From the principles of different types to practical examples, we'll teach you how to choose the right model based on the medium!

Which type of flow meter should be used for water, gas, or steam? Understand the most suitable flow meter types for different media at once.

Demand/Operating Conditions	The most suitable flow meter	Recommended Model
Water and conductive liquids	Electromagnetic Flowmeter(EMF)	FMG-E / FMG-C
Precision gas control	mass flow controller(MFC)	TMFC series
Environments where shutdown and pipe cutting are not possible	Pinch Tube Ultrasonic Flow Meter	UFMA / UFMD
Steam and high-pressure environment	Vortex flowmeter(Vortex)	FVF eddy flow meter

Water and conductive liquids: FMG-E / FMG-C electromagnetic flowmeter

When the medium is tap water, circulating cooling water, sewage, or other conductive liquids, the most common and stable choice is the electromagnetic flow meter. Electromagnetic flow meters operate based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction: when a conductive fluid passes through a magnetic field, an induced electromotive force is generated. The voltage measured by the electrodes is proportional to the flow velocity, and therefore the volumetric flow rate can be calculated.

The advantages are that there are no moving parts inside the measuring tube, it is resistant to interference, has extremely low pressure loss, and is very friendly to water systems and sewage systems.

FMG-E Product Highlights

Applicable pipe diameters: DN15～DN2200
High precision: ±0.5% RD
Intelligent OLED display, supporting English/Traditional Chinese bilingual switching.
Simplified installation process, supports vertical installation.
Multiple outputs: 4–20mA / Pulse / MODBUS RTU
It meets multiple design and testing standards: EX / IP67 / UL / IEC / SGS / ilac-MAR / TAF (subject to actual shipment/model).

View more:FMG-E / FMG-C Product Information

Precision gas control: TMFC series mass flow controllers (MFC)

If your need is not "to know the gas flow rate" but "to stably control the flow rate at a set value", then you shouldn't just choose a gas flow meter, but a mass flow controller (MFC). An MFC contains a mass flow sensor, a proportional control valve, and closed-loop control: given an external setpoint, the controller will pull the actual flow rate to the target value and continuously correct it, making it particularly suitable for precision processes and gas distribution systems.

TMFC Series Applicable Scenarios

Plasma cleaning machine
Gas distribution valve box/panel (VMB/VMP)
Gas cylinder cabinet output flow control
Gas generator output control
flame welding control
Gas source piping metering and control

Key features of the TMFC series (commonly described in TMFC30 / TMFC50, etc.)

High precision at low flow rate
Rapid response (≤ 1.0)
Wide pressure range (up to 1300 PSIG)
No leakage
No additional temperature or pressure compensation required
Connectivity compatibility, modular design, and a more compact system
High stability (detachable sensor), corrosion resistant, and excellent long-term stability.

View more: TMFC series Product Information

Environments where shutting down and pipe cutting is not possible: UFMA / UFMD clamp-type ultrasonic flow meter

A common on-site requirement is to install flow monitoring or implement energy-saving management, but the pipeline cannot be shut down, the pipe cannot be cut, and the existing piping cannot be altered. In this case, the most efficient solution is a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter: the sensor is clamped directly on the outside of the pipe, and the flow velocity is measured through the transit time difference of the ultrasonic waves (or the Doppler principle), and then converted into volumetric flow rate, achieving non-invasive and quick installation.

UFMA: Quick installation for small diameter pipes (DN15～DN50)

Applicable pipe diameter: Φ20(DN15), Φ25(DN20), Φ32(DN25), Φ40(DN32), Φ50(DN40), Φ63(DN50)
Flow rate range: 0.1～±5.0 m/s
Accuracy: ±2.0% FS (+/-0.3 m/s～5.0 m/s)
Repeatability: 0.8%
Applicable piping materials: UPVC / Carbon steel / Stainless steel
Protection rating: IP54
Typical applications: RO pure water equipment, transparent tap water pipelines, energy-saving water installations in smart buildings, swimming pool systems, etc. (mainly water-based systems)

UFMD: Larger pipe diameter/higher precision requirements (DN25～DN1200)

Applicable pipe diameters: DN25～DN1200
Flow range: 0.1～±5 m/s
Accuracy: ±1.0% FS
Repeatability: ±0.2%
Instrument panel protection rating: IP65
The applicable piping materials also include UPVC, carbon steel, and stainless steel, making it particularly suitable for factory main pipes, building trunk lines, and large-diameter water monitoring.

View more:UFMA / UFMD Product Information

Steam and High-Pressure Environments: FVF Eddy Flow Meter

The challenge of steam measurement lies in high temperature, high pressure, and changes in fluid state, thus requiring measurement technology that is environmentally resistant and can maintain stability under operating conditions. Eddy flow meters utilize the Karman vortex street principle: fluid passing through a vortex generator produces alternating vortices, the frequency of which is proportional to the flow velocity; the flow rate can be calculated from the frequency. This structure also has almost no moving parts, resulting in low maintenance and making it particularly suitable for steam and industrial utility pipelines.

FVF Product Highlights

Suitable for liquid, gas and vapor flow measurement, especially for steam/high pressure conditions.
Features temperature and pressure compensation
Multiple outputs: 4–20mA / Pulse / MODBUS RTU
Temperature range up to 420°C
It features a memory buffer (for easy setup/calibration) and supports NB-IoT/WiFi, enabling remote monitoring with cloud-based sensor software (such as SMM).
Design and certification standards: EX-ATEX / CE / IP67 / UL / IEC / SGS / NB-IOT / BSMI (subject to actual model and shipping specifications)

Typical applications suitable for eddy current flow meters

Steam Energy Management (Boiler Steam, Steam-Using Equipment Separate Meters)
High-temperature process utility pipeline
Industrial gas pipeline monitoring (if the medium composition changes, attention should be paid to the impact of correction factors and accuracy).

