In every water-related industry—whether it’s food and beverage, chemicals, oil and gas, or energy production—the accuracy of flow measurement impacts a wide range of factors. These include costs, data reliability, safety, final product quality, and more.
Accurate flow measurement ensures that the target levels of chemical dosing in water are maintained, balances energy consumption, guarantees compliance with regulations, and protects against unnecessary expenses.
The German company KROHNE, a manufacturer of instruments for measuring the physical parameters of liquids and gases, is distinguished by its highest level of accuracy. This is well reflected in the company’s slogan: “Measure the facts.”
In this blog, we’ll explore why maximum accuracy matters when it comes to flow meters and what the best flow measurement technologies should take into account.
“What Does Measurement Accuracy Mean?”
The accuracy of flow meters is measured according to the following characteristics:
- How closely the flow meter’s reading matches the actual flow at different measurement points;
- The meter’s ability to produce the same results under identical conditions;
- Consistent performance across the entire measurement length, not just at a single point;
- Ensuring that the meter is calibrated according to recognized standards and can be verified on-site without disassembly.
What Causes Inaccuracy in Flow Measurement?
Even the best flow meters can provide inaccurate results if they do not account for unfavorable environmental conditions. Typical obstacles include:
- Poor flow profile, such as insufficient pipe length, valves placed too close together, and similar issues;
- Air bubbles and suspended solids in the water, which affect flow capacity, density, and viscosity;
- Pulsating flow, vibrations, or fluctuations in temperature and pressure;
- Partially filled pipes or bidirectional flow;
- Grounding issues in electromagnetic meters;
- Unverified or outdated sensors.
A design focused on accuracy, as provided by KROHNE, involves engineering solutions to these obstacles and integrating them into the devices.
Matching technology to its application: What solutions does KROHNE offer?
High accuracy also means matching the technology to its field of application, and KROHNE’s portfolio stands out for precisely this reason.
The company manufactures several types of flow meters for industrial use:
Electromagnetic flow meters are designed to measure the flow of conductive liquids, including applications related to safety. These meters are widely used for everything from drinking water to extremely viscous, abrasive, and aggressive liquids.
Ultrasonic flow meters are intended for measuring the flow of gases, liquids, and steam, suitable for both commercial and industrial applications.
Coriolis mass flow meters are ideal for accurately measuring gases, liquids, or mixed materials, such as gas-liquid mixtures. These devices can determine mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, density, temperature, and substance concentration.
Flow meters with Morave technology are designed for high-tech energy management and safety instrumentation systems.
Additionally, KROHNE provides specialized solutions for partially filled pipes, low-conductivity water, and biogas applications—situations where conventional meters are unsuitable.
Since the company’s portfolio covers all major principles of flow measurement, users do not have to compromise on accuracy—the instrument adapts to the need, not the other way around.
Built-in Intelligence: Diagnostics and Verification
Smart diagnostics are the cornerstone of flow meter accuracy. KROHNE’s meters provide:
- Advanced self-diagnostics, which detect issues such as deposits, air entrainment, faulty electrodes, partially filled pipes, and other problems. The devices identify these issues before they interfere with the measurement process.
- On-site verification of sensor and electronics functionality without removing the meter, helping to extend calibration intervals and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Digital integration, enabling maintenance planning based on data received in SCADA systems.
All of this ultimately gives you the ability to quickly address issues, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain high-quality water systems.
Additionally, accurate flow meters help you:
- Optimize chemical dosing and energy use, as inaccurate high readings can lead to overdosing coagulants, while low readings can result in insufficient disinfectants in the liquid.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, by keeping flow measurements within the required limits for liquid discharge permits.
- Control losses, since precise measurements allow for timely detection of leaks.
It is worth noting that KROHNE operates one of the world’s highest-quality calibration facilities, and the company’s meters come pre-calibrated, requiring no additional service in this regard.
Additionally, the company’s website offers video materials on device installation, standards, parameter adjustments, and commissioning, making the process significantly easier for users.
Regarding calibration and verification, the only official tool in Georgia is available through VORTEX Water Engineering, which has represented KROHNE in the country since 2019 and has carried out numerous projects of varying sizes in collaboration with the company.
Ultimately, if quality and regulatory compliance matter to you, KROHNE’s unrivaled flow meters will help ensure both, allowing for the proactive prevention of issues and saving you considerable time and costs.