Oil Flow Meter: A Necessary Tool to Measure Positive Displacement

February 28, 2023
oil flow meter on a pump designed for positive displacement

Oil flow meters are an essential tool in the oil and gas industry. But, not everyone knows what positive displacement is or why it matters. In this article, we’ll dive into what positive displacement is and why having an oil flow meter to measure positive displacement is a must-have for measuring fluid flow in the oil and gas industry.

What is Positive Displacement?

Positive displacement is a flow measurement principle that is used to measure the flow of fluids, such as oil and gas, in pipelines and other fluid handling systems. It is a type of flow measurement that is based on the idea of trapping a fixed volume of fluid and then forcing it to move through a chamber within the flow meter.

With positive displacement flow meters, the fluid is trapped by a mechanical component, such as a rotor, cam, gear, or diaphragm. The trapped fluid is forced to move through the chamber and out of the flow meter. The flow meter then measures the volume of fluid that has moved through the chamber, which is used to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.

Unlike other types of flow meters, such as turbine flow meters or vortex flow meters– which measure the velocity of fluid flow– positive displacement flow meters measure the actual volume of fluid that is flowing through the system. This makes them ideal for measuring viscous liquids, such as oil and gas, where accuracy is crucial.

Benefits of an Oil Flow Meter

Having a reliable and accurate tool is crucial when it comes to measuring fluid flow in the oil and gas industry. That’s where an oil flow meter comes in. Here are some of the benefits of having an oil flow meter:

Improved Efficiency

An oil flow meter provides real-time data on fluid flow. This allows you to make informed decisions that can improve overall efficiency. This can help you save time and resources by avoiding downtime and making sure fluid flow is optimized.

Enhanced Safety

An oil flow meter can help prevent accidents and spills by monitoring fluid flow and detecting any potential issues. With accurate flow measurement, you can quickly respond to any anomalies and avoid any potential safety hazards.

Better Inventory Management

With accurate fluid flow measurement, you can keep track of the amount of oil and gas in your inventory. This allows you to make more informed decisions about ordering and using these resources, reducing waste and maximizing their value.

Increased Accuracy

Oil flow meters provide accurate data on fluid flow, which is essential in the oil and gas industry. This accuracy ensures that you have the right information at your fingertips to make informed decisions.

Increased Profitability

By having accurate information about fluid flow, you can improve your operations and increase profitability. You can optimize fluid flow and reduce waste, leading to a more efficient and profitable operation.

Midwest Instrument: Flow Meters

For over 60 years, Mid-West Instrument has been a leading manufacturer of differential pressure instruments for use in pressure, level, and flow applications. Contact Midwest Instrument today for a free quote and to learn how Midwest can help with your ongoing/upcoming projects.