Density meters are vital measurement instruments used in almost every industrial process. No matter what industrial sector one considers, if material is flowing through a pipeline, it most likely must be measured in some way. Understanding the media in the pipeline is the foundation of process control.
The Different Types of Density Meters
The variability of media type, flow rate, pipe sizes and other factors warrant the existence of several different types of density meter. Below you can find a guideline for the methodology of each. Some of these instruments have been around for decades, whereas some are new and disruptive technologies. Each instrument tends to have it’s “sweet spot” for specific applications depending on the process, environment and budget. This guideline will help to insure that your process is using the most efficient instrumentation available.
The nuclear density meter (or nuclear density gauge) is an energy based instrument known for its flexibility within processing applications. It can endure up to 50 percent solid slurry. Nuclear density meters are not appropriate, however, for processes involving edible materials, mobile processes or high precision applications. It’s most limiting factor is that, like anything else with a nuclear core, it is unstable and constantly emitting radiation. Nuclear density meters have a relatively long life time. However, when the nuclear source means emissions are too weak to provide function it requires proper disposal. The clamp on design of this unit and its operating principles allow it to be installed in a wide array of applications including most standard piping materials as well as either horizontal or vertical piping configurations.
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