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What flow meter technologies are there?
There are many different flow meter technologies available: thermal mass flow meters, vortex shedding flow meters, turbine, coriolis, differential pressure (DP), ultrasonic, and positive displacement (PD). These technologies are organized in two main categories: mass flow meters and volumetric flow meters.

What flow measurement technology is best for gases?
Thermal mass flow meters measure the flow of gases using the thermal sensing principle. This technology is a highly accurate direct mass flow measurement technology that uses a constant temperature differential (constant Δ T) to measure mass flow rate.

Click here to learn more about Thermal Mass flow meters...

Is there a flow meter that can measure gas, liquid, and steam?
Although application and budget are the two most determining factors in choosing the right technology.... Vortex Shedding flow meters measure the flow of gases, liquids, and steam using the principle of operation referred to as the von Kármán effect. This versatile and highly accurate technology uses no moving parts and can be used in high pressure, high temperature flow streams and offer more process variables in one device. Vortex shedding flow meters can measure in both volumetric, mass flow, and energy units.

Click here to learn more about Vortex Shedding flow meters...

Flow meters are used in which industries?
Flow meters are used in light and heavy industrial plants, process heating facilities, manufacturing facilities, up/mid/downstream oil & gas, wastewater operations, food and beverage, and any facility requiring flow measurement for process control, improved efficiency, and emissions control/reporting.

What industries commonly use thermal mass flow meters?
Thermal mass flow meters measure gas flow rates in mass (Kg/Hr, Lb/Hr) or standardized volumetric units (MSCFD, SCFM). They can measure virtually any gas flow in a wide variety of applications. Today, almost any facility will have one or more combustion processes such as a boiler, process heater, or flare. Measurement of gases to these processes can be used to improve combustion efficiencies, utilities accounting, and reporting per regulations.
Other applications include hydrogen gas, emissions monitoring, process heating, vent gases, flare gases, digester gases, aeration in wastewater treatment plants, laboratory gas metering, and biogas flows.

What industries commonly use vortex shedding flow meters?
Vortex shedding flow meters can measure gas, liquid, and steam flow accurately. High temperature and high pressure gas flow can be challenging, but vortex shedding flow meters are chosen for applications in facilities, district energy systems, oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and others.
Boiler steam flow, another example of a challenging application, can be found in facilities across industries like human comfort (HVAC/WAGES), petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, power generation, textiles, pulp & paper, and distillation.
Corrosive liquids and gases, like fluid flows from separators found in oil & gas drilling sites, are another challenging application that vortex shedding flow meters can handle well.

>>Click here to learn more about common flow meter applications...

What fluid types do flow meters measure?
Flow meters measure the flow rate that fluids (liquid, gas, or vapor) passes through pipes, ducts, or conduits. Flow meters may monitor the flow by volumetric or mass flow rate. Flow meter manufacturers generally require data about the fluid type, installation requirements, and process conditions to assemble and calibrate the flow meter for optimal performance and accuracy.

What fluid types can thermal mass and vortex shedding flow meters handle?
Thermal mass flow meters and vortex shedding flow meters can be used to measure a wide range of gases, gas mixtures, liquids, and vapors. Some examples include:

Pure Gases Mixed Gases Vapors * Liquids *
Air Helium Biogas Saturated Steam Cooling water
Argon Methane Digester Gas Superheated Steam Corrosive liquid
Butane Natural Gas Flare Gas   Clean water
Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Fuel Gas   Liquid Nitrogen (N2)
Compressed Air Oxygen Sweep Gas   Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
Hydrogen Propane Vent Gas   Cryogenic Fluids
Ethane Ethylene Hydrogen Blends   Chlorine
Propylene   Custom gas mixes   Glycol Mixes
        Thermal Oils
*Vortex Shedding only.

