Can an electromagnetic flow meter be used for steam condensate?

I’m not sure which type of flow meter to choose, as due to the issue of steam condensate decompressing and vaporizing, the flow readings indicated on our current meters fluctuate too much!

It’s best not to use it; steam condensate has poor electrical conductivity, so electromagnetic methods are not suitable. Orifice plates, vortex street sensors, and turbines can all be used

Electromagnetism shouldn’t work, because its conductivity is too low.

Yes, that’s right; there are no good flow meter options for this medium. If the temperature can drop before the condensate reaches the flow meter, the water vapor contained in it will also condense into water, which will result in better measurement results.

This post was last edited by qugd on 2016-12-22 at 22:45. If the temperature of the steam condensate is not very high (below 150 degrees), an electromagnetic flowmeter can be used for measurement; however, an electrodeless capacitive electromagnetic flowmeter should be chosen. The CA series of electromagnetic flowmeters from Yokogawa Motor is a suitable option, with a minimum allowable conductivity of 0.05 uS/cm. These flowmeters offer high precision, and their diameter range is from DN15 to DN200. Those friends who say it’s not possible don’t have a comprehensive understanding of electromagnetic flowmeters. This type of electrodeless capacitive electromagnetic flowmeter has been in use for 30 years.

Some manufacturers, such as Shanghai Yokogawa, say that very low conductivity levels can be tolerated, but this has not been put into practice in reality; the conductivity of condensate water is generally around 10 uS/cm. It is recommended not to use it. Of course, if trying it works well, you can share the experience with other users!

The conductivity is too low; it’s better to use another measurement method

At this conductivity level, a regular electromagnetic flowmeter is fully sufficient; there’s no need to mislead people. Those that don’t perform well usually have a conductivity that isn’t stable at a high level, but rather fluctuates. It is said that capacitive electromagnetic flowmeters can measure even lower conductivities upstairs; in fact, although it is possible to measure very low conductivities, the measurements are not as accurate or stable as those taken for higher conductivities. Moreover, Yokogawa CA units are all imported in their original condition, and they are expensive; so it’s necessary to consider whether it’s really worth choosing them. If you have money, you can try anything until you find the best one!

Previously, the condensate flow was measured on-site using vortex flow meters; this type of electrodeless capacitive electromagnetic flow meter has not been used yet. Those who have used it can share their experiences regarding its performance Let’s all learn together*

If I had to choose, 99% would not use electromagnets.

It depends on what the temperature of your steam condensate is and whether there is steam present; if there is steam, it cannot be used. Another point is that steam condensate is deionized water with low conductivity; using an electromagnetic flowmeter in this case will result in inaccurate readings, so it is best to avoid using such a flowmeter.

Because it may be due to vapor-liquid entrainment, vortex flowmeters are not suitable.

Isn’t a rotameter better?

There are a few points to note: 1. Generally speaking, the conductivity of condensate water falls within the testing range of electromagnetic flowmeters; it is advisable to conduct tests to confirm this； 2. Temperature resistance of the flow meter ； 3. The secondary steam issue. Electromagnetic flowmeters cannot measure secondary steam ； 4. The presence of secondary steam can easily cause water hammer ； 5. Pay attention to the issue of full or partial pipe filling (although some manufacturers offer flow meters for partial pipe filling, their accuracy is often low). Suggestion: First, utilize heat exchange to harness the thermal energy in the condensate while simultaneously reducing its temperature ； Install the flow meter at the lowest point of the designated pipe section to ensure the pipe is filled ； Ultrasonic flowmeters can be considered. ------Fredo Steam Energy Saving

Electromagnetic flowmeters are hardly used for steam condensate due to its poor conductivity; rotor or vortex flowmeters are generally employed instead

Haven’t used it; hear from those who have and share their experience.