Flow Meter - RS Finland

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Sensirion SFM3003 Series Bidirectional Flow Meter Flow Meter for Air, Gas, -30 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 230-7723

Brand Sensirion

Media Monitored: Air, Gas
Series: SFM3003
Super Section: Sensors

€ 2.710.80

16 in stock now

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Siemens WSN525 Series Heat/Cooling Energy Meters Flow Sensor

RS Stock No. 065-8461

Brand Siemens

Brand: Siemens
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.087.12

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Trumeter Vista Touch Series Industrial Flow Meters Flow Meter

RS Stock No. 267-5582

Brand Trumeter

Brand: Trumeter
Device Type: Industrial Flow Meters
Manufacturer: Trumeter

€ 501.79

19 in stock now

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Trumeter Vista Touch Series Industrial Flow Meters Flow Meter

RS Stock No. 267-5586

Brand Trumeter

Brand: Trumeter
Device Type: Industrial Flow Meters
Section: Automation & Control Gear

€ 501.79

8 in stock now

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Sensirion SLI Series Microfluidic Flow Meter Flow Meter for Liquid, 0 μl/min Min, 80 μl/min Max

RS Stock No. 200-9545

Brand Sensirion

Category: Flow Sensors
Maximum Flow Rate: 80 μl/min
Media Monitored: Liquid

€ 2.415.88

6 in stock now

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WIKA A2G-25 Series Air flow meter Flow Meter for Air

RS Stock No. 262-5498

Brand WIKA

Category: Flow Sensors
Media Monitored: Air
Super Section: Sensors

€ 330.18

4 in stock now

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WIKA A2G-25 Series Air flow meter Flow Meter for Air

RS Stock No. 262-5501

Brand WIKA

Manufacturer: WIKA
Series: A2G-25
Supply Voltage: 24 V

€ 390.56

8 in stock now

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ifm electronic SV Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 80 gph Min, 1585 gph Max

RS Stock No. 059-6109

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 652.60

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ifm electronic SV Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 9 l/min Min, 150 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6137

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 184.49

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ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6277

Brand ifm electronic

Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.606.40

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ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6278

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.606.40

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ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6279

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear

€ 1.631.50

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ifm electronic SM6 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.1 l/min Min, 25 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6281

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.010.28

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ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6282

Brand ifm electronic

Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.336.58

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ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6283

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.336.58

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ifm electronic SM9 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6285

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.424.43

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ifm electronic SM9 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6287

Brand ifm electronic

Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.424.43

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ifm electronic SM7 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 50 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6307

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.154.60

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ifm electronic SM7 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 3 gph Min, 792 gph Max

RS Stock No. 059-6310

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.154.60

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ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6312

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 1.349.13

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ifm electronic SV0 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6317

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 633.78

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ifm electronic SV0 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

RS Stock No. 059-6318

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Super Section: Sensors

€ 587.34

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ifm electronic SV5 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 16 gph Min, 317 gph Max

RS Stock No. 059-6319

Brand ifm electronic

Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear
Super Section: Sensors

€ 170.68

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ifm electronic SV5 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 32 gph Min, 634 gph Max

RS Stock No. 059-6322

Brand ifm electronic

Brand: ifm electronic
Category: Flow Sensors
Section: Automation & Control Gear

€ 608.68

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What is a flow meter?

A flow meter, also called a flow sensor or flow rate meter, is a device that measures the amount of fluid moving through a pipe or channel over a given period. It translates the movement of liquids or gases into readable data such as liters per minute (L/min), cubic meters per hour (m3/h), gallons per minute (GPM), or mass flow (kg/s). Flow meters are essential components in process control, water treatment, chemical processing, oil and gas, HVAC, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. They come in inline and insertion configurations and can be digital with local displays or networked outputs. When selecting a flow meter you consider the fluid type, conductivity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, and required accuracy, then choose a technology—magnetic flow meter for conductive liquids, ultrasonic flow meter for non-contact measurement, turbine flow meter for clean liquids, coriolis flow meter for precise mass flow, or orifice/venturi-based differential pressure meters for versatile applications. The result is reliable flow monitoring, control, and optimization of a wide range of processes.

How do flow meters work across different technologies?

Flow meters rely on distinct physical principles to infer flow rate, and each technology is suited to particular fluids and installation conditions.

