What Is a Total Flow Meter on a Gas Pipeline?

Flow meters allow the tracking of gas in a pipeline.

While there is conjecture as to when the first one was built, it is fact that gas pipelines have been around since the 19th century. Within decades of the first pipe, means were sought to measure movement in them.

Fluid Flow Misconceptions

Many people hear a term like "fluid flow" and immediately think of liquids. In fact, all gases are fluids, even the atmosphere. While they are not as dense as liquids, gases follow many of the same rules in how they move, especially in confined environments, such as a pipe.

Measuring Fluid Flow

A number of things must be considered before measuring fluid flow in a pipe. Operational temperature, load and pressure all determine the optimal method. Often, accuracy of measurement is less important than being able to consistently measure flow across many operating parameters. Because of this, flow meters of many designs are used according to need.

Total Flow Meters

While many flow meters measure only the rate that a fluid is moving through the pipe at a given instant, total flow meters are designed to measure the cumulative volume of gas or liquid that has passed through a section of pipe over time.

References

• Going with the flow: A sensor that twists and shouts yields precision

Resources

• Hedland Product Summary: Flow Meters