What gases are in "natural gas"?
The primary constituent of natural gas is methane, but there are usually other trace gases in varying amounts.
"Pipeline quality" natural gas is described as natural gas that meets minimum specifications for merchantability and marketability. It has at least 90% by volume of methane and specifies other traits with respect to delivery pressure, delivery temperature, BTU content, and other criteria for traces gases and elements.
The typical North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) average for natural gas chemical composition consists of methane (94.9%), ethane (2.5%), propane (0.2%), nitrogen (1.6%), carbon dioxide (0.7%), and the remaining 0.1% consisting of trace gases such as iso-butane, normal butane, oxygen, iso-pentane, hexanes+, and hydrogen.
When ordering a flow meter, consult with them to determine the gas composition settings they use when calibrating the meter for "natural gas" at the factory. They may use a gas composition that is inconsistent with your process needs and will require you to supply a gas composition analysis to match your process conditions during calibration of the flow meter.

What if my process has a complicated gas composition mix?
If you do not have a pure gas in the pipe, duct, or conduit, the flow meter manufacturer may request a gas composition analysis report. The analysis report along with other information about the installation location and process conditions are used by the flow meter manufacturer to determine the flow meter technology and model type best suited for your needs.

Can flow meters help with reporting emissions to the EPA on a monthly or quarterly basis?
EPA has standards for devices like flow meters specified within the text of the emissions reporting regulations. The accuracy of the flow meter and the recalibration schedule are two factors that are generally called out in EPA emissions regulations.
All Fox Thermal meters meet the accuracy requirements and recalibration recommendations vary by model. The Calibration Validation feature is of particular value in environmental applications such as flare and vents where periodic calibration validation is mandated. The test allows operators to validate the calibration and accuracy of the meter in the field without the need to send the meter back for annual factory calibrations. These tests also allow the operator to print out Calibration Validation certificates for each of the tests if the free software is used to initiate the tests. These tests can be performed as often as needed to comply with local, regional, or national emissions reporting requirements.

What steps do I take to determine the right flow meter for my needs?
  • Step 1: Fluid type - some technologies cannot be used in every fluid type and may provide either a volumetric or mass flow rate.
  • Step 2: Process conditions - the velocity, temperature, pressure, etc of the fluid may limit the technology choices or require robust materials used in construction of the flow meter.
  • Step 3: Location - determine the size of the pipe/duct, the straight pipe run available at the measurement point, and any limits on accessibility.
  • Step 4: Operation - your system may require certain communication protocols or input power options that affect meter choice.
  • Step 5: Special conditions - your facility/process may require certain specifications or approvals.
  • Step 6: Budget - many flow meters may fit the above requirements, but budget constraints may rule out higher priced flow meters.

What are the main flow meter types?
There are many types of flow meters using distinct technologies capable of measuring mass flow, volumetric flow, or both.

Flow Meter Technology Types Mass Flow
and volumetric flow
Volumetric Flow
w/compensation for mass
Thermal Mass  
Vortex Shedding  
Coriolis  
Positive displacement*  
Differential Pressure**  
Electromagnetic  
Ultrasonic***  
Turbine  

*The most common types of Positive Displacement (PD) meters are Piston, Rotary Piston, Screw, Gear, Nutating Disk, and Diaphragm.
**The most common types of Differential Pressure (DP) or variable area meters are Orifice, Pitot Tubes, Venturi-Cone, Venturi Tube, and Flow Nozzles.
***The most common types of Ultrasonic meters use either the Doppler effect or Transit time.

Which fluids can flow meters measure?
Each category has advantages for particular applications or fluid types like gas, steam, water, oil, and corrosives. Within each category, technologies operate using different principles that have advantages in specific applications. Some technologies are more suitable for specific fluid types or process conditions. Manufacturers publish specifications for their flow meters that detail their performance, operation, or physical characteristics to assist you in determining suitability.

Which flow meter technologies work best with the different fluid types?
The table below places flow meter technologies into columns by fluid type based on their general suitability. The capabilities and features of a flow meter model within a particular technology type may vary. Refer to model specifications to verify that the flow meter can function with the specific process conditions at the measurement point.

