Leading Hydraulic Flow Meter Manufacturers

What is Flow?

Measuring flow is essential to perfecting and improving the efficiency of a process and is a part of the dynamics and mechanics of fluids. It involves the movement of fluids subjected to unbalanced forces, which continue the motion of fluids as long as they remain unbalanced. Fluids measured by hydraulic flow meters are incompressible, meaning their density does not change when an external force is applied.

Flow is the measurement of the volume of a fluid as it passes a fixed point at an established unit of time. For hydraulic applications, flow is calculated in liters or gallons per minute. Fluid flow is the foundation of hydraulic systems and must be monitored carefully since hydraulic fluids transfer energy from one part of the system to another.

Functions of Hydraulic Fluids

Since not all hydraulic systems are the same, their fluids are chosen following the needs of an application. The properties of hydraulic fluids include viscosity, lubrication, demulsibility (the ability to release water), and chemical and environmental stability. Hydraulic fluids have five functions:

Power Generation

In a hydraulic system, the incompressible fluid transfers energy from one point to another to generate power. The pump initiates fluid flow, and pressure develops at the point of restriction.

Contaminants

One of the primary functions of hydraulic fluid is to remove contaminants, which can damage the system or reduce its productivity. The flow of hydraulic fluid removes any forms of foreign particles by moving them to the filtration system.

Lubrication

The constant movement of the various components of a hydraulic system creates friction that can cause wear and failure. The smooth flow of hydraulic fluids reduces friction by creating a lubricating film.

Sealing the System

Because all hydraulic systems operate under pressure, each system must have a tight seal. The proper hydraulic fluid forms an additional seal between mechanical parts.

Heat Transfer

The friction of hydraulic components produces heat that has to be cooled. The smooth and controlled flow of hydraulic fluids carries away any generated heat.

Types of Hydraulic Flow Meters

The selection of a hydraulic flow meter is a critical aspect of a system's function since an incorrect choice can lead to errors in diagnosis. The factors to be examined when making the selection are fluid properties, operating condition of the system, flow measurement, accuracy, effect of the flow meter on the fluid and vice versa, and cost. As with all flow meters, there are several types of hydraulic flow meters to choose from, with each type designed to perform with a certain type of hydraulic fluid.

Variable Orifice Flow Meter

A variable orifice hydraulic flow meter has a piston or ring connected to a spring. The force of the fluid displaces the piston or ring, which increases the size of the flow meter's orifice. The flow rate is indicated on an analog readout connected by a magnet to the piston or ring.

Gear Flow Meter

Gear type hydraulic flow meters are types of positive displacement flow meters that look like gear motors with intermeshed, rotating gears. The fluid flow rotates the gears, one of which is connected to the transducer. An increase or decrease in the fluid flow causes the gears to rotate faster or slower, providing the flow rate reading. More accurate gear type hydraulic flow meters have two transducers that measure direction and improve resolution.

Turbine Flow Meter

Turbine hydraulic flow meters are a very common type of mechanical flow meter. The turbine rotor is placed in a shaft between flow straighteners, and the flow of the hydraulic fluid turns the turbines. The transducer, connected to the turbine rotors, senses the movement of the blades, which is the flow rate.

Choosing the Correct Hydraulic Flow Meter Manufacturer

To ensure the most constructive outcome when purchasing hydraulic flow meters from a hydraulic flow meter manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of hydraulic flow meter manufacturers. Each hydraulic flow meter manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each hydraulic flow meter company website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple hydraulic flow meter businesses with the same form.