Group D Flow Sensors

Flow sensors, also known as flow meters, are devices that sense the rate of flow of a fluid or gas.  These instruments are used to measure linear, nonlinear, mass or volumetric flow rates of passing liquids or gases. Flow meters are selected based on their purpose. For example, one must know what fluid or gas is to be measured and how many flow meters, if more are needed, are required. Determining if the rate measurement and/or totalization from the meter or meters are also necessary to know prior to selecting a meter.

There are several different types of flow meters. These include, but are not limited too, air flow, mass flow, ultrasonic flow, differential pressure sensors, turbine flow, variable area, etc. Each sensor, flow meter, measures something that is unique, but all function to measure flow, amongst other parameters. Applications from these meters range from water and wastewater applications to turbine flow, thermal-type mass flow rate and air flow in ducts and pipes applications.

The information gathered by flow sensors and flow meters can be translated in several methods.  The first method is a local display. The information gathered can be read off of a direct gauge for some flow meters. However, certain flow meters do not display a local reading of flow. This requires another form of output in order to access the data. Flow meters that lack a local display tend to provide information by either a wired connection or through a wireless data acquisition system.  Wired connections are typically connected to the meter and the data taken is then translated to a display panel meter and data logger. The same method of translation occurs for wireless connectivity except wireless receivers are used instead of a wired connection.

Comments:

Stephen Bartal's Blog
Very thorough post. I liked how you mentioned that pressure sensors can be applied in both high and low pressure situations. I was hoping, however, that you could of listed what are those applications.

Tyler Woyshner's Blog
I found it interesting that temperature sensors do not actual measure the temperature directly. I also didn't know that there were so many types of temperature sensors. I enjoyed reading your blog post.

Teddy Bruder's Blog
Your discussion about PIR sensors was very informative. I also didn't know that there were ultrasonic, microwave and tomographic sensors. I kinda wish you had added a list of advantages and disadvantages just to see what the strengths and weaknesses are of all the motion sensors.

Sources:

1. "Flow Meters." Flow Meters. Omega, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. <http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/flowmeters.html>.