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How do you measure flow rate with a dp cell

XMD Process Plant DP Cell Differential Pressure Transmitter

How do you use a dp cell measuring a span of 0-500 mmH2O with an o/p of 4-20 mA to control a flow rate of 0-1000 L/h for a flow meter range? How can I convert the linear output to a sq rt output and where is this operation done in the system, is it before the dp cell or after?

The square root extraction can be produced by some dp cell transmitters, but if not the linear output signal can be processed by many types of control instrumentation.

Typically the square root extraction function has to be selected since the linear function is the default configuration.  The linear differential pressure is measured across an obstruction in the flow, such as a orifice plate or venturi tube.  The resulting dp cell measurement is then converted to a 4-20mA output signal.

Linear Input to SqRt Output Conversion Scale
The relationship between linear and sqrt extraction 4-20mA

Featured dp flow measurement products

  • DPT200 High One Side Overload Differential Pressure Sensor
  • 250″wc Orifice plate flow measurement dp transmitter
  • Low Differential Pressure Transmitters Pitot tube air flow calculation 1000 hPa differential pressure transmitter
  • 10 kPa orifice plate differential pressure transmitter for water flow measurement

Since the relationship is that flow is proportional to the square root of the pressure, a square root extraction function is applied to the signal to make it follow a non-linear characteristic.  This conversion can be applied by the dp cell transmitter electronics or by the instrumentation connected to it.

If you are not sure how the dp cell is configured, you can test it by applying pressures and monitoring the output at different set-points, and then you will be able to tell if the output is linear or not.

The dp cell transmitter operation manual should explain how to switch between linear and sqrt extraction modes.  This configuration maybe possible via some buttons close to the display screen or underneath the enclosure cap. If the DP transmitter has HART communications then you should be able to set-up the square root mode via the hand terminal communicator.

Use these tools to convert measurements from linear to sqrt or sqrt to linear .

Converting a dp range of 0-500mmH2O to a flow rate of 0 to 1000 Litres per hour
Converting a dp range of 0-500mmH2O to a flow rate of 0 to 1000 litres per hour

Featured dp flow measurement products

  • DPT200 High One Side Overload Differential Pressure Sensor
  • 250″wc Orifice plate flow measurement dp transmitter
  • DPS Low Differential Pressure Transmitter DPS Low Differential Pressure Transmitter
  • 10 kPa orifice plate differential pressure transmitter for water flow measurement

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Related Product and Application Guides

  • Differential Pressure Sensors
  • Differential Pressure Differential Pressure

Related Technical Terms

  • Differential Pressure
  • Dry/Dry
  • Square Root Extraction
  • Static Line Pressure
  • Wet/Dry
  • Wet/Wet

Related Online Tools

  • DP Flow Transmitter Output Calculator
  • High and Low Side Pressure to Differential Pressure Calculator
  • SqRt Extraction 4-20mA Signal to Measurement Reading Converter
  • Linear Input to Square Root Extraction Output Converter
  • Square Root Extraction Input to Linear Output Converter

Contact us about this How do you measure flow rate with a dp cell page to request more information, or to discuss your application requirements.

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Use this battery powered 4-20mA wireless transmitter to transmit readings to a receiver connected to USB, RS485, RS232, cellular network or analog output

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