The choice of a flow sensor to be used in a particular application is influenced by a number of factors. These factors have to be considered and their effects on the flow sensor weighed before settling on one flow sensor. Among the crucial factors influencing selection of a flow sensor is the flow rate information required i.e. if the flow rate data should be continuous or totalized. If continuous, for example, the system will have more components such as the primary flow device, the flow sensor and recorder, a transmitter and finally a totalizer ( Silva, 2015).
The accuracy desired of the flow sensor is also crucial as one must get a flow sensor with acceptable performance over its full measurement range i.e. at minimum, normal and also at maximum flow rates. The performance has to be acceptable at all these rates.
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Another important aspect in flow meter selection is the application environment of the device. Factors such as the temperature and pressure conditions in a plant may affect the performance of particular flow meters while some may be insensitive to some of these conditions thus it is important for the application environment to be considered while selecting the flow meter to be used ( Silva, 2015).
The characteristics of the fluid to be measured also represent a crucial factor in flow meter selection. Some plants handle very abrasive or corrosive fluids coupled with movement in various conditions with some pulsating and others swirling hence it is important to choose a flow meter capable of handling the particular characteristics of the fluid. Some materials have the capability of clogging and damaging internal flow meter components thus proper meter selection is vital ( Silva, 2015).
Other factors such as standards set by regulatory authorities also affect flow meter selection especially for equipment handling hazardous material. Long-term maintenance costs should also be considered since lower purchase price of some flow meter does not always mean better value due to higher maintenance costs. Other factors specific to the plant or industry may also affect the selection of a flow meter and also need to be considered while doing flow meter selection ( Silva, 2015).
Reference
Silva, C. W. (2015). Sensors and Actuators: Engineering System Instrumentation , Second Edition, CRC Press,
