Running a water management system correctly comes down to a few extremely important tasks, one of which is making sure that your operators have the tools that they need to perform their jobs effectively. Out of all the equipment you need in a water management system, the most crucial piece is your tool for measuring flow, and for flow measurement, many people choose to employ either bubblers or ultrasonic flow meters.
Because both of these tools offer advantages that make them enticing to water management operators, it’s a good idea to look at their strengths and weakness so you can make the right choice for your operation. Read about the benefits of bubblers and ultrasonic flow meters so that you can decide which flow management tool is right for your system’s needs.
Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Low cost and simplistic operation are one of the top reasons that water management systems typically choose ultrasonic flow meters. In addition to having an insignificant price point, ultrasonic flow meters also have a variety of power options, including battery powered, line powered and solar powered. Also, these meters have no moving parts, which means they are extremely low maintenance.
Ultrasonic flow meters do, however, come with a few disadvantages you should understand before using this tool. First, the accuracy of ultrasonic flow readings can be easily thrown-off by such issues as flow turbulence, foaming and wind. Second, ultrasonic flow meters have a fairly high error rate when it comes to low flows. Finally, your operator will need to regularly calibrate your ultrasonic flow meter to ensure continued functionality.
Bubblers
There is one primary reason that bubblers are a more popular solution than ultrasonic flow meters: accuracy. In fact, bubblers can provide measurements that are up to four times finer than what you would expect out of an ultrasonic flow meter. Additionally, bubblers do not experience measurement interference and do not require calibration, which are both concerns with an ultrasonic flow meter.
However, as with ultrasonic flow meters, there are some disadvantages to using bubblers that are important to know. The biggest drawback to using a bubbler is that it requires a moving part, an air compressor, to function properly, meaning there is a risk of failure and the need for periodic maintenance. Also, to run the air compressor effectively, you will need a consistent power supply, increasing the costs of using this flow measurement tool.
Buy Flow Measuring Tools from a Trusted Source
Once you’ve weighed all the factors and examined the strengths and weaknesses, you should be able to make a decision as to which flow measurement tools are right for you. Whether you settle on ultrasonic flow meters or bubblers, you need to purchase your flow management products from a reliable manufacturer like Tracom, FRP.
At Tracom, we pride ourselves on making the best fiberglass water management tools that a water management system operator could ask for, from bubblers, to ultrasonic flow meters and beyond. Request a quote from Tracom today and speak with one of our representatives so that we can help you browse our catalogue and find the right products for you.
