Page 63 - FoodFocusThailand No.211 OCTOBER 2023

SOURCE OF ENGINEER
SOURCE OF ENGINEER

Flow plays a significant role
in production control of liquor,
vegetable oil, or other foods
and beverages in food and

beverage factories. Flow
equipment operators must
possess fundamental knowledge
of basic operations, technologies,
advantages, and disadvantages
of each device. Flow meters must
be reasonably chosen to match

specific operational purposes to
warrant optimal effectiveness
and accurate measurement
output.

Selection of Flow Meters

and Valves in Food and

Beverage Industry

Factors Influencing Flow Meter Selection pipes, conventional flow measurement methods cannot be
Flow meters and patterns come in many forms, such as used. An alternative metering solution must, therefore, be
ultrasonic, coriolis, turbine, vortex, electromagnetic, and employed instead. For example, the liquid may be transported
differential pressure meters and patterns. There is also a into a bucket, and the depth of the fluid is measured with a
wide variety of flow metering tools, such as cone meter, level gauge, or the volume of the fluid may be measured
venturi meter, and orifice plate. instead.
Those responsible for the selection of flow meters should Establishing clear and definitive measurement accuracy
start with the primary questions concerning operational values is also a vital factor. It is especially important if the raw
problems that need to be addressed. Does the process materials involved have high per-unit prices and are needed
require a flow meter? Why are flow meters needed in this in large quantity. This also applies to the cases where safety
operation? If a flow meter is required, can it be installed regulations or laws are involved, such as the maximum limit
immediately in the current location? If the liquid is viscous of certain fluid legally permitted in a specific food. The
or slurry in nature and must be transported through large measurement of such fluids must be performed with higher

OCT 2023 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 63

21/9/2566 BE 13:54
60-65_Source of Engineer_�.����.indd 63
60-65_Source of Engineer_�.����.indd 63 21/9/2566 BE 13:54