Survey of pipeline flowmeters

Abstract

This article is a critical review of the major types of pipe-mounted flowmeters in current use. It treats the basic principles of each type, considers applications, rangeabilities and accuracies as well as pointing out advantages and pitfalls for the user. Variants of the differential pressure meter, still a popular choice by and large, are examined in greater detail. More modern techniques come to the fore in such examples as electromagnetic, vortex-shedding, acoustic and cross-correlation forms. Comparative costing of different flowmeter types is touched on and the authors put forward suggestions for further reading for those who want fuller information on the material reviewed.