Formula
A simple formula that explains the flow of liquid through the pipe is Q equals V times A. "Q" is liquid flow through the pipe while "V" is velocity of the flow. "A" represents the cross-sectional area of the. This formula for the liquid flow rate in a pipe does not consider the effects of friction on the liquid as it moves through the pipe. It also does not factor in the different types of liquids and their composition. The formula produces an estimate. The mass flow meter provides a more reliable figure and measures mass, not volume.
Coriolis Mass Flow Meter
One type of mass flow meter is the coriolis. Because it measures mass, the coriolis does consider liquid density or other aspects of the liquid being measured. The device measures the force created as the mass moves towards or away from a center of rotation causing a twisting motion. That motion produces the information to measure mass.
Outside Air Flow Measurement
Sufficient outside air flow into a HVAC system is important for health reasons. Proper ventilation contributes to the quality of indoor air. One device to measure the amount of outside air entering a system is an anemometer. Place the device at the location where air enters the system.
Liquid Flow vs. Air Flow
Measuring liquid flow involves different principles than calculating air flow. Air flow, like wind speed, is a matter of determining the speed with which the air is travelling. Liquids present problems which the flow meter addresses by using different design shapes. The manner in which the liquid flows through these shapes allows for the measurement. As a result, a mass flow meter is a more complicated device that an anamometer.