Gas Steam Water Oil Corrosives
Thermal Mass Vortex Shedding Vortex Shedding Orifice Vortex Shedding
Vortex Shedding Differential Pressure Turbine Turbine  
Turbine   Ultrasonic Vortex Shedding (Hot Oils only)  
Coriolis   Coriolis    
    Positive Displacement    

What are the differences between mass flow and volumetric flow meters?
Volumetric flow alone can be useful in some cases, but a mass flow measurement gives both the volume of the fluid and the density. A mass flow rate gives a more accurate representation of the fluid moving through the system. Volumetric flow meters can be used in conjunction with other instrumentation to measure temperature, density, or pressure to achieve a mass flow measurement. For this reason, a flow meter that offers mass flow measurement has advantages over volumetric as it requires no additional devices or calculations to measure mass flow. Having mass flow measurement in one device rather than multiple devices simplifies procurement and control systems. Additionally, it is not susceptible to temperature or pressure variations and causes virtually no pressure drop.

What typical flow meter styles are available?
Flow meters are generally constructed in insertion, inline, or clamp-on styles. Insertion flow meters have a probe that is inserted in the process stream and will work in the vast majority of applications. Insertion flow meters with hot tapping capabilities are ideal for facilities with limited shutdown schedules. Inline versions have a section of pipe or duct pre-installed with either NPT or flanged ends for connection with the pipe or duct. Some inline versions offer reduced bore styles or flow conditioners when process conditions or installation points require it. Reduced bore flow bodies concentrate low flow conditions for better accuracy. Flow Conditioners correct the flow profile which decreases the upstream and downstream straight pipe required at the installation point. A clamp-on style is mounted externally on the pipe or duct.
Choosing which style is right for your process will depend on many factors including budget, straight pipe run availability, accessibility at the insertion point, flow velocity, etc.

Is there an easy way to determine which Fox Thermal flow meter model is right for a specific process or application?
Yes. Use the "Help Me Choose a Meter" feature under the "Products" tab on the Fox Thermal website. Then, use either the online Product Configurator or the online sizing app to enter the process conditions and specify sizing. The Configurator will assign an AppID to your data submission. This AppID can be sent to Fox Thermal or a Fox Thermal rep for a free quote.

How do I determine the accuracy of a flow meter?
Flow meter manufacturers must publish the specifications for each flow meter that detail not only the accuracy specification, but also the performance, operating, and physical specifications of the flow meter. Accuracy specifications will differ depending on the technology type and among manufacturers. Specification data may also be certified or approved by third-party services that are industry-recognized to test or certify products for better confidence in their function (FM, ATEX, IECEx, etc). Refer to the flow meter's datasheet for details on meter specifications.

Flow meter accuracy specifications can be confusing. How do I interpret accuracy specification jargon like "percent of reading" and "percent of full scale"?
Here's a simple breakdown of common flow meter accuracy terms in plain language:
  • Percent of Reading (or Percent of Rate), %R
    • This means the uncertainty is calculated as a percentage of the current flow rate being measured.
    • Example: If the accuracy is ±1% of reading and the flow is 100 units, the uncertainty could be ±1 unit. If the flow is 10 units, the uncertainty is ±0.1 unit—so the uncertainty scales with the flow.
  • Percent of Full Scale (or Full Span), %FS
    • This means the uncertainty is based on the maximum value the meter can measure, regardless of the current flow rate.
    • Example: If the full scale is 100 units and accuracy is ±1% of full scale, the uncertainty is always ±1 unit—even if the flow is only 10 units.
  • Repeatability
    • This tells you how consistently the meter gives the same reading under the same conditions.
    • Example: If you run the same flow through the meter multiple times, repeatability shows how close those readings are to each other.
  • Drift
    • Drift refers to how much the meter's accuracy changes over time, often due to aging, process condition changes, or sensor wear.
    • Example: A meter might be accurate when new, but after a year, it could start reading slightly higher or lower than it should.
What are the accuracy specifications for Fox Thermal flow meters?
Fox Thermal's vortex shedding and thermal mass flow meters provide accurate, repeatable mass flow measurement. Meters are calibrated to NIST-traceable flow standards to ensure performance and accuracy. The Fox Thermal Calibration Lab equipment is subject to a meticulous metrology program that includes the selection, control, and maintenance of measurement standards in the laboratory.