Steam and High-Pressure Environments: Introduction FVF eddy flow meter

How are flow meters used in factories? 3 practical case studies shared.

Semiconductors and Laboratories: Use TMFC500 Achieve high-precision gas ratio control

In semiconductor manufacturing, gas ratio control is crucial to the production process. TMFC500 Flow controllers enable precise control of gas flow, especially in environments requiring accurate proportioning.

TMFC500 Featuring low flow rate and high accuracy, fast response (≤1.0), and wide pressure range (up to 1300 PSIG), as well as supporting leak-free and highly stable detachable sensors, these features make them particularly suitable for precision process equipment such as plasma cleaners and gas diversion valve boxes.

Its modular design and compact flow control system also provide factories with more flexible installation options.

Smart water monitoring: Application FMG-W Wireless solution to data backhaul problems in remote areas

In smart water management monitoring,FMG-W The application of wireless smart electromagnetic flow meters solves the problem of data transmission in remote areas. This flow meter is suitable for measuring the flow rate of liquids such as water and wastewater, especially for water facilities in remote areas.

FMG-W It supports wireless data transmission, features a smart LCD display, and can be remotely monitored via a mobile app. This enables real-time data management even in areas without a stable network connection. FMG-W Its high precision (±1.5% RD) and ease of installation make it an ideal choice for smart water management monitoring.

Food and Biotechnology Industry: Adopting UFMA Ultrasonic testing ensures the production line meets hygiene standards.

Hygiene standards are extremely stringent on food and biotechnology production lines.UFMA The clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter, with its non-contact pipeline design, perfectly meets the needs of these industries.UFMA It can be installed without cutting pipes and continuously monitors the flow rate of water or other liquids, avoiding the difficulties of pipe cleaning associated with traditional flow meters. Its flow range is from 0.1 m/s to 5.0 m/s, with an accuracy reaching [insert accuracy here].±2.0% FSIt is applicable to various applications such as pure water cleaning wet processes and RO pure water treatment equipment. This allows it to improve production efficiency while ensuring that the production line meets hygiene standards.

How to choose a flow meter? 5 essential questions to ask before you buy, helping you quickly find the most suitable type.

Is your fluid conductive?

Electromagnetic flow meters can only be used with conductive fluids. Therefore, if your medium is water, sewage, or other conductive liquids, an electromagnetic flow meter is the ideal choice. However, for non-conductive media, such as oil or gas, electromagnetic flow meters cannot be used, and other types of flow meters must be selected.
Does the medium contain solid particles?

Turbine flow meters are not suitable for measuring media containing solid particles, as these particles can affect turbine operation, leading to measurement errors or even equipment damage. Therefore, if your fluid contains particles, you should avoid using turbine flow meters and consider using electromagnetic or ultrasonic flow meters instead, as these flow meters are unaffected by solid particles.
Simple monitoring required (FSP Switch or precise control (TMFC controller)?

If your need is simply to monitor flow, you can choose an FSP switch. This device provides a simple flow alarm function and is suitable for applications that do not require precise adjustment. If precise flow regulation is required, you should choose a mass flow controller (TMFC). This enables higher precision flow control and is suitable for applications requiring precise adjustment, such as gas ratio control.
Are there any limitations on the pipe diameter and installation space on site?

When selecting a flow meter, the pipe diameter and installation space are important factors to consider. If the installation space is limited or the pipe diameter is small, you may need to choose a smaller flow meter, such as the TMFC series mass flow controller, whose modular design can flexibly meet different space requirements.

In addition, if non-invasive installation is required, ultrasonic flow meters (such as the UFMA model) are also a very suitable choice because they do not require pipe cutting and are easy to install.
Is remote signal output (4-20mA / Modbus) required?

If you need to transmit traffic data to a remote monitoring system, it is important to choose a flow meter with remote signal output capabilities.

Many modern flow meters, such as the FMG-E electromagnetic flow meter or TMFC controller, support 4-20mA output or Modbus protocol, making it easy to integrate data into remote monitoring systems or automation control.

Flow Meter | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:Why can't electromagnetic flowmeters measure pure water or oil? <—– Learn more about this type of answer

Good question, this is a question people often ask 👍

I useSimplified version + Technical versionIt's easier to understand from two perspectives.

Electromagnetic flow meters can only measure conductive fluids. Pure water and oil have too low a conductivity (even close to zero) to generate a sufficient induced voltage to measure flow rate.

Q:How to solve the problem of unstable flow meter readings in the field? <—– Learn more about this type of solution

This question is...Pain points that field engineers will inevitably encounter 😅
I used "Quick troubleshooting process + solutions for common causes"In other words, following the order usually leads to catching the murderer."

Q:What is the difference between a mass flow controller (MFC) and a flow meter? <—– Learn more about this type of answer

This is a very good question, becauseMany people actually regard MFC as just a "more advanced flow meter".But they are fundamentally very different 👀
I use the same "In short → Function → Table → Use caseTo put it another way.

Q:I want to precisely control the flow rate of gas or oxygen. Should I choose a "flow meter" or a "flow controller"? <—– Learn more about this type of answer

Let me get straight to the point so you don't choose the wrong equipment and waste money 👇

👉 To "precisely control" gas or oxygen → select "Flow Controller (MFC)".
👉 Only choose a "flow meter" if you just want to know how much water is flowing.

Q:Do flow meters require regular maintenance? Which types have the lowest maintenance costs? <—– Learn more about this topic

Good question, this oneThe boss, purchasing agent, and site engineer will all ask questions. 😄
I'll state the conclusion directly, and then break it down into details.