June 1, 2021

McLaughlin & Harvey launch new dedicated division to enable it to cater for ‘full spectrum of projects’

WorkSpace secures initial project pipeline of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management.  Up to 20 new full-time permanent jobs expected to be created.  One of the UK and Ireland’s leading and longest established construction companies has launched a new, dedicated, fit-out led division in response to market opportunities throughout the UK

Read More »

Kawneer systems help take the wind out of Birmingham’s sails

Curtain walling, windows and doors feature on a 33-storey apartment tower. High performance building façade products manufactured by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified to handle the challenging wind loads on Birmingham’s tallest exclusively residential tower block. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling, complemented by AA®720 top-hung ventilator windows

Read More »

WHY ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION MUST PLAY A ROLE IN SUSTAINABILITY

In a post-Covid world, governments are being urged by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to implement deep building renovation and performance standards for newly constructed buildings into pandemic recovery packages.  While reducing energy demand and carbon emissions through the use of natural construction materials, greater insulation and renewables will be

Read More »

KOOKY RENTAL HOMES LAUNCH IN BARNET

Kooky, the new boutique BTR brand, has announced the launch of its Whetstone apartments; 39 two-bedroom homes within Taylor Wimpey’s Oakleigh Grove development in South Barnet, London. Following the acquisition of the units last year, Kooky has worked closely with Taylor Wimpey to implement its style to the rental apartments,

Read More »

6 Uses Of Woven Polypropylene Fabric In Construction

Polypropylene or PP fabric is a type of textile that’s said to have many uses in various industries worldwide. It’s created through the production of specific oil and gasses. Then, they’re woven into fabrics ready for use.  Without undergoing prior chemical treatments, untreated PP fabric can be both bleached and

Read More »

Flow Meters: Exploring Types, Technology and Applications

A flow meter is a machine that measures the density or velocity of fluids or gases. They are also known as flow rate sensors, flow indicator, flow gauge, liquid meter, etc. Flow meters are mostly used to measure the fluids or gases that flow within a pipe.   There are several

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

June 1, 2021

McLaughlin & Harvey launch new dedicated division to enable it to cater for ‘full spectrum of projects’

WorkSpace secures initial project pipeline of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management.  Up to 20 new full-time permanent jobs expected to be created.  One of the UK and Ireland’s leading and longest established construction companies has launched a new, dedicated, fit-out led division in response to market opportunities throughout the UK and Ireland.  WorkSpace, part of McLaughlin & Harvey, will offer clients a range of services spanning build, fit-out, facilities management, bespoke joinery, and commercial furniture under one brand.   Richard Cheevers, McLaughlin & Harvey Director, said: “The company has built a strong reputation for delivering large scale construction and civil engineering schemes over many years, and recently the directors felt there was a need to create a dedicated division for projects outside the scope and scale of those traditionally associated with McLaughlin & Harvey.   “WorkSpace provides a specialist option for what might be regarded as ‘smaller’ projects with a market-leading fit-out capability at its core, but also encompassing build, bespoke joinery, commercial furniture and hard facilities management services. We are delighted to have secured an order book of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management which is a testament to the hard work of our team and the appetite for our offering. “McLaughlin & Harvey has a long-standing heritage stretching back to 1853 with some of the top talent in the industry. We believe WorkSpace can benefit from these undoubted assets to deliver a proposition that combines all of McLaughlin & Harvey’s traditional strengths with the freshness, energy and nimbleness of what effectively is a new enterprise aimed at enabling the company to deliver a full range of right-fit projects of all sizes.” It is expected the new division will create up to 20 new full-time permanent posts in year one, as well as opening up new opportunities for the company’s trusted supply chain.   Richard Carron, who has been recruited as WorkSpace Head of Business Development, said: “Whilst our focus will be as a main contractor delivering build and fit-out projects, we believe there is a lot of potential for us to provide high quality integrated packages that also include bespoke joinery, commercial furniture, and aftercare. Our team has extensive experience delivering projects for prestige brands such as M&S, ITV News, NatWest and Charles Hurst Aston Martin and Bentley. We plan to extend our reach further in other key areas such as commercial, hospitality, leisure, education, heritage, and visitor centres.”  Referring to the thinking behind the WorkSpace name Richard Carron added: “We wanted a name that would reflect our ability to work in any space; to bring great design concepts to life – whether it’s building, stripping-out, fitting-out, or providing after care.” WorkSpace and McLaughlin & Harvey recently completed a major project at Jewish Care in Stanmore. A unique interior feature of the project was the bespoke wall and ceiling panelling. Each panel manufactured in-house had a unique olive tree design which was CNC engraved and finished with a painted gold leaf. The division has also recently handed over an interior fit-out project at the highly acclaimed Seamus Heaney Homeplace Visitor Centre in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland.  Its order book includes work on ITV’s Parliamentary Studios at Millbank, London; ongoing facilities management with M&S throughout the UK; a major FF&E project at a leading English University and a range of other Framework education schemes within Ireland and Scotland.  