Fox Thermal Product Accuracy Quick Specs (see product datasheets for detailed specifications):
Model VF3 (Vortex Shedding):
  LIQUIDS GAS AND STEAM
Mass Flow Rate Accuracy: ±1.5% of rate over a 30:1 range ±2.0% of rate over a 30:1 range
Volumetric Flow Rate Accuracy: ±1.2% of rate over a 30:1 range ±1.5% of rate over a 30:1 range
Repeatability: Mass flow rate: ±0.2% of reading
Volumetric flow rate: ±0.1% of reading
Temperature: ±0.2°F (±0.1°C)
Pressure: ±0.05% of full scale
Density: ±0.1% of reading
Flow Response Time: Adjustable from 1 to 100 seconds
Temperature Accuracy: ±2°F (±1°C)
>>Click to view VF3 Datasheet
Model VF4 (Vortex Shedding):
  LIQUIDS GAS AND STEAM
Mass Flow Rate Accuracy: ±1% of rate over a 30:1 range ±1.5% of rate over a 30:1 range
Volumetric Flow Rate Accuracy: ±0.7% of rate over a 30:1 range ±1% of rate over a 30:1 range
Repeatability: Mass flow rate: ±0.2% of reading
Volumetric flow rate: ±0.1% of reading
Temperature: ±0.2°F (±0.1°C)
Pressure: ±0.05% of full scale
Density: ±0.1% of reading
Flow Response Time: Adjustable from 1 to 100 seconds
Temperature Accuracy: ±2°F (±1°C)
>>Click to view VF4 Datasheet
Models FT1 / FT4A / FT4X (Thermal Mass):
Flow Accuracy: Air: ±1% R ±0.5% FS Other gases: ±1.5% R ±0.5% FS
Flow Repeatability: ±0.2% of full scale
Flow Response Time: 0.8 seconds (one time constant)
Temperature Accuracy: ±1°F (±0.6°C) Minimum velocity 15 SFPM
>>Click to view FT1 Datasheet
>>Click to view FT4A Datasheet
>>Click to view FT4X Datasheet
Models FT2A / FT3 (Thermal Mass):
Flow Accuracy: ±1% R ±0.2% FS
Flow Repeatability: ±0.2% FS
Flow Response Time: 0.9 seconds (one time constant)
Temperature Accuracy: ±1.8°F (±1.0°C) over the range -40 to 250°F (-40 to 121°C);
±3.6°F (±2.0°C) over the range 250 to 650°F (121 to 343°C);
Minimum velocity 15 SFPM
>>Click to view FT2A Datasheet
>>Click to view FT3 Datasheet
What safety concerns affect flow meter selection?
Certification and testing standards are used to classify hazardous environments. These classifications allow quick determination of product suitability across industries. To achieve approvals of flow meters, manufacturers must design their products to meet these standards and submit their products for testing by third-party agencies or organizations. Consequently, the manufacturer must also procure component parts, assemble them using consistent processes, and maintain documentation that meet these standards. Knowing the approvals required in the process location can help reduce the search time for procurement.

How do hazardous or explosive environments influence flow meter design and certification?
Flow meters intended for hazardous locations must comply with certifications such as ATEX, IECEx, and FM/CSA. These certifications ensure that the meter's enclosure, wiring, and flame paths meet stringent safety standards.

What are the safety implications of flow meter failure in critical systems?
Failure in critical systems, especially involving flammable or toxic gases, can lead to leaks, inaccurate readings, or system shutdowns. Manuals emphasize proper installation, regular calibration, and adherence to safety protocols like electrical isolation to prevent injury or environmental harm.

How do industry regulations (e.g., ATEX, IECEx) affect flow meter selection for safety compliance?
Regulations like ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and IECEx standards dictate the design, testing, and documentation required for meters used in explosive atmospheres. Compliance ensures safe operation and legal conformity, and manufacturers must maintain quality assurance notifications (QANs) and certificates of conformity for each product line.

