Magnetic Flowmeters are displacing traditional technology flowmeters, such as differential pressure (DP), positive displacement and turbine, in some applications. Ultimately, the key advantage magnetic flowmeters offer is lower cost of ownership when compared with many traditional technology flowmeters. The flowtube of a magnetic flowmeter is highly durable and subject to little change. Today’s linings, including PTFE, EFTE, PFA and hard rubber, are highly durable and designed to handle slurries as well as water containing chemicals. With no primary element to replace and no moving parts to introduce wear, magnetic flowmeters represent a very stable and reliable long-term method of measurement with minimal maintenance costs. While the magnetic flowmeter market is a mature and stable one, there are some new product developments in the magmeter market, and these new developments figure to stimulate continued growth. One recent development is the advent of two-wire magnetic flowmeters, which are powered by an external source, which lowers the cost of the flowmeter. Magnetic flowmeters come in three different mounting types: wafer, flanged and insertion. Wafer-style meters offer a lower cost than flanged, but flanged magnetic flowmeters perform better in hazardous and high temperature applications. Both wafer and flanged meters typically have higher accuracy than insertion-style meters. Insertion meters are used in the larger line sizes, such as those eight inches and above, because their cost is significantly lower than wafer and flanged magnetic flowmeters in the larger sizes. The main disadvantage of insertion magnetic flowmeters is reduced accuracy. Still, the use of insertion magnetic flowmeters in the larger line sizes is on the rise. Analysis provided by Flow Research (www.flowresearch.com). For more information on the magnetic flowmeter market, visit Flow Research’s Web portal www.FlowMags.com.
