Computer Controllable Flow Transmitters
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Computer controllable flow transmitters are devices designed to measure the flow rate of liquids or gases and transmit this data to a computer system for monitoring and control. These transmitters convert the physical flow measurement into an electronic signal that can be processed and displayed on digital interfaces, allowing for precise flow management and integration into automated systems.
Working Principle
Computer controllable flow transmitters operate by utilizing various sensing technologies to detect the flow rate of a fluid. Common methods include ultrasonic, electromagnetic, and thermal dispersion techniques. These transmitters often incorporate digital displays and microprocessors, enabling them to perform diagnostics, validation, and calibration adjustments. The integration with computer systems allows for real-time data analysis and control, making them highly useful for maintaining optimal flow conditions in various industrial processes.
Applications
Computer controllable flow transmitters are used in a wide range of applications. For example, they are employed in the optimization of boiler air feed systems in sulfur recovery units, where precise control of air flow is critical for efficient operation. They are also used in sanitary environments such as medical and food processing industries, where maintaining specific flow rates is essential for compliance with health and safety standards.
Advantages over other Flow Transmitters
One of the key advantages of computer controllable flow transmitters is their ability to interface with digital communication protocols such as PROFIBUS, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, or Modbus. This flexibility allows for seamless integration into existing industrial networks and facilitates easy upgrades or changes in output requirements. Additionally, the digital displays and advanced diagnostics capabilities provide comprehensive data and insights, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, computer controllable flow transmitters can have limitations. For instance, they may require specific environmental conditions to operate accurately, such as temperature and pressure constraints. Additionally, the complexity of integrating these devices into existing systems can pose challenges, particularly in older facilities with outdated infrastructure.
Considerations
When considering the implementation of computer controllable flow transmitters, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can be significant, especially if system upgrades are necessary for compatibility. Operating expenses may include regular calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy and reliability. Durability is another consideration, as these devices must withstand the specific conditions of their operating environment. Finally, accuracy is paramount, and potential users should evaluate the precision requirements of their applications to select the appropriate transmitter model.
from Sierra Instruments, Inc.
InnovaSonic 203 ultrasonic water flow meters are optimized for customers still looking for high performance, but needing a lower-cost, less feature-rich option for dedicated clamp-on ultrasonic metering. The 203 ultrasonic water flow meter is a digital liquid flow meter optimizes the measurement of... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Frequency; Switch
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from E+E Elektronik
The EE741 in-line flow meter can be easily adapted for any measuring task. It is dedicated for accurate metering and monitoring of compressed air and technical gases in DN 15 to DN50 pipes. The thermal measuring principle and the well proven E+E hot film sensor element lead to best long-term... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Frequency; Switch
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; Network/Fieldbus
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from Teledyne Monitor Labs, Inc.
Building on the successful performance of the UltraFlow 100, Teledyne Monitor Labs has substantially improved and updated the design of our new UltraFlow 150. Our objective in our redesign was to further improve system accuracy, reliability and availability, while simplifying maintenance and user... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Switch; Voltage
- Display: Digital (optional feature)
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
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]
- Electrical Output: Current
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from Daniel Measurement and Control Inc.
