A Transient Electromagnetic Flowmeter and Calibration Facility

Abstract

An electromagnetic flowmeter was developed to measure transient flows at a data rate of 60 Hz. The approach taken was to develop suitable electronics to replace the electronics of a commercially available electromagnetic flowmeter normally used for steady-state operation. Use of the commercially available flowmeter body, which includes the magnetic coils, core, and signal electrodes, provided a relatively economical means of fabricating the transient flowmeter. A transient flow calibration facility consisting of a free-falling water column was also designed and built. Results of the calibrations are presented and show that the flowmeter can accurately measure transient flows up to the maximum observed acceleration of approximately 1 g.