Paddle wheel flow meters can operate as both in-line flow meters or insertion style flow meters.
The operating principle is similar to that of a turbine flow meter, whereby flow within the pipework allows a wheel with paddle to rotate freely with the flow of the fluid. The wheel is fixed and the faster the flow rate of the fluid, the faster the paddle wheel spins. The speed at which the wheel rotates is detected and this is converted into a volumetric flow rate.
The difference is that a paddle wheel flow meter is not directly in all of the flow path, whereas with a turbine flow meter the turbine blades will cover the majority of the cross sectional flow path.
Unsure, or need some advice?
A member of our team will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.