The accuracy of your fuel flow meter is crucial to ensuring that you have a valid and measurable way to track fuel dispensation and remaining volume. An inaccurate meter could affect your finances, operational efficiency, ability to adhere to compliance and safety regulations, and ability to track inventory, usage, and maintenance needs. Grohall wants to help you ensure optimal performance from all of your lubrication and petroleum equipment. Here is our guide to understanding and maintaining fuel flow meter accuracy in the field. 

Be Aware of Environmental Factors that Contribute to Accuracy and Performance

When you’re in the field, you won’t always have access to the tools and equipment you need to ensure precision and reliability. It’s important to understand how your flow meter works, and what environmental factors might impact its accuracy:

• Ambient temperature and pressure – The outside temperature and barometric pressure can alter the density and viscosity of fluid, which then impacts its volume and mass. This could lead to inaccuracies in flow meter measurements. Extreme temperatures can cause thermal expansion or contraction of certain flow meter components, which could lead to measurement errors.
• Electromagnetic interference – Electromagnetic fields can interfere with the electronic signals of your flow meters, causing inaccurate readings. 
• Vibration and mechanical stress – Mechanical vibrations or other external vibrations or stress can cause wear and tear on internal components, eventually leading to inaccurate sensors. 
• Material degradation – Exposure to extreme environments or corrosive materials can cause material degradation, which affects the performance and reliability of your flow meter. 
• Humidity and moisture – Humidity and moisture can also affect the meter’s electronic components, causing malfunctions and inaccuracies. 

Understand Flow Meter Accuracy Specs

To properly calibrate and determine the accuracy of your flow meter, you need to understand flow meter accuracy specs. Understanding flow rate is crucial to process applications. Your flow meter will show its accuracy specification as a % of reading and % of full scale, which give you enhanced information about how your flow meter is performing. 

Be Able to Calculate Basic Flow Measurement Equations

You also need to be able to understand and calculate basic flow measurement equations. The basic equation for calculating volumetric flow is Q = V * A. Q is the volumetric flow rate of the liquid, V is the velocity of the fluid, and A is the pipe’s cross sectional area. Mass flow is calculated by M = Q * D, where D is density, M is mass flow, and Q is the volumetric flow rate. 

Do What You Can to Promote Accurate Flow Measurement

Finally, you should do what you can to promote accurate flow measurement:

• Make sure your flow meter is properly calibrated
• Schedule routine accuracy testing and maintenance of your flow meter
• Ensure the flow meter is installed properly according to manufacturer guidelines or recommendations

Grohall specializes in the distribution, installation, and maintenance of lubrication and petroleum equipment for the mining and industrial sectors. We carry a wide selection of flow meters from major brands and manufacturers. Call us now at (520) 622-4263 or 1-800-624-0003 or email us at sales@grohall.com to find out how we can help you choose the best flow meter in Southern Arizona for your needs and budget.