As all engineers know, pressure can exist without flow, but flow matters. Flow is what makes the hydraulic system go. Just measuring pressure will only tell you half the story.
Flow meters come in lots of different designs and when it comes to choosing a flow meter for your hydraulic application there are five key questions to ask:
- What are the fluid properties?
- What are the hydraulic system operating conditions?
- Why are you measuring flow; how accurately do you need to measure flow?
- What effect might the flow meter have on the fluid and vice-versa?
- How important is it to measure flow; what is your budget?
The answers to these questions will quickly help you narrow down the best flow meter for your application, and put you one step ahead when asking your supplier to quote. It should also ensure you don’t over-specify the flow meter you need and therefore save your company money in the process.
If you would like to learn more about measuring flow and how to select the right flow meter for your hydraulic application, please click here to download this free 8-page guide now.