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PCT provides an extensive selection of industrial flow meters and precision fluid measurement instrumentation across the UK. We partner with world-class manufacturers to deliver accurate, field-proven monitoring solutions across chemical processing, clean utilities, research laboratories, and aerospace test rigs.
Our measurement portfolio spans multiple core technologies, including thermal mass flow meters, high-accuracy Coriolis meters, liquid turbine meters, ultrasonic flow sensors, and traditional variable area rotameters. Browse our primary technology categories below to find the exact instrument profile for your system requirements.
Introducing our Flow Meters
Here at PCT we can offer you our complete range of flow meters that are all in one place. Our products range from calorimetric meters to vortex meters, which shows that we are willing to provide a product for whatever flow meter need you may have. For example, our rotameters can be used for a variety of pipe sizes, ranging from ¼” to 2”, and the gas meters that we have available range from 0.04m3/h up to a large flow rate of 160m3/h. We offer from a very basic flow meter for indication only to a mass flow meter which is fully pressure and temperature compensated.
We also have a miscellaneous section that will provide you with a range of flow meter accessories that would be needed. These include battery packs, cables and remote displays in order to make sure that you have a constantly working flow meter. At PCT we offer a product for use with most types of liquids and gasses, due to our extensive range of these meters.
What are flow meters used for?
These products are vital in determining the flow rate or the quantity of a gas or liquid that is moving through a pipe. Our extensive range allows for us to supply for most situations in which a flow meter is needed, as each of these scenarios has a different requirement. You’re sure to find the right product for your job by looking at our list below.
Many types of meters or accessories are available at PCT, which makes us confident that we can supply the customer with the best and most suitable product for you, even if this may not be an actual flow meter!
Coriolis (direct mass flow for liquids and gases)
What is it
Coriolis meters measure mass flow directly from the phase shift of vibrating tubes, independent of changing viscosity, density or composition.
When to use
Best choice when fluids change composition, when you need high accuracy at low flows, or when you also want density/temperature for batching or energy balance.
PCT examples
Alicat CODA Coriolis meters/controllers (high accuracy gas/liquid ranges, multiple industrial comms, compact form factors) and engineered assemblies combining a CODA + micro gear pump for precision liquid dosing.
Alicat CODA meters/controllers provide direct mass flow, density and temperature for liquids (and gases), with compact form factors and high accuracy options. We also integrate CODA + micro gear pump packages for precision dosing/batching.
Differential pressure (laminar DP) — Alicat mass flow meters, controllers & liquid controllers
What is it
A laminar flow element and a differential pressure sensor compute volumetric flow; integrated pressure & temperature compensation outputs true mass flow in real time.
When to use
Fast response, wide turndown (up to 10,000:1), multivariate readouts (mass flow, volumetric flow, pressure, temperature) and no warm up. Ideal for labs, OEM skids and test rigs.
PCT examples
Alicat M/MC/MB/MW/MCV series for measurement, control, portable verification, low ΔP and vacuum applications.
Bench, skid and field ready meters with instant on, 10,000:1 turndown and multivariate outputs. Options for portable verification (MB), low ΔP (MW/Whisper) and vacuum with positive shut off (MCV).
MC series and derivatives deliver ≈30–100ms control with stable PID and rich comms (RS 232/485, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, PROFIBUS/PROFINET). Intrinsically safe variants are available for hazardous areas.
Calorific / thermodynamic (thermal mass) — for compressed air & gases
What is it
Thermal (calorimetric) sensors infer mass flow from heat transfer to the gas stream; excellent for compressed air consumption, leakage and energy studies.
When to use
Utility monitoring, cost allocation and audits, with inline or insertion installation and logging/comms options.
PCT examples
CS Instruments thermal flow meters/sensors and data loggers for plant air and technical gases.
Inline or insertion sensors for consumption, leak detection, FAD studies and cost allocation—plus loggers/displays and network comms for plant dashboards.
Ultrasonic (transit time clamp on and inline)
What is it
Paired transducers measure the time difference between upstream/downstream ultrasound; no moving parts and no pressure loss.
When to use
Non intrusive metering on full pipes (cooling water, utilities, process liquids) and sites where shutdowns are costly.
PCT examples
Dynasonics TFX 5000 transit time meters (wall/panel mount) and portable/inline options; we routinely configure and service these with SoloCUE.
Dynasonics TFX 5000 clamp on and inline meters for permanent or portable deployment—ideal where no pipework cutting and zero pressure loss are required. PCT provides configuration support and SoloCUE setup.
Rotameters (variable area glass/metal tube)
What is it
A float rises in a tapered tube; the float’s position indicates flow. Simple, robust and excellent for local indication.
When to use
Purge, coolant, by pass and panel indication; gas or liquid at moderate pressures/temperatures.
PCT examples
King Instrument Company rotameters across glass, polymer and metal tubes; wide range of floats/fittings and high pressure options.
King Instrument rotameters for local indication (gas/liquid), from low flow purge through higher pressure metal tube designs; optional transmitters/switches.
Variable area piston (mechanical VA with magnetic coupling)
What is it
A spring loaded piston/throttling cone moves with flow; an external magnet couples to a dial for indication/switching.
When to use
Rugged oil/hydraulic indication and simple alarm/switching where line pressure is higher or fluids are not suited to glass tubes.
Turbines (liquid)
What is it
A bladed rotor spins with flow velocity; electronics scale to volumetric rate and total.
When to use
Clean liquids (water, coolants, fuels, solvents) with low pressure drop and ±0.5% reading class accuracy.
PCT examples
LX liquid turbines in stainless steel with threaded, tri clamp and flanged builds; signal/4–20 mA kits available
LX stainless turbines with accessories (amplifiers, 4–20mA, scalers) and process connections to suit skids, cooling circuits and fuel systems.
Vortex shedding
What is it
A bluff body generates vortices; a sensor counts shed frequency proportional to velocity.
When to use
Steam and clean utility gases/liquids at moderate to high temperatures/pressures when no moving parts and wide turndown are priorities.
PCT examples
We specify vortex meters on request for utilities and process lines where they’re the best technical/economic fit.
Frequently asked questions
Help and advice
A member of our team will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.