Instrumentation & measurement
Turbine flow meters
Turbine flow meters measure the volumetric flow of clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases using a free-spinning rotor whose speed is proportional to flow velocity. They are commonly used for fuel, water and process-fluid metering and batching.
Overview
Inside a turbine flow meter, fluid passing through the body turns a bladed rotor. A pickup senses each blade as it passes and produces a pulse train whose frequency is proportional to flow rate; counting the pulses gives the total volume. Turbine meters respond quickly and are well suited to batching and totalising, but they have moving parts and bearings, so the fluid should be clean and free of fibres or abrasive particles. Viscosity affects the reading, so calibration should reflect the fluid in service.
Selecting the right turbine flow meter
Key inputs are the fluid with its viscosity and cleanliness, the line size, the minimum and maximum flow rate, operating pressure and temperature, and whether a straight pipe run is available upstream and downstream. Also decide on the output (pulse, analogue or local totaliser display), the end connection, and the body and rotor materials needed for the fluid.
Information that speeds up a quotation
Share what you know. Anything you are unsure of can be marked “not known” — our engineers will help confirm it.
- Fluid
- Flow min
- Flow max
- Size
- Accuracy
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Signal
- Power
- Certification
Need a datasheet?
Add this family to your enquiry list and mention the variant — we will send the relevant technical documents.
Flow measurement
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Frequently asked questions
What information do you need to quote a turbine flow meter?
Please send the fluid name, its viscosity and density if known, the flow range, pipe size, operating pressure and temperature, the required output signal and power supply, preferred end connection, and any hazardous-area or display requirement. If the meter replaces an existing unit, the old model details and installation dimensions are helpful for matching it.
When is a turbine flow meter a poor choice?
Turbine meters are less suitable where the fluid carries solids or fibres, is highly viscous, or where the flow pulsates strongly, because these affect the rotor and bearings or the reading. In such cases another principle, such as electromagnetic, Coriolis or positive displacement, may be considered. Share the process details and we can advise on options to evaluate.
Ready to specify turbine flow meters?
Send the details you have — quantities, sizes, drawings or a part number. Unknowns are fine.