Measuring the volume flow of gases and liquids plays an important role in many industrial and technical applications. Calorimetric volume flow measurement is a tried and tested method thanks to its accuracy, reliability and flexibility. But how does calorimetric volume flow measurement work and what are its advantages?
Basic principle of the calorimetric measuring method
The basic principle of calorimetric volume flow measurement is based on the property that the cooling of a heated body depends on the flow velocity of the surrounding medium. A calorimetric volumetric flow meter typically has a temperature sensor and a heating element. The heating element heats one of the two sensors, which are immersed in the flowing medium. The flow of the medium causes heat to be transported away from the heated sensor. The higher the flow velocity, the greater the cooling. The resulting temperature difference is a measure of the volume flow of the medium.
Advantages of calorimetric volume flow measurement
- High sensitivity: Even low flow velocities can be measured precisely.
- Versatility: Thanks to their simple design, these measuring devices can be integrated into a wide variety of systems.
- Low maintenance: As there are no moving parts, wear is low.
- Material independence: The measurement is largely independent of the properties of the medium, such as viscosity, electrical conductivity or pressure.
- Temperature independence: Modern devices can be used over a wide temperature range.
Areas of application
The technology of calorimetric volume flow measurement is used in a wide range of applications, including
- Industrial process control: Optimization of systems by monitoring gas and liquid flows.
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology (HVAC): monitoring air flows for efficient building automation.
- Power generation: Measurements in cooling circuits, lubricant lines and steam systems of conventional and nuclear power plants.
- Paper and pulp industry: Monitoring of water treatment and pulp processing procedures as well as chemical dosing.
- Water treatment and wastewater management: measuring fluid flows in treatment plants to ensure efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Mining: Controlling the flow rates of chemicals and slurries used in the treatment processes.
- Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing: Monitoring of process gases and chemicals used in clean rooms and etching processes.
- Paint and coatings industry: Monitoring the dosing of ingredients and solvents to ensure consistent product quality.
- Plastics and polymer production: control of gas and liquid flows in extrusion and molding processes.
- Metal processing and smelting plants: Measurement of cooling flow rates and protective gases in high-temperature processes.
- Mechanical and plant engineering: Monitoring of coolant flows and lubrication systems to extend machine service life and optimize operation.
- Automation technology: Used in automated production lines to control the fluidics in pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
Innovative solutions from SEIKOM Electronic
SEIKOM Electronic offers a proven solution for calorimetric volume flow measurement with the RLSW®8volume flow meter. The RLSW®8is available in different versions and can therefore be optimally adapted to different industrial applications. The standard version is suitable for media up to 80°Cwhile the specially developed version enables the measurement of media up to 350°C is possible.