What safety approvals do Fox Thermal products carry?
The VF3 and VF4 flow meters are FM & FMc, ATEX, IECEx for Class I, Division 1/Zone 1 areas and CE approved.

The FT1, FT4A, and FT4X flow meters are FM & FMc, ATEX, IECEx for Class I, Division 1/Zone 1 areas and CE approved.

The FT2A flow meter is FM & FMc approved for Class I, II, III, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G, T4A hazardous locations.

The FT3 flow meter is FM & FMc, ATEX, IECEx for Class I, Division 1/Zone 1 areas and CE approved.

See the specific product datasheet for detailed agency approval information:
>>Click to view VF3 Datasheet
>>Click to view VF4 Datasheet
>>Click to view FT1 Datasheet
>>Click to view FT2A Datasheet
>>Click to view FT3 Datasheet
>>Click to view FT4A Datasheet
>>Click to view FT4X Datasheet

What are common materials used in flow meter construction?
Materials used in flow meter construction vary according to the environments that they are constructed to withstand. If the environment has extreme temperatures, extreme pressures, exposure to weather elements, high concentration of dust or flammables, debris, or corrosive fluids, these may impact the need for special materials. Stainless steel is often used for its strength and durability making it ideal for harsh environments. More extreme environments may require ever more robust materials such as Hastelloy or Inconel.

Materials used for construction of flow meter components exposed to the ambient environment are generally different from those exposed to the fluid in the pipe, duct, or conduit. Flow meter electronics enclosures are exposed to the ambient environment whereas the probes and/or flow bodies are exposed to the fluid environment.

Consult flow meter manufacturer specifications for details on flow meter materials and construction.

How does the choice of material affect the accuracy and longevity of a flow meter?
Material selection may impact flow meter performance by influencing factors like heat transfer efficiency and structural stability. High-quality materials reduce sensor drift, improve response time, and extend operational life by minimizing thermal expansion mismatches or mechanical degradation.

What are the corrosion-resistant materials used in flow meters for harsh environments?
Stainless steel is the standard, but exotic alloys like Hastelloy and Inconel are often used in corrosive or high-temperature environments. These materials are chosen for their chemical resistance and mechanical integrity under extreme conditions.

How do different materials impact the cost and maintenance of flow meters?
More durable and chemically resistant materials increase upfront cost but reduce long-term maintenance by minimizing fouling, corrosion, and recalibration needs. For instance, meters with more robust materials require less frequent cleaning and recalibration.

Are there industry-specific standards for materials used in flow meter construction?
Yes. Standards such as CE Marking (European Conformity), ANSI Standards, and API RP 551 specify acceptable or recommended materials, design, and construction practices for process measurement instrumentation in oil & gas, chemical, and hazardous environments. These standards or recommendations help to ensure good engineering practice, safety, consistent, and compliant commissioning.

What role does material compatability play in selecting a flow meter for chemical applications?
Material compatibility is critical to prevent chemical reactions that could degrade the sensor or contaminate the process. Flow meter manufacturers often require detailed process media information to recommend materials that ensure both measurement integrity and equipment longevity.

What are the flow range limitations for flow meters?
Flow meter technologies and manufacturers offer a flow meter for almost any flow rate or velocity. Manufacturers of flow meters test their flow meters for limitations on the low and high end of range and publish their specifications accordingly. They often back up those specifications with approvals from certification agencies or standards.

Most processes have expected flows that will fall in a given range, so choosing the right flow meter for that range is necessary. Some technogies have high accuracy on the low end of flow, others on the high end. Some technologies offer accuracy across a broad range. This information will be included in the specifications as the "rangeability" or the "turndown ratio" along with data about expected flow range capabilities in different pipe sizes, flow units, or other varied process conditions.

What are common turndown ratios for flow meter technologies?
Although turndown ratios will differ from manufacturers of the same technologies, there are average turndown ratios for common flow meter technologies. The table below is a general representation of turndown ratios for common technologies:

Technology Fluid Types Turndown Ratio
Thermal Mass Gas 100:1
Vortex Shedding Gas, Liquid, Steam 30:1
Orifice Gas, Liquid, Steam 4:1
Ultrasonic Gas, Liquid 50:1
What is the turndown ratio for Fox Thermal flow meters?
Thermal mass flow meters from Fox Thermal have a typical 100:1 turndown ratio (up to 1000:1).
Vortex shedding flow meter from Fox Thermal have a typical turndown ratio of 30:1.

