Flow meters for the chemical industry

The precise measurement of flow rates in the chemical industry is crucial for efficient and safe processes. DDM Sensors offers a wide range of flow meters that have been specially developed for the diverse challenges in the chemical industry.

Oval gear meter for chemical applications

The oval gear meters from DDM Sensors are a precise and reliable solution for demanding measuring tasks in the chemical industry. These meters are particularly suitable for high measuring requirements and are characterized by their high measuring accuracy. A key advantage of the oval gear meters is their viscosity tolerance, which allows them to measure a wide range of media regardless of external influences. This includes both low-viscosity and viscous media such as greases, adhesives and concentrates. Even aggressive media such as acids and alkalis can be handled safely with specially manufactured versions.

The oval wheel meters from DDM Sensors are available in different versions.

• Measuring range: from approx. 0.01 to 500 l/min
• Temperature range: -20 °C to +150 °C
• Repeatability: ±0.1 %
• Materials in contact with the medium: 316 stainless steel, aluminum, PEEK and Hastelloy C for the housing and Viton (FKM), EPDM, NBR, PTFE and Kalrez (FFKM) for the seals are available
• Protection class: IP67/NEMA 4
• Output signal: NPN, reed switch and NAMUR sensors, optionally also PNP, voltage or current output and dual output

Turbine flow meter for chemical applications

Turbine flow meters from DDM Sensors are characterized by their fast and accurate measurement and are therefore an excellent choice for various applications in the chemical industry. Thanks to their miniaturized housing, they are particularly suitable for use in tight installation spaces.

A significant advantage for chemical applications is that all parts in contact with the product are made of 316 stainless steel or ceramic. This enables the safe measurement of even flammable and aggressive substances. Thanks to an optimized flow straightener, the turbine flow meters do not require an additional inlet section, which further reduces the space requirement.

The basic data of the turbine flow meters include the following ranges.

• Measuring range: from approx. 0.06 to 1200 l/min
• Temperature range: -50 to +150 °C
• Repeatability: ±0.025 % in the linear range
• Materials in contact with media: Stainless steel and ceramic
• Protection class: IP67
• Output signal: Turbine frequency max. 2 kHz (TTL)

Optionally, a linearized and viscosity-corrected output signal in the form of voltage, current or Can Bus can be provided in conjunction with a flow computer.

Ultrasonic flow meter for chemical applications

Ultrasonic flow meters from DDM Sensors are an ideal solution for precise inline flow measurement of small quantities in the chemical industry. They are characterized by high precision and reliability, even with the smallest flow rates from 2 ml/min.

The ultrasonic flow meters are easy to install according to the “plug-and-play” principle and only require short inlet sections. As they have no moving parts, they are maintenance-free and have a long service life. The devices are well suited for aggressive media, as PEEK / 316, PEEK / borosilicate glass or PFA tubing with FDA approval are available as wetted materials.

The ultrasonic flow meters cover the following areas.

• Measuring range: from approx. 0.002 to 20 l/min
• Temperature range: -10 to 60°C, versions for -10 to 110°C are optionally available
• Repeatability: from ±0.1% (25 to 100% v.MB); ±0.5% (< 25 v.MB) or ±0.1% plus ±0.02% FSD
• Materials in contact with media: PEEK / 316 ; PEEK / borosilicate glass
• Protection class: IP63 / IP54
• Output signal: Pulse (NPN or PNP), 4 – 20mA, 0 – 10V, 0 – 5V, display, ASCII interface

Impeller flow meter for chemical applications

Impeller flow meters from DDM Sensors are small, robust and cost-effective and are ideal for measuring the flow of low-viscosity, water-like liquids. Thanks to their sapphire bearings, these flow meters are particularly robust and durable. One advantage of impeller meters is that they are less susceptible to contamination due to their design. Installation is simple and space-saving, as no calming section is required at the inlet. Impeller flow meters can also cope with aggressive or abrasive liquids.

• Measuring range: from approx. 0.05 to 160 l/min
• Temperature range: -25 °C to +60 °C (high-temperature models up to +125 °C)
• Repeatability: ±0.1 %
• Materials in contact with media: PVDF, PVC, brass or stainless steel
• Protection class: IP65 or IP67, and there are also models with NSF certification
• Output signal: Pulse (NPN or PNP) and 4 – 20mA, 0 – 10V, 0 -5V

What are the advantages of flow meters in chemical applications?

The flow meters from DDM Sensors offer several decisive advantages for chemical applications.

• Ideal for small installation spaces: Many of the models on offer are miniaturized and can therefore be perfectly integrated into small installation spaces. This is particularly advantageous in chemical plants, where space is often at a premium.
• Resistant: The flow meters are resistant to aggressive media. By using suitable materials such as stainless steel, PEEK and various sealing materials, aggressive media can also be measured.
• Precision: The flow meters enable precise measurement in small measuring ranges. They can also accurately measure values in the milliliter range, which is essential for precise dosing processes in the chemical industry.

These include acids and alkalis such as

• Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄),
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl),
• Caustic soda (NaOH) and
• Hydrofluoric acid.

Likewise, various solvents such as

• Acetone,
• Ethanol,
• Isopropanol,
• Methanol and
• toluene can be measured.

The flow meters are also suitable for high-purity media / ultra-pure chemicals such as ultra-pure water and ultra-pure acids in semiconductor production. The oval wheel meters from DDM Sensors are particularly characterized by the fact that they can measure a wide variety of media, including viscous liquids such as greases, adhesives and concentrates as well as water-like solutions. A wide range of media such as oils, alkalis, acids, solutions, dispersions, polymerizations, polycondensates, alcohols, greases, paints and varnishes, reagents and surfactants can be precisely measured with oval gear meters.

Special versions with adapted materials and designs are available for highly viscous, abrasive or corrosive measuring media. Impeller flow meters are particularly suitable for low-viscosity, water-like liquids and can also cope with aggressive or abrasive liquids as well as FE or DI water.

Ultrasonic flow meters are ideal for small quantities and can come into contact with aggressive media, as wetted materials such as PEEK or borosilicate glass are available.

Turbine flow meters with wetted parts made of stainless steel or ceramic enable the safe measurement of even flammable and aggressive substances.

Application of flow meters in chemistry

The flow meters from DDM Sensors are used in a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. For example, they are suitable for the precise dosing of chemicals such as acids, bases or solvents in production processes.

They can also be used to monitor reaction flows in order to control the flow rate in reactors and thus ensure consistent reaction conditions. These flow meters are also used in circulation and recirculation systems for circulating cooling or rinsing liquids, for example in batch or CIP processes. Impeller flow meters are also well suited for simple laboratory applications.

Fast delivery times and high availability

We always strive to ensure fast delivery times and high availability of our flow meters in order to meet your requirements promptly. In addition, we offer the option of customizing flow meters to meet specific needs.