Precision flow measurement key to hydraulic performance

Titan Enterprises is sharing insights to help engineers and operators address the challenges of precision flow metering in hydraulic systems, ensuring safe and reliable process operations.

On the surface, metering liquids under pressure can appear straightforward: install a flowmeter, connect it to an instrument, and control the system via software, pumps, and valves. In practice, however, achieving precise and repeatable results is far more complex. Even minor variations in system design or process conditions can cause inaccuracies, waste product, and disrupt operations.

Flowmeters are central to the performance of hydraulic systems, from test rigs and pump calibration to setting flow control valves. These systems depend on the precise movement of fluid to transmit power, and any deviation from the required flow rate risks reduced efficiency, excessive wear, or outright failure. Temperature fluctuations, for example, can alter viscosity and flow behaviour, significantly affecting accuracy. By designing systems that minimise variables at the outset, and by selecting the right meters, pumps, and valves, engineers can better compensate for these challenges.

Accurate flow measurement provides more than just data on fluid movement. It enables operators to detect leaks or blockages, maintain stable pressure, and ensure actuators and other components receive the correct volume of fluid for optimal mechanical output. This makes reliable metering a critical part of maintaining both system health and operational efficiency.

A number of factors must be considered when specifying and installing hydraulic flowmeters. System repeatability depends on eliminating air pockets that cause volumetric errors. Stable operating conditions of pressure, temperature, and flow are essential for accurate calibration. Pump type can determine whether pulsations disrupt flow, making the integration of dampers or regulators important in many designs. Flowmeter placement also matters, with positioning close to dispense valves helping to reduce inertia effects. Beyond installation, engineers must match meter technology to the properties of the working fluid. While turbine meters can lose accuracy as viscosity increases, positive displacement devices often perform better with thicker fluids. Similarly, careful valve selection and the use of advanced electronic flowmeters can further enhance precision and repeatability.

As industries such as aerospace move toward higher hydraulic pressures to increase efficiency and reduce system size, the demands on flowmeters grow. Devices must not only provide accurate, real-time data but also withstand extreme pressures with appropriate safety margins.

Titan Enterprises offers a broad portfolio of flow measurement solutions for hydraulic applications operating from 10 to 950 bar, with customised and OEM versions available to meet specific needs.

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