Magnetic (electromagnetic) flow meter: Measures flow by generating a magnetic field across a conductive liquid. The moving fluid induces a voltage proportional to velocity, which is converted to volumetric flow rate. Ideal for water and many chemical liquids with good conductivity; not suitable for truly insulating fluids.
Ultrasonic flow meter: Uses transit-time or Doppler principles. Transit-time meters send ultrasonic pulses upstream and downstream; the difference in arrival times gives velocity and flow. Doppler meters detect frequency shifts caused by particulates or bubbles. Useful for a wide range of fluids, including non-contact measurements and dirty liquids.
Turbine (mechanical) flow meter: A rotor or turbine spins with the flow; the rotation rate is proportional to flow. Best for clean, low-viscosity liquids and precise, local measurements.
Coriolis flow meter: Measures mass flow by detecting the deflection of a vibrating tube. Extremely accurate for liquids and gases, independent of density and viscosity, but typically higher in cost and installation complexity.
Differential pressure (venturi, orifice) flow meter: Uses a pressure drop across a restriction (venturi or orifice plate). Flow rate is inferred from the differential pressure and fluid properties. Widely used, cost-effective for a range of liquids and gases.

Each method has trade-offs in accuracy, range, viscosity sensitivity, pressure loss, installation footprint, and maintenance. Selection depends on fluid characteristics, required accuracy, and environmental conditions.

What are the main types of flow meters and which fluids are they best for?

Flow meters fall into several broad families, each with strengths in certain applications and fluids:

Magnetic flow meters (mag meters): Best for conductive liquids like water, wastewater, slurries, acids. No moving parts, low maintenance, good for dirty liquids; not suitable for non-conductive fluids like pure hydrocarbons.
Ultrasonic flow meters: Inline or clamp-on for liquids and gases; great for dirty, high-purity, or sterile processes. Ultrasonic meters are versatile for water, chemicals, and HVAC applications.
Turbine flow meters: Excellent for clean, low-viscosity liquids; high accuracy and fast response but sensitive to particulate matter and viscosity.
Coriolis flow meters (mass flow): Unmatched for mass flow and density; suitable for chemicals, fuels, and precise custody-transfer applications. Higher cost and installation considerations.
Differential pressure meters (venturi, orifice): Broad applicability; cost-effective for a wide range of fluids, including gases and liquids; require known fluid properties for accurate calculations.
Vortex, thermal, and other technologies: Niche applications, including gas flow, viscous liquids, and specialized industrial settings.

When choosing, consider viscosity, temperature, pressure rating, chemical compatibility, inline versus insertion installation, sanitary design requirements, and the needed output signals (pulse, 4–20 mA, HART, digital bus).

How do I choose the right flow meter for water, chemicals, or gases?

Selecting the right flow meter begins with understanding the fluid and the process. Consider these factors:

Conductivity of liquids for mag meters; presence of particulates for turbine meters; gas versus liquid considerations for ultrasonic meters. Chemical compatibility and temperature limits matter for all technologies.
Heavier or more viscous fluids may require magnetic or ultrasonic solutions over turbine meters.
Inline meters offer compact, high-accuracy measurements; insertion meters can be easier to retrofit into existing piping.
Food & beverage and pharma require sanitary fittings, cleanability, and clean-in-place (CIP) capabilities.
Decide between digital displays, 4–20 mA emission, HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, or IIoT-enabled meters for remote monitoring.
Consider maintenance intervals, sensor cleaning needs, and calibration traceability.

In practice, water utility and process water often use mag meters or ultrasonic meters; chemical plants may choose coriolis or ultrasonic meters; oil and gas mass flow often relies on coriolis or differential pressure with appropriate material compatibility.

Where should a flow meter be installed and what installation considerations matter?

Proper installation ensures accurate, repeatable readings and long service life. Keep these guidelines in mind:

Install flow meters in straight runs free of turbulence; use upstream and downstream straight piping per manufacturer guidance to minimize flow disturbances.
Ensure compatible materials for wetted parts; consider temperature and pressure ratings for the process fluid.
Position instruments for easy access, electrical connection, and maintenance; for inline meters, ensure proper orientation and flow direction.
For magnetic meters, ensure sufficient liquid conductivity; for ultrasonic meters, ensure accessible mounting for clamp-on versions if used.
Sanitary installations require clean-in-place (CIP) or sanitary fittings and proper sanitary gaskets to avoid contamination.
Account for pressure loss and energy impact; select meters with acceptable pressure drop for the system.

Correct installation reduces drift, increases reliability, and improves process control accuracy across water, chemical, oil, gas, and HVAC systems.

How accurate are flow meters and how is calibration performed?

