Issue with the instrument installation location
Thread Content
Are there any requirements regarding the location of flow meters on the pipeline, in front of or behind the control valve? Why are all the flow meters I’ve seen installed in front of the control valve?
Flow meters have relatively strict requirements regarding the flow state of the medium. If a control valve is installed in front of the flow meter, it will affect the flow state of the medium entering the flow meter, thereby impacting its measurement accuracy. Of course, if the distance is long enough, it can be ignored.
Generally, the flow meter should be installed in front of the control valve; if it is installed downstream of the control valve, a sufficient straight pipe section is required.
In addition to the requirement for accurate measurement (straight pipe sections), some control valves need to be installed as close as possible to the downstream side, such as in cases where flashing or crystallization occurs, etc