Replace Steam Flow Meter Function

[randheerp]

Hi,

I have a steam line and i want to quantify the flow of steam on a particular point in steam line. I know, Yes, you can buy a steam flow meter and do it but as you know steam flow meter is very costly. As this is a low budget project, do you know any other alternative methods (low budget) to do the job of a flow meter. Calculating steam flow using other parameters will be also fine (using equations).


Rgds,
Randheer

 

[BradtheRad]

Temperature itself is not a reliable indicator, unless you can calibrate it against an accurate flow meter. You also need to factor in the ambient room temperature.

How about attaching a thermo-sensor, cooling it to a given temperature, then measuring the time it heats up to a target temperature? The faster it heats, the more steam is flowing.

Or run the steam upward through a vertical glass tube with a styrofoam ball inside, which rises or drops depending on how fast the steam is flowing.

Or install a lightweight hinged flap rather than a styrofoam ball. Greater steam flow will push it open further.