Flowmeters Product Research (August 2008)

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding flowmeters.

By Control Engineering Staff August 29, 2008

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding flowmeters.

Executive Summary •

• Batch and continuous processing is the most prominent application for flowmeters. Utilities services are used by 13% of respondents.

• The most widely used flowmeters include magnetic (54%), coriolis, mass, and orifice types which are used by about 47% of respondents. Ultrasonic and turbine flowmeters are used by slightly less respondents at 39% and 38% respectively.

• Of those using flowmeters, 92% are applying full flow pipe, and another 19% are using open channel or partial flow pipe.

• 80% of respondents are currently using and will continue to use 4-20 mA as their means of communicating with for flowmeters. HART is used by 45%.

• Emerson– Rosemount is the most purchased from manufacturer over the last 12 months for flowmeters. Emerson – Micro Motion is the next most purchased from manufacturer garnering about 34% of mentions. There was no consensus among the 17% “other” responses.

• On average, 63% of respondents purchased 1 to 10 flowmeters in the last 12 months. About 80% purchased fewer than 20 units in the last year. On average, 54% of respondents spent more than $10,000 last year on flowmeters. Twenty-four percent spent in excess of $50,000; 9% spent more than $100,000.

• Twenty-four percent of control engineers’ need for flowmeters will grow over the next year.

• Ninety-one (91%) of respondents mentioned improved reliability as the most significant factor when deciding on a supplier from which to purchase flowmeters; 84% mentioned improved accuracy as being important.

• 62% of Control Engineering subscribers responding do not receive Control and 64% do not receive Control Design.

Flowmeters Product Research 2008