What is the min/max velocity range for Fox Thermal flow meters?
Gas Liquids
Models Min Max Min Max
FT4A, FT4X, FT2A, FT3 15 SFPM 60,000 SFPM n/a n/a
FT1 15 SFPM 25,000 SFPM n/a n/a
VF3, VF4 See note* 300 ft/s 1 ft/s 30 ft/s
*Dependent on gas density:

Try out the Fox Thermal Velocity Calculator here: >>Velocity Calculator

Can flow meters handle pulsations?
Yes. Thermal mass flow meters have a 0.8 to 0.9 second response time that allow fast reaction to fluctuations in the gas stream. Vortex shedding flow meters have adjustable response time settings (1 to 100 seconds) to allow users to tailor reaction time for expected fluctuations in the fluid stream.
What size pipes can a thermal mass flow meter from Fox Thermal be installed in?
One quarter inch (6.5mm) is the smallest Fox Thermal inline meter and can measure as low as 0.035 SCFM (0.055 NM3/H). Longer length probes up to 36" are available for measuring exhaust gases in large ducts.

What size pipes can a vortex shedding flow meter from Fox Thermal be installed in?
The VF3 insertion can be installed in pipe sizes greater than 2" SCH40. The VF4 inline can be installed in line sizes of 0.5" to 12".

When is a flow meter with a remote electronics enclosure needed?
A remote unit separates the sensor from the meter electronics. One advantage is that the electronics enclosure can be mounted such that the display is easy to read and the configuration buttons are easy to operate. Additionally, the probe junction box can be mounted in an area safer and cooler than the point of measurement. Remote options are available for Models FT2A, FT3, FT4X, VF3, and VF4.

Are flow meters portable?
There are some flow meters that are designed to be portable - mainly used to test at multiple locations during a flow survey. Most industrial flow meters are designed to be installed at one measurement point and remain there, but some technologies can be repurposed for new measurement points when needed.

How can you get data from a flow meter?
Most flow meter products include a display on the electronics enclosure for a quick check of flow rate. If there are accessibility issues at the flow measurement point, remote enclosure options can allow the enclosure to be placed in a more convenient viewing position.

Another option is to transmit flow meter data remotely through communication outputs like 4-20mA, Modbus, BACnet, HART, etc. These can be helpful when flow measurement data must be transmitted to a PLC, DCS, or SCADA.

Can a Fox Thermal flow meter be connected to a PLC, DCS, or SCADA?
Yes. Flow meters from Fox Thermal offer options for 4-20mA analog, pulse output, USB ports, and communication protocols to accomodate customers' data transmission requirements. The table below summarizes communication protocol options for the flow meters offered in the Fox Thermal product line.

  FT1 FT2A FT3 FT4A FT4X VF3 VF4
Modbus RTU (RS485)
Modbus TCP/IP
BACnet MS/TP (RS485)
BACnet/IP
HART
Profibus-DP
DeviceNet
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Are Fox Thermal flow meters 2-wire or 4-wire devices?
The thermal mass flow meters are 4-wire.
The vortex shedding flow meters can be configured as either a 2-wire or 4-wire.

What signs indicate that a flow meter needs cleaning, servicing, or recalibration?
Common indicators include:
  • Zero flow output when flow is present.
  • Signal drift or inconsistent/unexpected readings.
  • Sensor fouling from particulate buildup.
  • Error messages or diagnostic flags from onboard alarms or connected software.
  • Process fluid leaks at measurement point or enclosure.
These signs suggest the need for servicing, recalibration, cleaning, or component replacement. There may be specific signs that are particular to the technology type or the process conditions outlined in the flow meter manual.

