Introduction

Practical flowmeter systems require careful consideration not only of the flowmeter technology itself but also of its application to the process at hand. Process requirements dictate the amount of effort required for a successful application. A few of the criteria that must be considered are:

• Installation complexity and cost
• Maintenance
• Accuracy
• Linearity
• Repeatability
• Dependence on fluid properties
• Operating costs
• Hydraulic characteristics of the flowmeter and of the fluid
• Reliability
• Safety

As the physical realities involved with all of these criteria must be dealt with in flowmeter design, installation, and operation, the development of a perfect flowmeter is a virtual impossibility. Flowmeter performance is one of the key criteria in flowmeter selection that should be examined in detail.