Oval Gear Flow Meters: Everything You Need to Know

Oval gear flowmeters are used to measure the flow rate of liquids and gases with high accuracy. It works by using two gears to calculate the fluid flow.

They are used in industries like oil and gas, water treatment, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals because they give reliable and precise measurements.

Whether you are tracking fuel in pipelines or measuring chemicals in production, these flowmeters are easy to maintain and integrate into your system, that’s why they are great for engineers and plant managers.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the working principles of oval gear flowmeters, explore their benefits and limitations, And finally understand how to select the best oval gear flowmeter for your needs.

Components of Oval Gear Flow Meter

Oval Gears: These are the core of the flow meters. there are typically two oval-shaped gears inside the flow meter's chamber. As the fluid passes through, the gears rotate and this rotation helps to find out the fluid measurement.

Sensors: Flow sensors are used to detect the rotation of the oval gears. These sensors can be mechanical or electronic.

Display: There are two types of display, one is electronic and the other is analog. The display shows the flow rate or total volume of fluid passing through the meter. 

It receives data from sensors and converts it into readable output.

Transmitters: The transmitters convert the sensor's signals into meaningful data.

Working Principle of Oval Gear Flow Meter

The oval gear flow meter works by using two oval-shaped gears which are placed inside a chamber. 

As the fluid enters the meter, it pushes the gears and causes them to rotate. Each time the gears make a full rotation, a specific volume of fluid gets captured between gears, here the rotation of gears is directly proportional to the volume of fluid flowing through the meter.

The sensors count the rotation and based on the known volume displaced per rotation, they calculate the flow rate

In simple terms, The fluid passing through the flow meter moves the gear and based on the rotation of the gear, the sensors calculate the total amount of liquid passing through the flow meter and provide accurate measurement.

Application of Oval Gear Flow Meter in Various Industries

Oil and gas industries: It is used to measure fuel, lubricating oil,, and refined petroleum products in pipelines.

Water and Wastewater Treatment: Gear flow meters are used in the water and wastewater treatment industry. They help monitor chemical dosing and measure flow rates of treatment chemicals.

Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceuticals, it measures the viscous chemicals like acids, resins, and solvents in production and storage.

Aerospace and defense: In the Aerospace and defense industry it monitors hydraulic fluid, aviation fuels, and lubricants in aircraft.

HVAC and energy management: In HVAC and energy measurement it measures thermal transfer fluids and lubricants in heating, cooling, and energy management systems.

Manufacturing and Industrial Automation: It ensures precise fluid measurement in automated production lines, hydraulic systems,, and industrial machinery.

Advantages of Oval Gear flow meter

• Oval gear meters provide precise measurement even for thick and viscous fluids.
• Many models of oval gear flowmeters operate remotely, this reduces their dependence on electricity and makes them suitable for remote or power-sensitive locations.
• Their design ensures minimal wear and tear and provides high accuracy for the long term without maintenance.
• They can perform well in extreme environments.
• Its simple design allows easy installation

Limitations of Oval Gear flow meter

• Oval gear meters are not suitable for low flow rates.
• These meters work best with clean fluids. Particles and debris can affect their accuracy and cause wear and tear, which is common in various types of flowmeters.
• While they can handle viscous liquid drastic viscosity changes in the same application may require recalibration for accurate readings.
• Oval gear flow meters are not ideal for liquid measurement and may not perform effectively with gas flow.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Oval Gear Flow Meter

1. The first thing to consider is what kind of fluid you are measuring, such as oil, syrup, or chemicals.
2. Check if the flowmeter matches your pipeline size and expected flow range because the wrong size can mess with accuracy and performance.
3. The next thing is to find out how accurate your flowmeter needs to be. If you are in pharmaceutical or fuel measurement, precision is key.
4. Look at the pressure and temperature ratings to understand whether it will handle your operating conditions or not. Though oval gear flow meters can work in extreme conditions, still check before making a purchase.
5. Check the material of the flowmeter and find out whether the body and internal parts are suitable for your material or not.
6. Between digital and analog, choose the output that fits your needs.
7. Calculate the total cost and make your budget. Here I would say that a cheaper flowmeter may cost less upfront, but consider long-term expenses like maintenance, calibration, and downtime before making your decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right oval gear flowmeter for your application is essential for accurate measurement. By understanding your specific needs, you can ensure that your meter delivers optimal performance.

If you’re looking for an oval gear flowmeter that meets your specific needs, consider partnering with Burak. As leading manufacturers of all types of flowmeters, we offer reliable solutions to our partners. Get in touch with us today to find the perfect flowmeter for your operations!