Read More »

Kawneer systems help take the wind out of Birmingham’s sails

Curtain walling, windows and doors feature on a 33-storey apartment tower. High performance building façade products manufactured by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified to handle the challenging wind loads on Birmingham’s tallest exclusively residential tower block. Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling, complemented by AA®720 top-hung ventilator windows on the first to top floors, with AA®190 TB entrance doors on the ground floor, were specified by Glancy Nicholls Architects for the £30 million 33-storey Left Bank 2 tower. The external façade is constructed of in-situ reinforced concrete frames that were developed over two years by main contractor Wates for developer Regal Property Group, Left Bank 2 is the second tower to feature Kawneer’s aluminium systems at The Bank, between Broad Street and Brindley Place in the city centre. Also funded by real estate investment company Aprirose, Left Bank 2 comprises 217 luxury one to three-bedroomed apartments with private gym, residents lounge and coffee bar, private kitchen and dining room, on-site cycle storage, and secure and private outdoor green space. Featuring 3,580ft2 of ground-floor retail space, it is one of only two residential skyscrapers in the city to measure over 100 metres tall. Left Bank 1 is 21 storeys and features Kawneer’s thermally superior AA®720 windows. Glancy Nicholls’ focus was to respond to the Grade ll listed building that occupies a key part of both the site and its streetscape, and to provide a new public realm link to the adjacent commercial and leisure district. The “brass” building envelope on both towers takes reference from the historical context of the neighbouring Brasshouse building and the site’s brass and metal working heritage. Glancy Nicholls’ Marketing Co-ordinator Sophie Casewell said: “We specified the Kawneer systems for their system performance, particularly in relation to wind loads. “The curtain wall system delivered the required performance to deal with the challenging wind loads on the 33-storey tower, with the site also elevated geographically within Birmingham. The aesthetics of the system also delivered upon the desired design intent.” She added: “The Kawneer glazed elements are a significant element with the façade design and assisted with the aesthetic detailing required. The glass to glass corners maximise daylighting and views across the city. “The client has been very satisfied with the product, with over 70% of the apartments sold by building completion. The glass to glass corner windows were a big selling point and the aluminium material assisted in achieving the client’s sustainable target deliverables.” The Kawneer systems, including AA®100 curtain walling featuring 50mm sightlines, were installed over 18 months by a team of eight operatives from Kawneer-approved specialist sub-contractor APiC UK who also installed the Kawneer windows on Left Bank 1. APiC’s Sales and Estimating Technician Andrew Finn said: “The relationship that was established on the first tower ensured that Wates and Glancy Nicholls had the confidence to proceed on Left Bank 2 using Kawneer products with APiC as their preferred curtain walling sub-contractor.” Left Bank 2 was a finalist in the 2020 Facades Awards UK for Best use of a building facade system using aluminium. Glancy Nicholls have also used Kawneer systems on the St Modwen student residences in Swansea and the John Taylor Free School in Burton.