What are the typical maintenance intervals for different types of flow meters?
Maintenance intervals for flow meters depend on the technology used and the operating environment. In general, flow meters should be inspected and recalibrated every 1 to 2 years to ensure accuracy and reliability. However, meters exposed to harsh conditions—such as abrasive particles, corrosive gases, or extreme temperatures—may require more frequent checks to prevent buildup, sensor drift, or mechanical wear. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations in the flow meter manual for specific details.

How is a flow meter maintained?
The most common maintenance required for flow meters is recalibration or recertification. Flow meters may fall out of calibration - an occurance labeled as "sensor drift" or "accuracy drift". Recalibration requirements vary between flow meter types. The recalibration recommendations will be published by the manufacturer in the product documentation or on their website. Vortex shedding meters typically do not require recalibration, but some users may require periodic recertification of their vortex products.

Another maintenance requirement may be sensor cleaning if there is debris present or a corrosive fluid stream. Cleaning will be dependent upon process and technology types. Any specific maintence requirements will be listed in the maintenance section of the flow meter's manual so that operators can update their equipment maintenance schedules.

How do you remove a flow meter for cleaning and service?
The process for removing a flow meter from the process will depend largely on the installation and technology type. For installations requiring frequent or routine service, a retractor or piping bypass with isolation valves can reduce downtime. Refer to the manufacturer's manual instructions for details on servicing.

What are common flow meter recalibration guidelines?
Recalibration guidelines differ among technology types and manufacturers. Some flow meters must be returned to the factory for recalibration at the manufacturer's recommended time to avoid accuracy drift. This is typically 1-2 years after commissioning. Flow meters are designed, configured, and calibrated for specific fluid types, installation points, and process conditions. If any details of these three elements change (fluid, location, or conditions), it is recommended that you refer to the flow meter manual or call the manufacturer to determine if a recalibration is required. In addition, flow meters are usually accompanied by a calibration certificate provided from the calibration laboratory at the factory that may provide details on recalibration.

What information is included on a calibration certificate?
Calibration certificates provide information about the flow meter (serial number, order number, etc), date of calibration, flow data during the calibration of the flow meter, technician information, standards used for calibration, and other pertinent data.

Do I need to send my flow meter back to the factory to recalibrate if the process fluid changes?
Process condition changes - like a fluid type or gas composition change - may require the the flow meter to be removed from the process and returned to the manufacturer for a factory recalibration. Refer to the flow meter's calibration certificate and manual or call the manufacturer for confirmation on the right course of action.

Some manufacturers offer advanced features to avoid recalibrations. For instance, if there is a change in gas composition, the gas constituent settings in the meter's electronics can be adjusted and the flow meter will monitor flow of the new gas composition.

How do I know if I need a recalibration of my flow meter?
Manufacturers give recommendations for the time intervals for recalibration. This is usually between 1 to 2 years after commissioning. Best practices recommend having a maintenance schedule for all equipment, devices, and instrumentation in the facility. This helps maintenance personnel track when recalibrations of flow meters are required. Recalibrations may be required earlier if accuracy drift is suspected.

How do I avoid downtime caused by flow meter recalibrations?
A common practice is to buy a spare flow meter to be used while the primary is being serviced. Some flow meter manufacturers offer special features to extend the recalibration intervals. One example is calibration validation to ensure that the flow meter is still performing as specified at commissioning. Adding calibration validation tests to the maintenance schedule can monitor performance of the instrumentation and avoid a shut down of the process.

What is calibration validation?
Calibration validation is a helpful feature that some flow meter manufacturers offer to check that the flow meter's factory calibration is still valid and the flow meter is measuring accurately. Calibration validation methods may vary from device type or manufacturers. Some methods require auxiliary equipment or tools and some do not.

CAL-V™ calibration validation is a feature available on Fox Thermal models FT1, FT4A, and FT4X. It does not require auxilliary equipment or tools and can be performed using the front panel of the meter or by using software connected to the meter (see below). The CAL-V™ test takes a few minutes to run and provides a PASS/WARNING/FAIL result that denotes if the flow meter retains its original NIST-traceable calibration.

