Paddlewheel flow sensors are gaining popularity and are intensely used in industrial applications. These devices provide less cost per sensing point of the flow measurement technology. And if you decide to go for this, you can save big on your purchase, installation cost, and maintenance. Later, we’ll see how that is possible.
Like a riverboat flows down the stream, paddlewheel flow meters utilize the mechanical energy of the fluid to move the paddlewheel rotationally. And this happens by inserting the paddles on the rotor into the liquid flow to transform energy into rotational energy.
So, the rotor shaft spins on bearings. And the paddlewheel will spin faster if the fluid moves faster. And you can sense the shaft rotation mechanically.
Now Let’s Define A Liquid Flow Meter.
Will it help you understand what a liquid flow meter is and how it operates? So, this is a device used to measure the fluid’s volume, mass, and linear and nonlinear flow rate.
These come in different varieties;
- Differential pressure
- Velocity
- Positive displacement
- Open channel
- Mass
So, do you know which one to pick? A user will select the ideal choice based on his application, fluid nature, and installation.
Installing A Paddlewheel Flow Sensor:
First, you must install a paddlewheel in a tube and remember the faster the flow of the fluid, the quicker the paddlewheel will turn.
Once you determine the rotational speed of this device, you’ll know the fluid velocity.
Next is to calculate the velocity and the pipe area, and you’ll get the flow rate.
Paddlewheel accuracy can be best-suited for industrial process applications. It provides 1.0% linearity with 0.5% repeatability and gives no pressure drop.
Sensor Outputs
The output of the paddlewheel sensor can drive a meter directly at distances of 200-ft. And this gives the user a self-contained remote-reading flow meter that doesn’t need external power.
The fluid velocity that these magnetic paddlewheel flow sensors can take is from 20-fps to around 0.3-fps. But you can modify the technology to accommodate lower paddlewheel rotational speeds.
Low-Velocity Sensors
Although this requires a power source, its design uses embedded magnets. However, this does not pass via a sensing coil, but the attraction triggers a circuit that conducts current.
Insertion Mounting
Paddlewheel flow sensors are easy to install and can help you significantly save on these over full-bore designs. They are mounted by inserting them into an existing pipe.
First, you’ll need to drill a hole in the tube and clamp, weld, or bolt on a mounting adapter. As this doesn’t require any pipe cutting, you only need to mount this by inserting them into a pipe you already have. And it will be ready for installation.
In Conclusion
As you can see above, there are massive functions of paddlewheel sensors operating in liquid flow meters. And these sensors are great savers and quite durable as they can last between 10 to 15 years of service.