Read More »

BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling group, has acquired Bayram Timber Ltd

Established over 20 years ago, Bayram is a market leading timber processor and manufacturer, and a key supplier into the UK caravan, leisure home and garden sectors. Operating from a 17 acre site in Melton, East Yorkshire, the business has annual sales of £30 million and employs over 160 people. The acquisition of Bayram will strengthen BSW’s value-added processing capabilities and further broaden BSW’s product offering and service to customers. Following the acquisition, BSW plans to undertake a significant capital investment program in the Melton site to increase capacity and broaden the capabilities of the business. Geoff Goodwin, Chairman of Bayram, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved at Bayram over the last 20 years and delighted to be selling the business to such a good home in BSW. “Bayram has a strong position within the caravan and timber market, and by being a valued supplier into BSW for many years, we feel this acquisition is hugely positive for our employees, customers and the whole supply chain”. Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW, added: “We are very pleased to be strengthening our position in the value-added timber market by acquiring Bayram. The opportunity to enhance our supply chain and additionally widen our product offering is exciting. “This represents another major milestone in the growth of BSW and provides our customers with a more robust and broader range of products. We are looking forward to drawing on the expertise and knowledge of Geoff, Chris Husband and the whole team at Bayram. I would also like to thank the Endless LLP team for their support in acquiring Bayram.” Bayram will be integrated with BSW Timber Solutions Ltd and will continue to operate from the existing site in Melton. Bayram processes 120,000m³ of machined and further refined timber annually, with the support of 160 colleagues. Bayram supplies bespoke components for many markets including garden, caravan manufacturers; timber merchants; and decking and cladding retailers.

Read More »

WHY ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION MUST PLAY A ROLE IN SUSTAINABILITY

In a post-Covid world, governments are being urged by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to implement deep building renovation and performance standards for newly constructed buildings into pandemic recovery packages.  While reducing energy demand and carbon emissions through the use of natural construction materials, greater insulation and renewables will be the way forward, the aspect of fire resilience is often overlooked. It should not be. Losing the materials and building usability in a fire will result in valuable resources taken to rebuild them. A holistic approach that addresses sustainability and fire resilience will be needed to deliver these outcomes with active fire protection playing a key role in this resilience. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report[1], when adding emissions from the building construction industry on top of operational emissions, the built environment sector accounted for 38 per cent of total global energy-related CO2 emissions. Pre-pandemic building emissions from the built environment in 2019 were noted to reach their highest level. Action is needed if we are to meet the aspiration of net zero carbon by 2050. The drive to preserve resources will mean a building will no longer follow the traditional linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’, but would be circular and built with reused materials and/or more organic (bio) materials. Buildings will also be able to be taken apart and deconstructed. Furthermore, a building will need to be flexible and adaptable to the short term whilst being built for the long term when considering its internal use. They will also need to be smart and connected, using sensors to determine efficiency operations and user experience. We will need to consider a building more as a system and an asset where the value is in its efficiency, flexibility and re-usability. Protecting that reusability will therefore become key to a building’s sustained value. Losing the materials and the building usability in a fire will see it taken out of the cycle – the result will be a valuable resource taken to rebuild them and increasing lifecycle costs as was noted by a study by FM Global.[2] Therefore, a holistic approach that addresses sustainability and fire resilience will be needed to deliver these outcomes. This will mean a shift in regulatory thinking too. The pursuit of green For many years now the construction industry has started this journey pursuing sustainable and green construction. This has been supported by government regulations, incentives, certification schemes and the credits within them. One of the most obvious items across Europe is the drive to use more natural products. For example, the use of timber is considered to be more sustainable for certain buildings than other traditional methods of construction. However, we also know these materials burn. High profile fire events have raised questions around the detailing and resilience of buildings where natural products are used as a structural material. There is a clear need for research in this area but also thinking in terms of what this means for long term sustainability. Fires in new buildings with high-level ratings in green certification schemes have occurred. Some have been completely destroyed by fire, meaning their potential saving and green credentials are gone. Valuable resources are needed to recreate them, and their function has been interrupted for several months, if not years. Some see this as a signal that fire safety regulations deliver the wrong outcome for sustainability and others that there is a blind spot in certification schemes. This is neatly illustrated by the Carbon Neutral laboratory in Nottingham, UK which was constructed using mass timber but destroyed shortly before it was completed in 2014. When it was rebuilt following the fire it was in line with regulations; it followed the original design and there was no increase in fire resilience – no active fire protection. The rebuild was showered with shortlisting for awards relating to its green credentials. Somehow the resources lost in the original fire did not matter or count. The original fire was consigned to history and had no bearing on the claims for the efficiency and carbon neutral credentials. Active fire protection does not feature in this discussion. Instead, it is assigned to mirroring the state fire regulations in differing countries where the focus is on safety and limiting conflagration. A recent update on a study from 2015 by the Fire Protection Research Foundation summarises this by looking at the challenges that need further research. [3] Active fire protection Active protection systems such as sprinklers are part of the building system and add to their overall carbon emissions. However, before dismissing active fire protection because of these emissions their benefits need to be weighed. Studies show their benefits in minimising the impact of fire and emissions. [4] A future view of the world wherein protecting the hard-won resources so that they can be used and reused leads to a path where minimising fire incidents will be important. Active protection systems will increasingly make sense for this reason. They will also make sense when thinking of the desire for buildings that can be flexible in use throughout their life. The whole life cost of a building and its value will be tied to both these concepts. That said active fire protection systems will need to continue to adapt to demonstrate their improving whole life costs and sustainability credentials too. This will require adapting test regimes, increased recycling of water and perhaps new technology to improve their already high effectiveness. In a world where sustainability is key, a disposable building will no longer be the ‘right thinking’. I would contend that a sprinklered one will be. For more information visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org

