Orifice Plate Flow Meters
Orifice plate flow meters, also known as orifice plates, are a type of pressure-based flow meter. These flow meters measure system flow rate using an orifice plate. An orifice plate is a thin plate with a hole drilled into it, inserted into a pipe or another section of a liquid flow system. Orifice plate flow meters provide data on the volumetric or mass flow rates of a fluid based on the reading taken from the orifice plate.
Quick links to Orifice Plate Flow Meters Information
Applications of Orifice Plate Flow Meters
Orifice plate flow meters are ideal for piping systems that contain a well-mixed, continuously flowing single stream liquid. They can also be used to slow or restrict flow. When used for the slowing or restricting of flow, they can alternatively be referred to as “restriction plates.” One of the most common applications of orifice plate flow meters is the measure of natural gas. They are also frequently used to measure low viscosity liquids. They can be found in the petrochemical, aviation, automotive, medical, chemical, and water treatment industries, among others.
Orifice Plate Flow Meter Design
Orifice plates can have sharp leading edges with a short cylindrical section, a fully rounded leading edge with no cylindrical section, or a beveled leading edge with a very short cylindrical section. Respectively, these orifice plate types are known as: sharp edged thin plates, quarter-circle or quadrant-edge orifices, and conical inlet or conical entrance plates.
As fluid pours into the orifice, flow pressure increases and flow velocity decreases. This happens because flow rate has to slow down and constrict to fit through such a small opening. Once the flow has passed through the hole, flow pressure decreases and flow velocity increases again. To find flow rate and velocity, these meters use the same principles as venturi flow meters; this is to say, they use the relationship between the velocity of a liquid and the pressure of the liquid to determine the actual velocity of the flow of liquid. For example, if the pressure of the liquid decreases, then you know that the velocity of the flow has increased. They also determine flow rates by measuring the difference between the pressure of the upstream fluid and pressure of the downstream fluid.
Finding the Right Orifice Plate Flow Meter Manufacturer
If you are interested in learning more about orifice plate flow meters, consult a reputable flowmeter manufacturer and see if they can provide a solution for your application. Make sure to talk to them about any industry or governmental standards to which your flow meters must adhere.