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Question: I need to decide on a flow meter for my application. I see that your Rate-Master® Polycarbonate Flowmeter, Series RM, and Visi-Float® Acrylic Flowmeter, Series VF, are the most popular series; how should I decide which would be best for my application? Continue reading “Ask the Expert: How should I decide which flow meter would be best for my application?”
In the past few years, oil production in the United States has skyrocketed. In fact, the U.S. is out-producing many OPEC countries and is currently on track to become one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world, alongside Russia and Saudi Arabia.[1] The top oil producing region in the U.S. is known as the Permian Basin, which includes parts of Texas and New Mexico. Other major oil-producing states include Colorado, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Alaska, and California.[2] Continue reading “Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil Extraction”
Why do the inlet and outlet pressure of pumps need to be monitored? What issues may be encountered if they are not monitored?
Air compressors, irrigation systems, and heat exchangers all use pumps to push air or water through their systems. If the pressure in any of these systems is too high or too low, it could have serious consequences for the pump, the pipes, or the entire system. Most engineers choose pumps that operate 80-110% of their Best Efficiency Point (BEP), the point on the curve where the pump is most efficient. Pump performance will suffer if the pump is operating outside of the BEP, so it is important to monitor pressure to ensure you are getting the most out of your pumping system. Continue reading “Pressure Monitoring in Pump Systems”
Introduction
Ball valves are designed to be used in a variety of applications and markets, but a V-port ball valve offers the added ability to be used as a control valve where necessary. The main differentiator is a contoured V-port in the ball, most commonly available with a 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° angle, which produces an equal percentage flow characteristic for better control. V-ball valves are known to offer a variety of advantages in flow control applications, especially when compared to larger and more expensive control valves. Continue reading “Advantages of V-Ball Valves”
Insertion flowmeters provide a great alternative to inline flowmeters because they are typically less expensive and easier to install than inline meters. But how do you know which type of insertion meter to choose?
There are two primary types of insertion flowmeters: mechanical and non-mechanical. It’s vital to understand the application and benefits of each type of meter, to ensure the best instrumentation solution for your application. Continue reading “Mechanical vs. Non-Mechanical Flowmeters”