The difference between orifice flowmeter and balanced flowmeter

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In industry and life, flow meters play an important role in many occasions, helping us to accurately measure the flow of fluids. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two types of flow meters and understand when they are used in different scenarios.

Orifice plate flowmeter is a common type of differential pressure flowmeter, which uses the differential pressure formed when fluid flows in a pipe to measure flow. Its working principle is relatively simple. It mainly installs a plate with holes in the center of the pipe. When the fluid passes through the orifice plate, a pressure difference will be generated, which is then used to calculate the flow rate. The orifice flowmeter is suitable for various liquids and gases, especially for applications with stable flow, and has small pressure loss, making it suitable for use under general working conditions.

In contrast, balanced flow meters use a different principle to measure fluid flow. It works by installing measuring holes in the pipe, which are located at different locations on the pipe. When the fluid passes through these holes, it will generate different pressures on both sides of the pipe. Measuring the pressure difference on both sides can calculate the flow rate of the fluid. Balanced flow meters are suitable for highly viscous liquids or media with suspended particles because their structure reduces the possibility of clogging. However, it should be noted that a balanced flow meter may cause a large pressure loss when the fluid pressure is high, so careful consideration is required when selecting it.

In addition, there are some differences in the installation and maintenance of these two types of differential pressure flow meters. The installation of the orifice flow meter is relatively simple, usually it only needs to be embedded in the pipe and fixed. When installing a balanced flow meter, you need to consider the spacing and location between the two. Additionally, balanced flow meters are slightly more complicated to maintain, as blockages or build-up may occur between the measuring holes, requiring periodic cleaning and inspection.

In summary, although orifice flowmeters and balance flowmeters are both differential pressure flowmeters, they have some differences in working principles, applicable scenarios, installation and maintenance. Selecting the appropriate flow meter depends on the specific application needs, including fluid properties, flow range and operating conditions. Understanding these differences can help us better apply these flow meters and ensure accurate measurement of fluid flow.