Accuracy varies by technology, fluid properties, and installation. Typical ranges: magnetic and ultrasonic meters ±0.5 to ±2% of reading, turbine meters ±0.5 to ±1.5%, and coriolis meters ±0.1 to ±0.3% for mass flow. Calibration is essential for traceable performance and may involve factory calibration, loop calibration, or field verification. Common practices:

Use reference standards or calibrated test rigs to establish a baseline.
Perform dry-run checks with non-flow verification to ensure signals are behaving correctly.
Apply periodical recalibration or validation against known flow standards; ensure calibration certificates are traceable to national or international standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM).
Document installation parameters (temperature, pressure, viscosity) during calibration, as some meters have performance curves dependent on these factors.

For critical custody-transfer or high-precision processes, choose meters with certified accuracy, built-in diagnostics, and digital outputs that support calibration data logging.

What maintenance, troubleshooting, and common issues should I know about flow meters?

Routine maintenance and quick diagnostics help maintain reliable readings. Common issues and tips:

Particulate build-up or fouling in turbine or ultrasonic sensors can alter readings; schedule regular cleaning or filter changes.
Air entrainment, bubbles, or gas pockets may affect ultrasonic/differential pressure meters; verify installation and fluid properties.
Electrical wiring, grounding, and signal interference can cause noisy data; check cable integrity and shielded connections.
Low conductivity fluids can disable magnetic meters; choose the correct technology for the fluid and consider bypass options.
Calibration drift due to temperature, viscosity changes, or aging seals; perform periodic checks and replace worn components as needed.

Troubleshooting steps typically involve checking flow direction, verifying that the fluid is within specified temperature and pressure ranges, inspecting for leaks, and validating sensor health with diagnostic outputs or test signals.

Can I buy flow meters from RS Components and what should I look for on a listing page?

RS Components offers a range of flow meters and flow sensors, including magnetic, ultrasonic, turbine, and differential pressure variants, with options for inline and insertion installation. When browsing listings, look for:

Technology type (magnetic flow meter, ultrasonic flow meter, coriolis, turbine, differential pressure)
Measuring range and accuracy specification, with units (L/min, m3/h, GPM, kg/s for mass flow)
Fluid compatibility and wetted materials (stainless steel, wetted seals, PTFE, etc.)
Electrical output (4–20 mA, HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, Modbus, digital interfaces) and connector type
Pressure rating, temperature limits, and sanitary design if applicable
Installation style (inline vs insertion), process compatibility, and required straight-run lengths
Calibration information, traceability, and available accessories (bypass, sensors, display modules)

Choosing the right flow meter for water, chemicals, gas, or industrial processes on RS Components depends on matching the fluid properties, required accuracy, and integration needs with your control system.

Flow Switch Flow Sensing Hour Meter Pressure Meter Fluke Oscilloscope Meter 12v rechargeable batteries with chargers Wera Torx Key 63a 4 pole mcbs Female elbows AC Spring

"Flow Meter"

Sensirion SFM3003 Series Bidirectional Flow Meter Flow Meter for Air, Gas, -30 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

Siemens WSN525 Series Heat/Cooling Energy Meters Flow Sensor

Trumeter Vista Touch Series Industrial Flow Meters Flow Meter

Trumeter Vista Touch Series Industrial Flow Meters Flow Meter

Sensirion SLI Series Microfluidic Flow Meter Flow Meter for Liquid, 0 μl/min Min, 80 μl/min Max

WIKA A2G-25 Series Air flow meter Flow Meter for Air

WIKA A2G-25 Series Air flow meter Flow Meter for Air

ifm electronic SV Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 80 gph Min, 1585 gph Max

ifm electronic SV Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 9 l/min Min, 150 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM2 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 600 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM6 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.1 l/min Min, 25 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM9 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM9 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 300 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM7 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 50 L/min Max

ifm electronic SM7 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 3 gph Min, 792 gph Max

ifm electronic SM8 Series Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 0.2 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

ifm electronic SV0 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

ifm electronic SV0 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Water, 5 l/min Min, 100 L/min Max

ifm electronic SV5 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 16 gph Min, 317 gph Max

ifm electronic SV5 Series Vortex Flow Meter Flow Meter for Coolants, Glycol Solutions, Water, 32 gph Min, 634 gph Max

What is a flow meter?

How do flow meters work across different technologies?

What are the main types of flow meters and which fluids are they best for?

How do I choose the right flow meter for water, chemicals, or gases?

Where should a flow meter be installed and what installation considerations matter?

How accurate are flow meters and how is calibration performed?

What maintenance, troubleshooting, and common issues should I know about flow meters?

Can I buy flow meters from RS Components and what should I look for on a listing page?