Turbine Flow meter

Electronic Turbine Flow Meter for Gas and Liquid Applications

Turbine flow meters are one of the most widely used and reliable instruments for volumetric flow measurement. With their simple design, high accuracy, and affordable price, turbine flow meters have become essential in industries such as oil and gas, water and wastewater, chemical, food and beverage, and power generation. Depending on the medium, turbine meters are divided into gas turbine flow meters and liquid turbine flow meters, both available in a wide range of sizes, connections, and digital output options. For a more detailed introduction, visit What is Turbine Flow Meter?

Electronic Gas Turbine Flow Meter

An electronic turbine flow meter for gas (also known as TUF or gas turbine meter) is engineered for precision gas metering. These rugged instruments comply with international standards and are tested before shipment to ensure top performance.

• Accuracy:1.0–1.5% of reading,Discover how to achieve even better accuracy here

• Pressure ratings:Standard PN16, optional 300 PSI, 300LB, or 600LB high-pressure designs

• Power supply:Battery-powered or 24 VDC loop power

• Outputs:4–20mA, pulse, RS485 MODBUS RTU , or HART communication

• Display:LCD showing instant gas flow rate and totalized volume

Optional EVC (Electronic Volume Correction)integrates temperature (RTD) and pressure sensors for compensated, corrected gas measurement.

Typical Gas Applications

Gas turbine meters are suitable for:

• Natural gas, biogas, methane, compressed natural gas (CNG),LPG gas

• Industrial gases: Air, nitrogen (N₂), oxygen (O₂), helium (He), carbon dioxide (CO₂), ethylene (C₂H₄)

• Hydrocarbon gases: propane, butane

• Compressed air and process gases

Common Gas Flow Meter Sizes and Ranges

• 1” gas flow transmitter: 42–420 LPM

• 2” (DN50): 10–100 m³/h

• 3” (DN80): 5.5–111 L/s

• 4” (DN100): 20–400 m³/h

• 6” (DN150): 50–1000 m³/h

• 8” (DN200): 80–1600 m³/h

• 10” (DN250): 200–4000 m³/h

• 12” (DN300): 188–3825 CFM

Electronic Liquid Turbine Flow Meter

A liquid turbine flow meteruses the kinetic energy of the fluid to rotate a rotor inside the meter body. The rotor speed is directly proportional to the flow velocity, allowing for accurate volumetric flow measurement.

• Accuracy:0.5–1.0%

• Flow sensor Temperature limit:Up to 150 °C high temperature

• Flow sensor materials:Stainless steel 304 or 316

• Connections:Thread (NPT/BSP), wafer, flange (ANSI, JIS, DIN), or tri-clamp sanitary type turbine flow sensor

• Power supply:3.6V lithium battery, 24 VDC, or 220V AC

• Turbine flow transmitter outputs:Pulse (PNP/NPN), frequency, 4–20mA, HART, MODBUS RTU

Liquid Applications

Liquid turbine meters are widely used in clean, non-corrosive liquids such as:

• Water:Tap water, RO water, soft water, distilled water, demineralized water, condensate

• Fuels and oils:Diesel, biodiesel, fuel oil, petrol, kerosene, jet fuel, vegetable oil, palm olein, edible oils, coconut oil

• Chemicals:Acetic acid, ethyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, xylene, butyl acetate

• Food & beverage:Milk, alcohol, edible oils,wort, vegetable oil Flow meter

Available Sizes

From micro turbine flow meters(1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”) for low flow measurement, to industrial sizes (3/4”, 1”, DN50, DN80, DN100, DN150, DN200, DN300).

For more common questions and detailed technical answers about liquid turbine flow meters, please check our FAQ for SLW Series Liquid Turbine Flow Meter.

How a Turbine Flow Meter Works

The working principle of a turbine flow meter is simple yet effective:

1. The medium enters the flow body and drives therotor blades.

2. The rotation speed is proportional to the fluid velocity and volumetric flow rate.

3. As each blade passes through the magnetic pickup, it generates a voltage pulse.

4. The electronic transmitter converts these pulses into flow rate and total volume.

To ensure smooth operation,low-pressure-drop designs and precision bearings are used. Proper installation avoids turbulence and ensures long service life.

Advantages of Turbine Flow Meters

✔ High accuracy (0.5–1.5%)
✔ Cost-effective compared to other flow technologies
✔ Compact and rugged design
✔ Fast response time
✔ Wide range of output options (frequency, analog, digital, MODBUS, HART)
✔ Suitable for both conductive and non-conductive liquids
✔ Available in sanitary, threaded, flanged, and wafer connections
For more details on their benefits and proper usage, see our Advantages and Usage of Turbine Flow Meter

Limitations and Risks

• Accuracy decreases at very low flow rates .Silver Automation Instruments delivers tailored solutions for micro and low flow applications — see details here: Low Flow Flow Meter.

• Bearing wear over time, especially with non-lubricating fluids. If you are looking for a no moving parts flow meter, please contact us
  and we will help you choose the right solution.

• Not suitable for dirty or slurry-type fluids,but we offer dedicated slurry flow solutions: Slurry Flow Meter.

• Cannot handle two-phase flow (gas-liquid mixture)

• Limited temperature ranges compared to advanced technologies.but for high-temperature applications we offer solutions: High Temperature Flow Meter

Industries Using Turbine Flow Meters

• Oil & Gas:Custody transfer of natural gas, petroleum, fuels, diesel, jet fuel

• Water & Wastewater:Monitoring clean water, RO water, demineralized water

• Chemical:Measuring solvents, alcohols, acids, and process fluids

• Food & Beverage:Milk, edible oils, alcohol, palm oil, fish oil, and sanitary liquids

• Power Generation & Aerospace:Cooling water,chilled water, fuel supply, test benches

Turbine Flow Meter Price

The cost of a turbine flow meter depends on:

• Medium type:Gas turbine vs. liquid turbine meter

• Size:From micro flow sensors to DN300 industrial meters

• Electronics:Local display, digital output, MODBUS/HART options

• Pressure & temperature rating:Standard vs. high pressure/high temperature versions

• Material:SS304, SS316, or special alloys

Silver Automation Instrumentsprovides affordable alternatives to premium brands (e.g., Cameron Nuflo, Blancett, Daniel, Omega, Badger, Emerson, K24) while maintaining reliable performance.
For a deeper look at the key factors that affect turbine flow meter pricing, visit our detailed guide.

Turbine Flow Meter Installation Guidelines

Proper installation is critical to ensuring the accuracy and longevity of turbine flow meters. For liquid applications, meters should be installed in a straight pipe section with minimal flow disturbance, avoiding pumps, valves, or elbows too close to the meter. For gas turbine flow meters, careful attention should be given to pressure, temperature, and cleanliness of the pipeline to prevent measurement errors and premature wear. Following best practices helps maximize performance and reduce maintenance needs. Learn more in our Liquid Turbine Flow Meter Installation Guide and Gas Turbine Flow Meter Installation Tips.

Conclusion

The turbine flow meter remains one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for gas and liquid flow measurement. With its high accuracy, fast response, and versatility, it continues to be a preferred choice inoil & gas, chemical, water, and food industries worldwide.

When selecting a turbine flow meter, always specify thefluid type, flow range, operating pressure, and temperatureto ensure the best performance and long-term reliability.