Many flow measurements are sensed as differential pressures with the indicator
scale graduated in cubic feet per minute, gallons per minute, liters per second,
and so forth. Rotating devices, such as the turbine, are used for accurate flow
measurements. The devices are simple, do not require conversion to pressure or
other medium, have low drag, can be constructed of inert materials that are
resistant to corrosion, do not require regular recalibration, and are low maintenance.
The pick off is a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect or an MRE device.
The Hall device gives an electrical impulse every time a blade passes under the
sensor, whereas the resistance of the MRE device changes in a changing magnetic
field. Figure 12.14a shows the circuit used to shape the signal from an MRE
into a digital signal. The MRE sensor contains four elements to form a bridge
circuit as shown. The Hall or MRE device does not normally require temperature
compensation as they are being used as switches in digital configurations.
To measure flow rates a window is opened for a known time period. The number
of impulses from these devices are counted from which the rate of flow can be
calculated. These devices can also be used to measure the total volume in gallons
or liters; in this case the number of pulses from the sensors can be counted