Paddlewheel Flow Meter Models are manufactured by Blue-White Industries and provide terrific performance to users and various complete pipe water flow applications, including offering simple installation and battery-powered features. The advanced materials used with paddlewheel flowmeters are extremely durable and ensure a long service life, even under harsh, corrosive conditions. There is a reset button for the totalizer and a easy to read LDC display sign that notifies the user of both overall flow and rate of flow. The paddlewheel is also capable of being quickly uninstalled for maintenance requirements or replacement.

How Paddlewheel Flowmeters Work

Paddlewheel flowmeters utilise the fluid's mechanical power to spin a paddlewheel in the flowing fluid. To convert power from the fluid into rotational energy, paddles on the rotor are introduced into the flow. Bearings support the rotor shaft. The paddlewheel rotates clockwise in relation to the speed of the fluid. Shaft rotation can be detected mechanically or by watching the paddles move. Magnetic detection of paddle movement is common, with each paddle or implanted bit of metal generating a pulse. More pulses are produced as the fluid travels quicker. The pulse signal is processed by the transmitter to identify the fluid flow.

Paddlewheel Flowmeters: How to Use Them

The velocity of fluids in pipelines, such as pharmaceuticals, water, and liquids, are measured using paddlewheel flowmeters. When properly placed, high accuracy is possible. These flowmeters are impacted by viscosity changes because they measure flow at the border of the flow profile. The most typical application is in a system where the liquid is similar to water and additional variables like conductivity, pressure, temperature, and levels are measured.   This insertion device has pressure and temperature limits, but it is quite adaptable.

Cautionary Considerations for Paddlewheel Flowmeters in Use

At low flow rates, paddlewheel flowmeters experience a decrease in precision, which delays the rotor. Ensure these flowmeters are set to run at a frequency of as low as 5%. Strong operation of paddlewheel flowmeters can lead to early degradation and/or failure. When monitoring liquids, be cautious because bearing corrosion can enable the flowmeter to become erroneous and fail. Replacing the sensor  may be required on a regular basis in particular applications, increasing maintenance expenses. It is not advised to use this product in unclean fluids. In conclusion, paddlewheel flowmeters have working components that degrade through time and usage.

A sudden change from gas to flowing fluid must be prevented as it can mechanically strain the flowmeter, reduce precision, and/or destroy it. These situations are most common while the pipe is being filled and when slug flow is present. Flowmeters can also be erroneous when there is a two-phase flow.