What We Need to Quote Your Flow Transmitter
Technical Guide · Instrumentation
What We Need to Quote Your Flow Transmitter
A straightforward guide to the process data that helps us select the right technology and deliver an accurate, fast quotation.
Step One
Tell Us About Your Fluid
The single most important starting point is identifying exactly what you’re measuring. Flow transmitter technology varies enormously depending on whether the medium is a clean liquid, a slurry, a gas, steam, or a multiphase mixture.
Fluid Type & Name
Specify the exact fluid — e.g. water, diesel, caustic soda 30%, natural gas, steam. Generic terms like “chemical” or “liquid” are not enough for technology selection.
Fluid Phase
Is the medium a liquid, gas, steam, slurry, or multiphase? Phase determines whether technologies such as Coriolis, magnetic, vortex, or differential pressure are appropriate.
Conductivity (Liquids)
Electromagnetic flow meters require a minimum fluid conductivity (typically ≥5 µS/cm). Hydrocarbons and deionised water are not suitable — please advise if conductivity is unknown.
Chemical Compatibility
Any corrosive, aggressive, or hazardous fluids must be flagged. Wetted material selection — liner, electrodes, seals — depends on fluid chemistry. Share an SDS if available.
Viscosity
High-viscosity fluids (e.g. heavy oils, slurries, polymers) affect meter choice and accuracy. Provide dynamic viscosity in cP/mPa·s at operating temperature.
Density
Required for mass flow applications and differential pressure sizing. State density at operating conditions in kg/m³ or provide a specific gravity relative to water.
Step Two
Operating Conditions
Flow meters are rated to specific pressure and temperature envelopes. Exceeding these limits can cause instrument failure, safety hazards, or measurement error. Provide actual operating values as well as any transient or upset conditions the instrument may experience.
Operating Temperature
Provide minimum, normal, and maximum process temperatures in °C. High temperatures affect liner materials, electronics, and sensor ratings. Also note ambient temperature if in a harsh environment.
Operating Pressure
State minimum, normal, and maximum process pressures in kPa(g) or bar(g). This determines pressure rating (ANSI/PN class) and flange specification. Don’t forget to include surge or water-hammer events.
Flow Rate Range
Provide minimum, normal, and maximum flow rates in your preferred units (L/min, m³/h, kg/h, etc.). Turndown ratio matters — a meter that only works at full flow is often unacceptable.
Flow Direction & Profile
Is flow unidirectional or bidirectional? Is flow profile likely to be disturbed (pumps, valves, elbows nearby)? This affects straight-run requirements and technology suitability.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure of exact operating values, provide your best estimate and flag it as such. An approximate value with a note is far more useful than leaving the field blank — we can then factor in appropriate safety margins or follow up on specific parameters only.
Step Three
Choosing the Right Technology
Different flow measurement technologies suit different applications. The table below gives a high-level guide. When you submit your process data, we’ll recommend the most appropriate technology for your situation.
| Technology | Best Suited For | Not Suitable For | Typical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic (Mag) | Conductive liquids, slurries, wastewater | Hydrocarbons, gases, steam | ±0.2 – 0.5% |
| Coriolis (Mass Flow) | High accuracy, density measurement, any liquid or gas | Very large bore, low-pressure gas at high cost | ±0.1 – 0.2% |
| Vortex | Steam, gases, clean liquids | Slurries, very low flow rates, high viscosity | ±0.5 – 1.0% |
| Ultrasonic (Clamp-on) | Non-intrusive retrofit, large bore, clean liquids | Aerated or particle-laden fluids, heavy-walled pipe | ±1 – 2% |
| Differential Pressure (DP) | Steam, gases, liquids — versatile | Slurries (orifice plates); needs regular maintenance | ±0.5 – 2% |
| Turbine | Clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases | Slurries, dirty fluids, pulsating flow | ±0.25 – 1% |
| Positive Displacement | High-viscosity liquids, custody transfer | Gases, slurries, very high flow rates | ±0.1 – 0.5% |
Step Four
Installation & Mechanical Details
Even the right meter will underperform if it doesn’t fit the installation. Share these details to ensure the product we quote can be physically integrated into your system.
Pipe Size & Material
Inside diameter (ID) and nominal bore (DN/NPS) of the pipe, plus pipe material (e.g. stainless steel, PVC, carbon steel). Schedule/wall thickness matters for clamp-on ultrasonics.
Flange Standard & Rating
Specify the flange standard (ANSI/ASME, AS4087, DIN, JIS) and pressure class (e.g. ANSI 150, PN16). This determines how the meter connects to your pipework.
Straight Run Availability
How much unobstructed straight pipe is available upstream and downstream of the meter location? Some technologies need 10–20 pipe diameters of straight run for accurate measurement.
Pipe Orientation
Is the meter being installed on a horizontal, vertical, or inclined run? Some technologies require specific orientation (e.g. mag meters in vertical upward flow for slurries).
Area Classification
Is the installation in a hazardous area (Zone 1, Zone 2, Division 1)? If so, advise the gas group and temperature class. Intrinsically safe (IS) or Ex d certification may be required.
Environmental Conditions
Indoor or outdoor? Exposed to UV, rain, washdown, dusty environments? Advise the IP rating required (e.g. IP67, IP68). Extreme ambient temperatures also affect electronics selection.
Step Five
Output & Integration Requirements
Flow transmitters communicate with PLCs, SCADA systems, and data loggers in a variety of ways. Getting this right upfront avoids costly field wiring changes after delivery.
Signal Output
Do you need 4–20 mA analogue, HART, Modbus RTU, PROFIBUS, Foundation Fieldbus, PROFINET, or pulse/frequency output? Specify all outputs required, not just the primary one.
Power Supply
What power supply is available at the field instrument? Common options: 24 VDC (two-wire loop-powered or four-wire), 110/240 VAC. Two-wire loop-powered units are preferred for HART installations.
Local Display
Is a local LCD display required? Should it show instantaneous flow rate only, or also totalisers? Does it need to be readable in direct sunlight or from a distance?
Alarms & Relays
Are discrete relay or transistor outputs needed for high/low flow alarms, empty pipe detection, or forward/reverse flow indication? State the required switching capacity.
Quick Reference Checklist
Use this list when preparing your enquiry to PCSPL. Tick off each item before submitting.
A Note From Our Team
The More You Tell Us, The Better We Can Help
We understand that in many real-world situations, complete process data isn’t always available — especially during the design phase of a new project. Don’t let incomplete data stop you from reaching out. Share what you have, flag what you’re unsure of, and our engineering team will work with you to fill in the gaps.
If you’re replacing an existing meter, photos of the nameplate and installation are worth a thousand data sheets. And if you have P&ID drawings or process data sheets, attaching them to your enquiry will dramatically speed up our response time.
PCSPL represents a carefully selected range of flow measurement brands suited to Australian industrial conditions. Whether you’re measuring cooling water in a mine, custody-transfer hydrocarbon in a refinery, or effluent in a water treatment plant, we’ll help you choose with confidence.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Use the checklist above and send your process data through to our team. We’ll come back to you with a recommendation and competitive pricing.
📧 Send Your Enquiry