This innovative electronics platform improves the speed and simplicity of managing ultrasonic measurement information, saving time and assuring measurement integrity. All transducers are sampled 32 times per second and measurement is updated every ¼ second. Mark III Electronics firmware... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current
- Front Panel Interface: Computer Controllable
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 149
from Fluidwell bv
The E126-EG delivers accurate measurement while withstanding the harshest conditions. It measures the actual flow, temperature and pressure and converts it with an ideal gas formula to gas volume at reference conditions (e.g. 0°C/1.013Bar or 14.7PSI /60°F). The reference conditions can be configured... [See More]
- Display: Digital
- Process Media Type: Gas
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
- Features: Programmable; Recorder / Totalizer Functions
from Siemens Process Instrumentation
The new SITRANS FC extensive portfolio of Coriolis flow meters provide high performance multi-parameter measurements for all fluids and all industries. Let Siemens measurement experts help you optimize your process by combining 6 or more measurements in one device. Diligence in design, manufacturing... [See More]
- Interface Options: Hart, Modbus communiction
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
- Display: Digital
- Meter Type: Mass Flow Meter; Volumetric Flow Meter
![ES-FLOW Ultrasonic Flow Meter [4 .. 1500 ml/min] -- ES-FLOW ES-103I - Image](https://partimages.globalspec.com/31/1731/4591731_medium.png "ES-FLOW Ultrasonic Flow Meter [4 .. 1500 ml/min] -- ES-FLOW ES-103I - Image")
from Bronkhorst USA
ES-FLOW ™ series Low-Flow Ultrasonic Liquid Flow Meters / Controllers. General. ES-FLOW are Volumetric Liquid Flow Meters/Controllers for very low flowranges. The instruments operate on a innovative measuring principle, usingultrasound in a very small, straight tube. A wide range of liquids... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Frequency; Voltage
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; Network/Fieldbus
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from E+E Elektronik
The EE776 is a thermal mass flow meter dedicated for monitoring compressed air, nitrogen, CO2 or other non-corrosive and non-flammable gases. It can be employed in pipes from DN50 to DN700 (2" to 28") and at up to 16 bar (232 psi). The EE776 flow meter set new standards in terms of safety and easy... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Frequency; Switch; Voltage
- Front Panel Interface: Computer Controllable
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; Network/Fieldbus
- Meter Type: Mass Flow Meter
from Aalborg Instruments
Design Features. Supports up to 23 Engineering Units (including one User Defined). Two programmable Totalizers (main and pilot) indicate total liquid volume. Programmable High and low Flow Alarm limits with preset delay interval. Programmable High and low Temperature Alarm limits with preset delay... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Voltage
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from Fluidwell bv
The E126-EL delivers accurate measurement while withstanding the harshest conditions.The corrected volumetric flow is calculated by using the thermal expansion coefficient algorithm stored in the flowcomputer. The reference temperature can be defined as desired, e.g. 15°C, 20°C or 60°F. A typical... [See More]
- Display: Digital
- Process Media Type: Liquid
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
- Features: Programmable; Recorder / Totalizer Functions
from Siemens Process Instrumentation
The new SITRANS FC extensive portfolio of Coriolis flow meters provide high performance multi-parameter measurements for all fluids and all industries. Let Siemens measurement experts help you optimize your process by combining 6 or more measurements in one device. Diligence in design, manufacturing... [See More]
- Interface Options: Hart, Modbus, Profibus PA communication
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
- Display: Digital
- Meter Type: Mass Flow Meter; Volumetric Flow Meter
from Bronkhorst USA
HIGH PRESSURE / High ΔP Digital GAS Mass Flow Meters & Controllers. For applications with high (differential) pressure Bronkhorst High-Tech offers a special range of EL-FLOW ® and IN-FLOW Series Thermal Mass Flow Meters and Controllers. Patented PN400/PN700 control valves can either be... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Voltage
- Display: Digital (optional feature)
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; Network/Fieldbus
- Front Panel Interface: Computer Controllable
from Siemens Process Instrumentation
The SITRANS FM MAG 5000 is a microprocessor-based transmitter engineered for high performance, easy installation, commissioning and maintenance. The transmitter is truly robust, cost-effective and suitable for all-round applications and has a measuring accuracy of ± 0.4% of the flow rate (incl. [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current
- Display: Digital
- Interface Options: HART
- Front Panel Interface: Digital Front Panel; Computer Controllable
from Bronkhorst USA
HIGH PRESSURE / High ΔP Digital GAS Mass Flow Meters & Controllers. For applications with high (differential) pressure Bronkhorst High-Tech offers a special range of EL-FLOW ® and IN-FLOW Series Thermal Mass Flow Meters and Controllers. Patented PN400/PN700 control valves can either be... [See More]
- Electrical Output: Current; Voltage
- Display: Digital (optional feature)
- Interface Options: Serial/Digital; Network/Fieldbus
- Front Panel Interface: Computer Controllable