A paddlewheel flow meter is a simple and reliable mechanical flow meter containing a paddle that spins on its axis when the gas or liquid flows. The rate of the rotational paddle is usually proportional to the flow rate velocity.
Paddlewheel flow meters can measure high flow rates with low-pressure losses and are usually versatile, although they can measure liquids under stable conditions. The primary elements of a paddlewheel flow meter are; the pipe fittings, the controller or the display, and the paddlewheel sensor.
The working principle of a Paddlewheel flow meter
Paddlewheel flowmeters operate so that the spinning of the magnets past the sensor leads to the production of the frequency voltage signal, which is proportional to the fluids’ flow rate. An increase in the liquid flow increases the voltage output and the frequency. One can use insertion or inline style to insert a paddle flow meter into a pipe fitting.
To use a paddlewheel flow meter, you will need a small straight pipe run. The pipe fittings usually come in various connection ways, styles, and materials like stainless steel. The controllers and the displays receive the signal from the paddle flow meter and change it to the actual fluid flow rate.
The signal process helps in sending external signals, controlling the process, and producing an alarm. The flow meter helps obtain the most accurate flow rate measurement of liquids or in applications that deal with water like fluids or just pure water.
Characteristics of paddlewheel flowmeters
i) Paddlewheel flowmeters are known to be the most excellent low flow measurement devices.
ii) They have a high level of accuracy on fluid measurements.
iii) Paddlewheel flowmeters are resistant to corrosion hence suitable for measurement of fluids with corrosive media.
iv) They are easy to install and operate.
v) They are durable and usually cost less.
Importance of paddlewheel flowmeters
A Paddlewheel flow meter is essential in different areas of applications. Some of them are as follows.
i) It helps in water treatment systems
A paddle flow meter helps control chemical metering output pumps where the pumps are essential in injecting acids and chemicals such as chlorine in the water systems. You should ensure that you inject the proper amount of chemicals to achieve proportionality in such scenarios.
In some applications, adding a lot or fewer chemicals may lead to problems that might be difficult to solve. The sensory output signal directly controls the pump when there is a need to inject chemicals in certain variables continuously.
2. It helps in dispensing systems
A paddlewheel flow meter helps inaccurate measurement and water dispensing. The activation of the dispenser makes the electronic controller start pumping and open the suitable valve for dispensing. The sensor then puts out electronic pulses, which the electronic flow controller counts.
The sensor count cannot be affected by the changes in the pump’s output flow rate. The dispensing valve closes, and the pump shuts off after dispensing the right amount of water.
3. It helps in obtaining the flow rate and range alarms
A Paddlewheel flow meter can help monitor the system flow rate where it alerts the system operator in the decrease or increase of the flow on the set limit. One can program the electronic display using a low or high amount of rate, which, when it is reached, accelerates an alarm output signal.
4. It helps in the verification of flow
A paddle flow meter helps verify the occurrence of chemical injection where it can measure the output rates of the chemical metering pump from one ounce per minute.
It can alert the system operator on the existence of a system error when you install it on the metering pump, like electronics that react with the output signal of the paddlewheel. An alarm output is likely to be triggered when there is contamination, clogging, or pump malfunctioning.
Advantages of paddlewheel flowmeters
i) Paddlewheel flow meters have reliable performance.
ii) They can give out the most accurate results of flow rate measurement.
iii) They have a low cost of ownership since they are simple to install and easy to operate.
iv) They are designed like insertion flow meters hence helps in lowering the cost of maintenance and installation.
v) Paddlewheel flow meters can measure gravitational flows since they lack pressure drops.
Disadvantages
i) A paddlewheel flow meter cannot measure the flow rate of gases.
ii) It only operates with clean fluids since dirty liquids may make the paddle rotate well.
iii) One has to have a straight run of pipe before and after the sensor for accurate flow measurement.
Conclusion
A paddle flow meter is vital, especially in applications that require high accuracy of flow rate measurement. It is simple, reliable, and easy to install; hence, many people know how to operate it faster.