Read More »

KOOKY RENTAL HOMES LAUNCH IN BARNET

Kooky, the new boutique BTR brand, has announced the launch of its Whetstone apartments; 39 two-bedroom homes within Taylor Wimpey’s Oakleigh Grove development in South Barnet, London. Following the acquisition of the units last year, Kooky has worked closely with Taylor Wimpey to implement its style to the rental apartments, which deliver a concept unique to Kooky. Using their expertise in BTR, and genuine understanding of what renters need and want, Kooky has created a collection of boutique apartments, with a focus on quality of design in communal areas and within the apartments themselves. The 39 apartments in Whetstone form part of Kooky’s recent £33 million investment in the London Borough of Barnet, alongside 30 units in Taylor Wimpey’s Millbrook Park development, which are set to come to market in late August. Commenting on the launch, Howard Crocker, Managing Director of Kooky, said: “Our apartments at Oakleigh Grove are another great example of a partnership at work between Kooky and an experienced housebuilder. Taylor Wimpey allowed us to work closely with them to make sure our designs, that are integral to the boutique Kooky brand and feel, could be conveyed in the finished product of both individual apartments and common parts. Whetstone is a sought-after location for renters, who are increasingly looking to combine easy connectivity to Central London with the space and amenities more available in Outer London boroughs, and we are incredibly proud to see them launch.” Kooky’s total investment into properties around London stands at over £76 million in the past year. By offering stylish living and great service, the Kooky model prides itself on working closely with housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey and believes that all renters are unique and should be treated that way.

Read More »

