The Comprehensive Flowmeters Resource

Oval Gear

How do Oval Gear Flowmeters Work?

The calculated flow volume or flow rate measured by the Oval Gear flow meter is not dependent on the viscosity or density of the fluid unlike many other types of flow measuring devices which measure flow using an inferential principle. Since the volume is consistent in the “chamber areas” the flow measurements are normally very accurate and repeatable. The calculation for flow is not affected by variations in the liquid type since the real volume is being measured repeatedly. As long as the chambers and gears are not compromised or damaged, these flow meters give reliable results.

Oval Gear Presentation

In order to understand how an Oval Gear Meter works it is much easier when a visual presentation is used to explain it. Precisely manufactured pairs of rotors are rotating inside the cavity of the flow meter wetted area. As the oil or chemical enters the gear chamber it immediately populates the open space area between the precision machined gears. Leaks are prevented by machining the parts to certain tolerances and since the fluid passing through is continually “lubricating’” it is not scuffing the inner surface by “sliding” instead. The liquid amounts passing through the Oval Gear flow meter are linked directly to the rotational velocity of the pair of gears.

Common Applications

  • Oil and Gas: Measuring lubrication and fuel oils where precise measurement is essential.
  • Chemical Industry: Ideal for batching and dispensing chemicals with accuracy.
  • Food and Beverage: Used in syrup, molasses, and chocolate production, where consistency and precision are crucial.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Suitable for handling viscous pharmaceutical solutions in controlled dosages.

The design of oval gear flowmeters ensures that each chamber maintains a fixed volume, making them highly reliable across different liquid types. Their precise and repeatable measurements, unaffected by liquid properties, make them a preferred choice for applications that require dependable accuracy, especially with viscous or abrasive fluids.

What about Circular Gear Flowmeters?

Circular gear flowmeters, also known as spur gear flow meters, are positive displacement devices that measure fluid flow by capturing and counting discrete volumes of liquid within circular gear chambers. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high precision and repeatability, even at low flow rates. Circular gear flowmeters are especially suitable for viscous fluids and are widely used in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and food production.

Circular Gear Flowmeters work on a similar principle to the oval gear and also have a wide range of applications in chemical flows. They are particularly valued in industrial settings where consistency, durability, and precision are critical, making them a versatile solution for a wide range of demanding flow measurement applications.

Scroll to Top