How Water Flow is Measured in Large Pipelines

In municipal and industrial processes, precise measurement of large volume flows is often required — where pipe diameters reach DN 1000, DN 2000, and sometimes even DN 4000. Managing large-diameter pipelines in industrial and municipal water supply requires a specialized engineering approach. At such scales, even a small error is associated with significant losses. Therefore, it is essential to use devices that meet strict international and EU accuracy standards.

KROHNE, a leader in industrial and municipal measurement since 1921, focuses on electromagnetic flowmeters for large pipelines, which require a specialized engineering approach. Their main advantage is the absence of wearing parts, which eliminates pressure drops and minimizes maintenance costs. The chemical composition of the liquid does not affect the measurement, making electromagnetic measurement the “gold standard” for the water and wastewater sector.

Electromagnetic meters operate on Faraday’s Law of Induction: a conductive liquid moving through a magnetic field creates an electrical voltage, the magnitude of which is directly proportional to the flow velocity.

Technological Leaders: Optiflux and Tidalflux

For large-scale pipelines, KROHNE offers two main models, each addressing specific engineering challenges:

1. OPTIFLUX – DN 2.5 – 4000

  • A universal solution for industrial and wastewater;
  • Designed for extreme pressure and aggressive environments;
  • Available with various linings, including wear-resistant materials.

The production of a DN 4000 size OPTIFLUX is a non-standard process — in the KROHNE factory, each such meter is manufactured individually, involving reinforced construction and hydraulic testing at full operating pressure. The final product is based on decades of engineering experience.

KROHNE’s production process and products are focused on the highest quality standards, ensuring long-term operation of the devices.

OPTIFLUX meets the following standards:

  • ISO 4064, EN14154, and OIML R49 – International metrological standards for water meters;
  • MID MI-001 – European directive mandatory for commercial accounting;
  • CE Compliance – Confirms that the device meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

2. TIDALFLUX – DN 200 – 1600

  • Specially designed for measuring water flow in partially filled pipes, from a minimum of 10% filling;
  • Used for gravity sewage systems where levels constantly change, yet maintaining accuracy is essential;
  • Equipped with a wear-resistant internal lining;
  • Available in an IP68 version, suitable for underground burial or use in flooded areas.

Compliance with Standards:

  • CE Compliance – Confirms that the device meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards.
  • ATEX / IECEx Certification – Confirms that the device operates safely in explosive environments where there is a risk of flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
  • IEC/EN 60529 Standard Compliance – Confirms that the device casing is reliably protected against the ingress of dust, moisture, and water (IP rating). This ensures the proper operation of the equipment in difficult environmental conditions, including damp rooms and areas at risk of flooding.

Production Process and Project-Tailored Solutions

KROHNE’s experience allows you to receive individual solutions that precisely fit the specifics of a particular facility, whether it be difficult climatic conditions or water of various chemical compositions.

VORTEX Water Engineering, which has been the exclusive representative of KROHNE in Georgia since 2019, offers the full range of the company’s electromagnetic meters, consultation, and technical services, which also include:

  • OPTICHEK Master – Portable device service for in-depth verification, commissioning, and monitoring of tools;
  • On-site performance check and verification (Level 0, 1, 2) without interrupting the production process;
  • Field instrument commissioning (e.g., zero calibration);
  • Production of detailed reports in accordance with international standards (IEC 61508/61511 – Safety, ISO 9001 – Quality Management).

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