6 Uses Of Woven Polypropylene Fabric In Construction

Polypropylene or PP fabric is a type of textile that’s said to have many uses in various industries worldwide. It’s created through the production of specific oil and gasses. Then, they’re woven into fabrics ready for use.  Without undergoing prior chemical treatments, untreated PP fabric can be both bleached and cleaned; more processes may be done for further refining the product. The fabric is also known for its strength and utility, hence, many in the construction industry prize it for its benefits. The following points pertain to how different construction companies are using the material for a variety of purposes.  1. Rubble Mound Creation  Polypropylene fabrics are used in geotechnical engineering, a branch of engineering that involves the earth, materials related to the soil, and their behavior when used in construction. Coastal drilling and mining are just some of the activities that fall under the said category. PP’s also known as a geotextile or a special type of fabric favored for its geosynthetic feature and superior filtering capabilities.   Woven polypropylene fabric suppliers can create tear-resistant, mildew-resistant, high-strength, and lightweight materials that can withstand stretching and shrinking. The fabric prevents the mixing or transferring of delicate material like soil and sand with rocks or gravel.   It’s advisable that the material itself, however, needs to be protected by small stones that help prevent damage from rocks and blocks. Polypropylene is sometimes mixed with other similar geotextiles such as polyamide and polyethylene to enhance its usefulness and serve more specific tasks.    The synthetic fabric is used at beaches wherein it replaces rocks in locations that lack quarries. They can also be used as primary materials for the construction of rubble mound breakwaters to prevent the impact of ocean waves in coastal erosions and the transportation of sediments.   2. Flood Control  Locations that are constantly battling extremely wet weather conditions can use sandbags to protect different establishments. Polypropylene fabrics can be turned into sandbags. However, they’re not to be confused with earthbags for the two are different from each other. Sandbags are believed to be helpful flood control solution examples to prevent the flow of water as much as possible.   You can place sandbags in front of entrances and indoor water drainages such as the restroom and laundry room in your home. Sandbags are especially useful when the structure is made of fibro-sheeting or wood materials.   It’s important to note that this type of bag must only be filled with sand and not with clay, soil, or gravel as they’ll not hold water. They can go as heavy as 20kg and must be laid on top of a plastic sheet like you would with bricks where the unfilled part of a sandbag is topped with the filled end of another.  3. Fences And Screens    Polypropylene is one of the most widely used plastic materials in the world. It’s also used as a means to secure construction sites by keeping unauthorized persons out. Construction locations can be dangerous, and the use of polypropylene fences or screens is a safe and temporary alternative to other types of blockers a construction manager may use.   They’re economical and don’t cause harm to both motorists and pedestrians. Constructions sites also use them for aesthetic reasons as they can help block out the unsightly environment of the site from onlookers and passersby.   PP fabrics are regarded as a great material for construction fences because they’re resistant to the seasons and changing daily weather conditions. Their heat-enduring features prevent them from chipping or flaking that makes the covers long-lasting. In addition, they contain pigments and fillers that block out UV rays or ultraviolet radiation to protect both workers and the construction from possible damage.  4. Silt Fences For Erosion Control  Polypropylene silt-films are temporary shields used in construction sites to help prevent ground sediments from breaking or falling apart. It’s an essential tool for areas near bodies of water as it prevents the contaminated soil from eventually seeping into the water.  PP’s a durable material that’ll last up to six months with good care. They also make great temporary solutions to fencing because they’re easy to remove and can’t have a lasting effect on the environment.   Silt fencing can be a construction of wood and geotextiles like polypropylene material. They’re also resistant to water as it’s believed that they can withstand the pressures brought upon by a cubic foot of water.   5. Road And Railway Construction  Geotextiles like polypropylene fabrics, also called geotechnical materials mixed with other plastics, are also used to construct roadways and railways that make travel easier and faster. These unique types of fabrics are utilized to stabilize substrates or underlying layers of substances such as soft or uneven terrain underneath a construction feature.   In road construction, geosynthetic fabrics are laid out over muddy and unstable soil. Heavy machinery then spread out a subbase layer of rock or gravel on top. The plastic fabric helps prevent the subgrade material from sinking into the muddy ground. The area then becomes leveled and lowers the need for more maintenance work in the long run.   PP fabric is also placed between a layer of substrate underneath. A ballast layer is set on top to maintain structural integrity under the tracks. Railways tend to degrade over time because of subgrade cohesion. Geotextiles make it easier to save on labor costs because it puts a long gap between the maintenance periods of rail tracks.  Polypropylene combination fabrics can help prevent the subgrade underneath from pumping when trains travel on the tracks. The reinforcement barrier can help strengthen the layered elements to make them safer and sturdier throughout the years.  6. Earthbag Construction  Polypropylene fabrics can be made into earthbags that are used for home construction. They’re economical alternatives to conventional blocks and bricks but are also durable and holds well against water damage and rotting. They can be eco-friendly too as some earthbags are mixed with portions of clay and burlap or hemp. Some earthbags also come with UV protection.   No energy

Read More »

Underground Mining Technology: Amazing Ways IoT Is Transforming The Mining Industry

