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7.19 Flow Meter

Flow meters are used to measure the quantity of bulk fluid flow in a system such as
F.O., L.O. & water system onboard.

There are various ways of flow measurements can be apply such as: mechanical
flow meters, thermal mass flow meters, vortex flow meters, electromagnetic,
ultrasonic etc.

The most common flow meters used onboard is the mechanical flow meter.

a. Structure and Principle of Rotary Flow Meter

It consists of cylindrical a cylindrical working chamber that houses a hollow

cylindrical piston of equal length. The central hub of the piston is guided in a
circular motion by two short inner cylinders. The piston and cylinder are
alternately filled and emptied by the fluid passing through the meter. A slot in the
sidewall of the piston is removed so that a partition extending inwards from the
bore of the working chamber can be inserted. This has effect in restricting the
movement of the piston to a sliding motion along the partition.

Fig.7.19-1 Rotary Piston Positive Displacement Meter

Partition

Inlet Outlet

Rotating Piston

The rotary meter is also called “rotary piston meter” which operates on the
principle of piston rotating within a chamber of known volume. The amount of
fluid displaced in the measuring chamber is being counted and transmitted via
gear mechanism or to the pulse generator or a direct reading display. Since the
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chamber has known volume, it is readily converted into an equivalent volume with
relation to the flow of fluid.

Fig.7.19-2 Rotary Type Flow Meter

No. Name of Parts

1 Main body set
2 Measuring chamber lid
3 Measuring chamber lid
5 Rotor set
14 Eccentric bearing
16 Lower magnet set
18 Main body packing
18 Pressure cover
23 Upper magnet set
30 Bolt
37 Glass plate
40 Reed switch
41 Pulse magnet

Another type of rotary meter as shown (Fig.7.19-3 Rotary Type Flow Meter (Single
Fluid Chamber)).The meter consists of a single fluid chamber that contains a single
blocking rotor and two displacement rotors whose rotation is synchronized with
mating gears. As the fluid enters the fluid chamber, the blocking rotor is forced to
rotate. The displacement rotors, also rotating in conjunction with the blocking rotor
help direct the fluid flow through the chamber and to the outlet. The linear flow of the
fluid is thus translated into rotary motion in the meter. The output of the meter is
picked up from the rotation of the blocking rotor and transmitted to a register or pulse
transmitter.

Fig.7.19-3 Rotary Type Flow Meter (Single Fluid Chamber)

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b. Function and Operating Method

When operating the flow meters it is always an advantage to read the makers
instruction manual to understand the function and the operating method.

Various flow meters are being used in the different type of ships and the function
and operating method that being discussed here is only related to the above
specification and in some cases has similarities.

When the piping system is empty as it was drained, cleaned, etc., and the flow
meter is to be operated, be sure to bleed off air in the piping’s so as the flow
meter will indicate accurately.

Indicating function can be of the following:

i. Totalizing Type

The pointer turns clockwise according

to the measured flow rate, to count the
integrated value.

Fig.7.19-4 Totalizing Type Meter

ii. Totalizing zero-reset type

Totalizing zero-reset type is provided with 2 counters, one continuously totaling

the flowrate and the other resettable to zero together with the pointer.
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Resetting the pointer to zero

Turn the zero reset knob for pointer to left while pushing it in gently, adjust the
pointer to zero position and stop there.

Resetting the zero-reset counter to zero

Turn the zero reset knob for counter to the left, adjust the counter to “0000” and
stop there.

Cautions:

i. Do not make any zero resetting operation during a measurement of flow rate. Be
sure to carry out resetting operation when the counter is at stop or not in used.
ii. The total counter cannot be reset to zero.

Fig.7.19-5 Totalizing Zero-Reset Type Meter