

Advantages of Electromagnetic Flow Meter Australia:
·They are unaffected by varying pressure, temperature, viscosity or density.
·These meters can be used in measuring heavy suspensions including wood pulp, mud or sewage as the obstruction to the flow is close to nonexistent.
·The usage of power is relatively low. Electrical power requirements might be as low as 15 watts for some models.
·Their lining material is generally insulators as well as corrosion resistant. They can deal with most kinds of acids and bases along with water and water based fluids.



Magnetic flow meters are generally used where the fluid is fed using gravity. It is important to careful while when operating flow meters in vacuum services as some magnetic flow meters can get damaged. Similarly, high temperatures in magnetic flow meters can result in permanent damage.