Averaging / Multi-Insertion Gas Flow Meters

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Description

Averaging or Multi-Insertion Gas Flow Meters are devices designed to measure the flow rate of gases through large pipes or ducts. These meters are particularly useful in applications where it is necessary to obtain an average flow rate across a large cross-sectional area, ensuring accurate and reliable flow measurement.

Working Principle

These flow meters operate by inserting multiple sensors at various points across the cross-section of a pipe or duct. Each sensor measures the flow velocity at its specific location. The data from these sensors are then averaged to provide a comprehensive measurement of the total gas flow rate. This method is beneficial because it accounts for variations in flow velocity across the pipe, leading to more accurate and representative flow measurements.

Applications

Averaging or Multi-Insertion Gas Flow Meters are commonly used in industrial settings where large pipes or ducts are involved. Specific examples include monitoring the flow of natural gas in large distribution networks, measuring exhaust gases in power plants, and managing airflow in large HVAC systems.

Advantages over other Electrical Products

One significant advantage of these meters over other types of flow meters, such as spool-piece (in-line) meters, is their ease of installation and maintenance. Insertion meters can be installed or removed without requiring extensive shutdowns or labor-intensive procedures, which is often necessary with in-line meters . Additionally, they are more economical for large pipes and ducts, as they do not require the entire flow to pass through a single measurement point .

Limitations

A limitation of Averaging or Multi-Insertion Gas Flow Meters is that they may require multiple insertion points, which can complicate installation in some environments. Additionally, they may not be suitable for small pipes or ducts where the cross-sectional area does not allow for multiple sensor placements .

Considerations

When considering the use of Averaging or Multi-Insertion Gas Flow Meters, it is important to evaluate the initial costs, which can be higher due to the need for multiple sensors. However, their operating expenses may be lower due to reduced maintenance requirements compared to in-line meters. Durability and accuracy are generally high, but regular calibration and maintenance are necessary to ensure continued performance. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the overall cost of ownership, as these can vary depending on the specific installation and operating conditions.

5 Results
Compact Integral Orifice Flowmeter -- IOMaster FPD510
from ABB Measurement & Analytics

IOMaster joins OriMaster, WedgeMaster and PitoMaster to form the new compact DP family. IOMaster is available in sizes DN15, DN25 and DN40 ( ½, 1 and 1 ½ in.) and is designed for metering small flowrates of clean liquids or gases in relatively small pipelines. OriMaster is supplied in... [See More]

  • Features: Multi-insertion
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Insertion Type Multipoint Thermal Flow Meter - MT100 Series -- MT100M
from Fluid Components Intl. (FCI)

Mass Flow Meter Summary. The MT100 Series is an insertion type, multipoint thermal flow meter specifically designed for large diameter pipes, such as stacks and flues, and large rectangular ducts, such as air feed intakes and HVAC. These large pipe/duct applications are difficult for ordinary flow... [See More]

  • Features: Multi-insertion; Programmable
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MutiTrak™ 670S Immersible Thermal Flow Meter
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.

Sierra's Multi-Trak ™ Model 670S is an advanced state-of-the-art instrument for measuring mass flow rates in very large ducts or stacks that have non-uniform velocity profiles, high turn-down requirements, dirty gas streams, wide temperature ranges and fast velocity and temperature changes. [See More]

  • Features: Built-in Alarm Indicator; Multi-insertion; Programmable (optional feature); Recorder / Totalizer Functions
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Digital Mass Flow Meter -- DFM 26
from Aalborg Instruments

The flow rate can be displayed in volumetric flow or. mass flow engineering units for standard or actual. (temperature, pressure) conditions. Flow meters can. be programmed locally by the four button keypad and. LCD or remotely via RS-232/RS-485 interface. DFM flow meters support various functions... [See More]

  • Features: Built-in Alarm Indicator; Multi-insertion; Controller; Recorder / Totalizer Functions
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iVX Insertion Flow Meter
from Aalborg Instruments

Product Summary. Insertion Vortex Flow Meters indicate volumetric and/or mass flow rates of gases, liquids or steam in piping conduits. Design Features. Wide range of available insertion inside diameter applications. Installation by porting into piping without need to lengthening line. Optional... [See More]

  • Features: Multi-insertion; Programmable; Recorder / Totalizer Functions
  • Pipe Diameter: 4.00 to 36.00
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  • Mounting: In-line