FLOW METER Meaning and
Definition
-
A flow meter is a device used to measure and monitor the rate of flow of a liquid, gas, or steam through a pipeline or conduit. It is designed to accurately determine the quantity of fluid passing through a specific point during a given time period. Flow meters are widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications to ensure precise measurement of fluid flow rates for different purposes.
The fundamental principle behind a flow meter is to measure the velocity of the fluid passing through it. This can be achieved through various methods and technologies, such as ultrasonic, magnetic, thermal, turbine, and differential pressure. Each type of flow meter operates based on different underlying principles, but they all aim to provide accurate and reliable readings.
Flow meters play a crucial role in several industries, including oil and gas, water management, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, chemical processing, and energy generation. They are essential for monitoring and controlling the flow of fluids in processes, ensuring efficient operations and preventing potential issues such as leaks, excess usage, or inadequate supply.
Flow meters are typically composed of a sensor, which measures the flow rate, and a display or data output system that shows the measured values. The sensor may employ various mechanisms to detect and convert the flow into an electrical signal, which is then processed and displayed as numerical values or graphs.
Overall, flow meters enable accurate and efficient measurement of fluid flow rates, providing crucial data for process control, billing purposes, resource management, and ensuring the overall integrity and reliability of various systems and processes.
Etymology of FLOW METER
The word "flow" originates from the Old English word "flōwan" which means "to flow or stream". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "flōan" and the Proto-Indo-European root "pleu" meaning "to flow".
The word "meter" comes from the Greek word "metron" which means "measure". It entered English via Latin, where "metrum" referred to a poetic meter. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to any measuring device.
Therefore, "flow meter" is a combination of the word "flow", meaning the action of liquid or gas flowing, and "meter", meaning a device used for measurement. It refers to a type of instrument used to measure the rate of flow of liquids or gases.
