Compensated Vs Uncompensated Flow Meter

Uncompensated Flow Meter

Compensated and uncompensated flow meters are two types of flow measurement devices used in various industries.

Uncompensated or non-compensated flow meters are simple flow meters to provide a direct reading of the fluid flow rate based on the flow measurement principle used in that device. However, they do not account for other variables such as temperature, backpressure, density, viscosity, and other dynamic fluid properties. These flowmeters are typically used in applications where fluid properties are relatively constant, and the accuracy requirements are not stringent. For example, they may be used in simple fluid transfer systems where the fluid properties are not expected to change significantly during operation.

Compensated Flow Meter

Compensated flow meters are designed to consider variables such as temperature, pressure, and viscosity, which can affect the accuracy of flow measurements. The purpose of compensation is to provide a more accurate reading of the fluid flow rate. They use various compensation methods, such as temperature sensors and pressure transducers, to correct the measurement according to changes in fluid properties. Then they are called pressure compensated flowmeter, temperature compensated flowmeter, etc. Compensated flow meters are commonly used in applications where the fluid properties can change, such as in chemical and petroleum processing plants, power plants, and other situations where accurate flow measurement is critical, like medical anesthesia.