Collection:Flow Meters

A flow meter measures how much liquid flows through a pipe. Depending on the model it shows the flow on a display, sends an analog or digital signal, keeps a running total, or switches an output when the flow passes a set point. Which meter fits depends on the liquid and the job.

Choosing a measuring technology

• Paddle wheel: the most common choice for clean, low-viscosity liquids such as water, coolant, or thin oils. A wheel spins in the flow and a sensor measures its speed.
• Magnetic (electromagnetic): electrically conductive liquids, including dirty ones with solids or fibers. It has no moving parts in the flow, so particles do not jam it. It cannot measure non-conductive liquids such as oil or demineralized water.
• Hygienic (surface acoustic wave): food-grade and hygienic process liquids. The tube is a full-bore stainless pipe with nothing inside it, so it drains fully and is cleaned in place.
• Ultrasonic (HVAC): heating and cooling water in building systems. Sound pulses time the flow, with no moving parts and no obstruction.

Inline and insertion meters

Bürkert offers these meters in two forms.

An inline meter is two parts ordered together: a sensor fitting (the S030) fitted in the pipe to hold the paddle wheel, and a transmitter (an SE30, SE32, or SE35) on top that turns the wheel's pulses into a reading and an output. The fitting is chosen for the pipe and liquid, the transmitter for the output and display needed. Bürkert also sells the pair ready-made under one number (the 8030, 8032, or 8035): the same fitting and transmitter ordered together.

An insertion meter (the 8025 paddle wheel, and the 8041 and 8045 magnetic) is one unit with its own probe. The probe is fitted into the pipe through a separate mounting fitting, which connects it to the line. These fittings are available in several connection types, so the meter suits different pipes.

Frequently asked questions

Which flow meter suits a dirty or solid-laden liquid?

A magnetic meter. It has no moving parts in the flow, so solids and fibers pass straight through. The liquid has to conduct electricity, which covers most water-based liquids. A paddle wheel is wrong here, because solids foul the wheel.

What measures oils and other non-conductive liquids?

A paddle wheel meter, the electronic choice for non-conductive liquids such as thin oils and demineralized water. The catch: the liquid still has to be clean and thin, because the wheel has to spin freely. A dirty or thick liquid rules it out, and leaves no easy electronic option.

Is a Bürkert inline meter one item or two?

Two. A Bürkert inline paddle wheel meter is a sensor fitting plus a transmitter, ordered together or as a single 8030, 8032, or 8035 system. The insertion meters (the 8025, 8041, and 8045) and the hygienic and HVAC meters are single units.