When we hear the word flowmeter, what comes to mind are usually one-piece flow measurement device that you can plug into your process piping and measure flow (in the case of vortex meters, coriolis meters..etc). Mention DP Flow, and most will tell you that the primary elements and DP sensors are almost always bought separately and installed/configured at site . However, some vendors (including Emerson) are now offering integrated DP Flowmeters designs, where element, manifold and transmitter are all provided as one, assembled, leak tested and fully configured device right out of the box. All the user has to do is "plug and play", install and it measures flow immediately. So what do you think? Are integrated DP flowmeters a true value-solution on the verge of revolutionizing DP Flow?
DP Flow historically has suffered from issues arising due to bad installation practices.Integrated flowmeters solve that issue and offer unique advantages to a proven technology like DP Flow.
Also, with unique and innovative primary elements solving tough problems like low permanent pressure loss (Annubar) and short straight runs (Conditioning Orifice), it just adds to the overall value
So, to answer your question, we are definitely at an inflection point for DP Flow.
Anshuman Prasad
Director of Integrated Marketing, Rosemount Measurement and Analytical