Vertical Flow Meters refers to a type of flow meter installed in vertical pipes. Can Flow Meters Be Installed Vertically? We all take this into consideration when installing flow meters. In fact, most flow meters can be installed vertically. However, certain measurement conditions also need to be met. Next, let’s analyze together.

Vertical Flow Meters

Electromagnetic flowmeter is the most widely used type of flowmeter. Can the electromagnetic flowmeter be installed vertically?

vertical installation of magnetic flow meter

Electromagnetic flowmeters can be installed horizontally or vertically. However, vertical installation needs to pay attention to the following aspects, whether it is installed at the water inlet or the water outlet.

Standard installed in the middle of the vertical position where the water flows upwards. This installation complies with gravity.
If it is installed downstream, it will not be a full pipe, and the water flow from bottom to top is always full. This facilitates accurate measurement of the flow meter.
The straight pipe section is required to be 10D in front and 5D in back to ensure the use and accuracy requirements of the electromagnetic flowmeter.

Electromagnetic flowmeter vertical installation requirements:

vertical installation of magnetic flow meter
  1. Installed at the inlet of the pipeline (that is, upstream), so that the pipeline is always full.
  2. The electromagnetic flowmeter should be installed in the lower part of the horizontal pipeline, vertically upward. Avoid installing at high places and vertically downward positions in the pipeline.
  3. Requirements for straight pipe section: inlet/outlet straight pipe section: inlet ≥ 10×DN; water outlet ≥ 5×DN
  4. In order to facilitate the detection of the flowmeter, a bypass channel is set in the measuring pipeline.
  5. Grounding point requirements: In order to make the instrument work reliably, improve the measurement accuracy, and not be disturbed by strong external electromagnetic fields, the sensor should be well grounded, and the grounding resistance should be less than 10 ohms.

Precautions when choosing the installation location of the electromagnetic flowmeter:

  1. Try to avoid ferrous objects and equipment with strong electromagnetic fields (such as large transmitters and generators).
  2. The flow meter should be installed at the rear of the pump, never on the suction side, and the valve should be installed on the downstream side of the flow meter.
  3. It should be installed in a dry and ventilated place as much as possible to avoid sun and rain. Avoid ambient temperatures above 60°C and relative humidity above 95%.
  4. Choose a place with convenient installation and maintenance and convenient activities.

Featured Vertical Flow Meters

In addition to electromagnetic flowmeters, other flowmeters will also have the same installation questions.

Read more about: Different Types of Flowmeters – Technical and Application Analysis

Can ultrasonic flow meters be installed vertically?

Ultrasonic flowmeters can be installed vertically.
However, there are conditions. If the pipeline is vertical, then the vertical installation of the ultrasonic flowmeter requires the liquid flow to be bottom-up. It is also best to ensure that the pipeline is full during the measurement period. Otherwise, the error is quite large.
Do not install vertically if the liquid flow is from top to bottom.

Can the turbine flowmeter be installed vertically?

The turbine flowmeter has many good functions, and it can have different application characteristics in different environments. Today we will talk about can the turbine flowmeter be installed vertically?

First of all, what we need to know is that it is very important to choose a suitable installation location to ensure the good use of the turbine flowmeter. In general, vertical installation and horizontal installation are both possible.

However, vertical installation needs to ensure that the turbine flowmeter is installed just above the direction of the liquid and in the direction of the liquid.

Second, debugging is required after installation. In this way, various problems that may arise during use can be avoided. The service life of the flowmeter is extended. And there is no need to worry about machine failure.

Turbine Flow Meter Installation

Can the vortex flowmeter be installed vertically?

The fluid flows from top to bottom, and the vortex flowmeter can be installed vertically. Just make sure there are no air bubbles in the tubing.

But one thing to remember is to make it clear with the supplier in advance when purchasing, so as not to affect its use in time. Although the vortex flowmeter can be installed vertically, you must pay attention to the installation direction of the flowmeter during installation, and it cannot be reversed.

When the medium measured by the vortex flowmeter is different, its installation direction is also different. For example, when measuring liquid flow, the installation direction needs to be from bottom to top. When measuring gas flow, the installation direction needs to be installed from top to bottom.

Can the orifice flowmeter be installed vertically?

When the orifice flowmeter is installed vertically, attention should be paid to the flow direction of the gas. Gas flows from bottom to top, which is also an important consideration for vertical installation of orifice flowmeters. Of course, it is also possible to flow from top to bottom.

In theory, when measuring gas flow, the orifice flowmeter is installed horizontally. The installation position of the flow sensor should be selected at a high place in the pipeline. to make sure the tube is full. It is not recommended to install in the low part of the pipeline. Because liquid will accumulate at the bottom of the pipe, the measurement will be inaccurate.

Mass flow meter installation

Can the mass flow meter be installed vertically?

Mass flow meters can be installed on horizontal or vertical pipes. The mounting orientation depends on the application.

Mass flowmeters with some geometries (except for straight tubes) will accumulate some solid or gaseous matter in a certain installation orientation.

If it must be installed vertically and the fluid flows from top to bottom. Measures must be taken to ensure that gas cannot enter the sensor from the sensor inlet pipe.

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Sino-Inst offers over 50 flow meter for flow measurement. About 20% of these are magnetic flow meters, 20% of these are turbine flow meters, 20% of these are vortex flow meters. And 40% are Ultrasonic flow meter and mass flow meter.

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