What is Gas-SelectX® and how does it help me avoid recalibrations?
Fox Thermal's thermal mass flow meter models FT1, FT4A, and FT4X offer a way to adjust flow meter settings when the gas composition changes. The Gas-SelectX® gas selection feature* allows the user to choose from a list of gases or create a custom gas mix without sending the meter back to the factory for recalibration. Any combination of gases in the gas menus can be mixed in 0.000001% increments to create a custom gas mix. This feature can be accessed through the front panel of the meter, by using the free FT View™ software tool, or through ModbusView software integration (Modbus-enabled models only).
After a Gas-SelectX® composition change, perform a CAL-V™ calibration validation test to ensure the validate the calibration of the FT1, FT4A, or FT4X flow meter.

Gas-SelectX® Gas Menu Table
Pure Gas Menu Mixed Gas Menu ** Oil & Gas Menu ***
Air Air Methane (C1)
Argon Argon Ethane (C2)
Butane Butane Propane (C3)
Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide Iso Butane (C4)
Ethane Ethane Normal Butane (C4)
Helium Helium Pentanes (C5)
Hydrogen Hydrogen Hexanes (C6)
Methane Methane Heptanes (C7)
Natural Gas Nitrogen Octanes (C8)
Nitrogen Oxygen Nonanes+ (C9+)
Oxygen Propane Carbon Dioxide
Propane Ethylene Nitrogen
Ethylene Propylene Ethylene
Propylene Iso Butane Propylene
  Pentanes  
  Hexanes  
  Heptanes  
  Octanes  
  Nonanes+  

*Gas-SelectX® is only available on Fox Thermal models FT1, FT4A, and FT4X.
**FT1 model: mix up to 5 gases; Gas compostion must total 100%.
***Only available on models FT4A and FT4X.

How often is calibration required on a Fox Thermal flow meter?
For the VF3 and VF4 vortex shedding flow meters, calibration is valid for the life of the flow meter.

Fox Thermal recommends factory service and/or recalibration of thermal meters every 2 years. However, the original factory calibration (or most recent factory recalibration) may maintain validity for longer than 2 years in the field. Calibration validation with CAL-V™ can be used to determine if recalibration of an FT1, FT3, FT4A, or FT4X is needed.

Note: In the case of flow monitoring for EPA regulation requirements, the EPA states that calibration for thermal mass flow meters must be performed per manufacturer specifications.

What makes the thermal mass flow meters from Fox Thermal different from competitors?
The Fox DDC-Sensor™, available on Models FT1, FT4A, and FT4X, is a Direct Digitally Controlled sensor that interfaces directly with the microprocessor to allow more control, precision, and programmability. It also provides a technology platform for calculating accurate gas correlations. Fox Thermal pioneered this sensor technology that is making waves in the flow meter industry.

The Gas-SelectX® gas selection menu available on Model FT1, with an expanded selection available on the FT4A and FT4X, uses a correlation algorithm from one calibration to allow the meter to measure multiple pure gases and gas mixtures.

Models FT1, FT3, FT4A, and FT4X offer an in-situ Calibration Validation feature. This feature allows the operator to confirm that the meter is running accurately in the field, without the need to send the meter back for annual factory calibrations. Calibration Validation Certificates can be printed if the free FT View software is used to initiate the tests. This feature is of particular value in environmental monitoring applications where periodic calibration verification is mandated.

The Model FT4X offers an advanced data logger for use in oil & gas applications. It includes 40 daily totals (24-hour totals), settable Contract Time to define the Contract Day, time/date stamped alarm/event logs, a 7-year history, and a power off totalizer.

What makes the vortex shedding flow meters from Fox Thermal different from most competitors?
The VF3 is one of the only insertion style vortex shedding flow meters on the market today. It adds considerable value over inline versions for the ability to provide a hot tap option to avoid process shutdowns.

With integral temperature and pressure compensation, the VF3 & VF4 simplify installation into one device, reducing installation and maintenance cost. The VF3 & VF4 are well suited to a variety of applications with both standard configurations and custom builds.

IP communications and Power over Ethernet (PoE) electronics offer a unique advanced communications protocol for vortex shedding flow meters.

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