Pulsating flow systems can be seen in process applications where the velocity profile of the flow undergoes dramatic cycling changes as compared to normal steady flow conditions. Such conditions are common in blood flow monitoring, medical, and chemical dosing systems where peristaltic or diaphragm pumps are used.

Following Titan Enterprises’ published technical paper that discussed how to mitigate the effects of variation in flow velocity, here we look at the types of flow meter systems that give the best results with pulsing flow rates.

Neil Hannay, Titan’s Senior R&D Engineer, says: “Pulsations in a flow line are commonly caused by the pumping element: diaphragm, peristaltic, solenoid or piston pumps can all induce significant pressure and flow pulses.” Neil continues: “If this pulsation rate is not taken into account, errors in flow measurement will be seen. This can be most erroneous with electronic flowmeters as aliasing can occur.”

Few flow meters can measure these fluctuations accurately so removing the pulsations as near to the pump as possible is recommended to achieve the best results. Using advanced electronics, Titan's Atrato® and Metraflow® ultrasonic flowmeters are able to accurately measure pulsating liquid flow that is less than 10Hz. To accurately measure pulsating flows above this frequency, inline pulse dampening is required to improve the effectiveness of the flow system. If it is not practical to install a damper, a length of flexible hose may reduce the undesirable effects of pulsations.

Pulsating flow is always challenging to measure accurately. However, with consideration of the system design and flowmeter performance characteristics, successful flow measurement is possible.

Read the Pulsating Flow technical article in full. Visit Titan Enterprises’ website for further information on the Atrato® and Metraflow® range of ultrasonic flowmeters or contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk.

Drawing upon over 40-years of flowmeter innovation - Titan Enterprises Ltd is a leading manufacturer of high-performance flow measurement solutions, including the Atrato ultrasonic flowmeter, Oval Gear flowmeters, low flow Turbine flow meters and a flow instrument range. Titan’s company philosophy of “pushing the envelope by trying to do things a little different and better” has resulted in sales of over 2 million flowmeters and components into 50 countries worldwide and a repeat purchase percentage of 95%. All flow meters produced by Titan Enterprises are designed and manufactured to ISO9001 and calibrated to an uncertainty of ±0.25%.

With more than 40 years’ experience in flowmeter innovation — Titan Enterprises Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of high-performance solutions such as the Atrato ultrasonic flowmeter, oval gear flowmeters and the low flow turbine flowmeters and instrument range. Our knowledgeable team can offer either an off-the-shelf meter or fully bespoke flow system designed for a particular application, whether it is a low-cost OEM solution or a specialist flowmeter in exotic materials you are looking for.

I couldn't agree more Jack. A multi-fuel microturbine would cure range anxiety for those who can't organise long journeys well enough to conveniently recharge their BEVs. Smaller batteries are highly...

Jack: so when the (government owned) Low Carbon Contracts Company, who administer the CfD scheme report: "What then can we confidently say about the coming quarter, as the domestic bill cap rises...

<blockquote>Grams and kilograms are units of mass, not force and can't be used to define pressure.'</blockquote> You have made my point well dan_2000. That's where the BSI should do some actual work.

It has recently been shown that trees capture far more carbon than was previously realised. If there is to be CCS, it must surely be re-forestation not chemical CCS and caverns full of compressed...

<blockquote>From their role as <b>peaker</b> plant.</blockquote>How would peak demand occur over 24 hours?! On average CCGTs contribute an extra 5GW <b>during</b> peak hours and solar displaces most...