Mining is an industry that has been around for centuries. Since the beginning of mining, there have always been advancements in technology to help make the process more efficient and productive. The next frontier in mining may be underground mines where IoT from companies like Newtrax is transforming the industry. In this post, we will discuss how IoT is changing the way miners measure progress in their work and what they can do to stay ahead of the curve on this new wave of technological innovation. 1. Predictive Maintenance IoT has enabled mining companies to reduce the number of unplanned shutdowns and increase production. This is achieved through predictive maintenance, which uses IoT sensors that monitor equipment performance in real-time as well as provide situational awareness about a machine’s location and health. It also includes data analysis from these monitoring systems to better understand how machines are performing when analyzing historical trends for things such as temperature changes over time or vibrations. Predictive maintenance helps ensure reliability without interrupting production schedules with unscheduled downtime, saving money on labor costs and expensive repairs by identifying problems before they occur so that work can continue uninterrupted. 2. Use Of Cloud Services For Logistics Mining companies are increasingly using cloud services for logistics, transportation management, and fleet optimization. This allows mining companies to quickly analyze data from their field operations and make resource decisions based on real-time information about the state of equipment, materials, or personnel. 3. Inventory Management The mining industry has the need for constant innovation to keep up with evolving technologies. One of these areas in which IoT has really made an impact on this sector is inventory management. Digitizing each item and using barcodes or RFID tags can create a real-time picture of what’s been taken as well as where it came from at any given time – helping managers better plan their workday and more efficiently manage whatever they’re working on. 4. Real-Time Analytics And Data The IoT allows for real-time data and analytics. This is important because it can happen in a specific timeframe, rather than weeks or months later. There’s also more accuracy since the sensor devices are sending their readings directly to central monitoring systems that will take care of analyzing them remotely. 5. Time-Saving In the mining industry, time is money. IoT can be applied to help miners save a lot of their precious time and manpower by automating various processes that currently take too much effort for humans alone to do. One such process is drilling holes in specific rock formations under high-pressure water streams while simultaneously measuring flow rates using sensors installed inside drill pipes. This measurement would typically require someone constantly checking gauges on machinery which takes up valuable man-hours. But with an IoT system monitoring these factors automatically every few seconds, it becomes possible for the miner(s) to focus on other essential tasks where they are needed most. 6. Improves Safety One of the biggest benefits of IoT in underground mining is that it can make mines safer. For example, remote monitoring sensors at one mine reduced the number of incidents by 36%. This is a huge improvement since any incident might be lethal for miners. With this technology, there’s always someone watching out for them and they’re never without help if an accident does happen. 7. Improved Visibility And Traceability One of the big changes in underground mining is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for miners to know what they’re digging up. What’s more, when a breach occurs and workers are exposed to toxic chemicals or methane gas an evacuation often follows, making safety a big concern. With IoT data analytics, however, you can keep track of all excavation areas as well as any breaches within those areas at every moment, increasing traceability and visibility while improving safety on site. Wrapping Up IoT is transforming the mining industry in many ways. For example, it has enabled companies to develop smarter mines with real-time data about their operations and equipment status, while reducing operational costs for smaller projects via remote monitoring systems. IoT’s impact on this sector will likely continue to grow as more miners adopt the technology across a range of use cases.

Read More »

Flow Meters: Exploring Types, Technology and Applications

A flow meter is a machine that measures the density or velocity of fluids or gases. They are also known as flow rate sensors, flow indicator, flow gauge, liquid meter, etc. Flow meters are mostly used to measure the fluids or gases that flow within a pipe.   There are several options in flowmeters, such as magnetic Coriolis, single-use, variable area, etc. However, they can be different in price, accuracy, and functionality. Ultrasonic flow meters are an extremely accurate and multi-use option but tend to be quite expensive. For a low-price option with better accuracy, you can choose single-use turbine sensors. But they are only good if the working fluid is low viscous. For higher viscous flowing liquid, disposable ultrasonic meters are a good choice for single-use.  Things to Consider while Choosing a Flow Meter Type of Flow Measurement. Volumetric or Mass Flow, Momentum or Velocity. Type of Media. Liquid, gas, or slurry. Media Conditions. Temperature and pressure of the media and whether the conditions remain the same or change with time. Accuracy. Accuracy level required for the readings. Flow Range. Requirement of minimum and maximum readings in the flow range. Geographical Conditions. Clean installation, tamper proof-readings, ATEX zone installation, etc. Flow Meter Options Available 1. Ultrasonic Flow Meters. These are more advanced and flexible than other flow meters. They measure the frequency of ultrasonic waves passed through the fluids. Two popular categories of ultrasonic flow meters are Transit-time and Doppler. Doppler meters use particles in the liquid by their reflection mechanism to measure the speed of the liquid. The Transit-time meter measures the difference in frequencies of forward and reverses signals passed through the clean liquid. Transit-time works best in clean fluids without any particles or solids. As they are flexible, ultrasonic flow meters are widely used in many industries. That includes facilities management, chemical, paper and pulp, and mining sectors. Petrochemical, water, wastewater, and aquafarms also procure the technology. 2. Coriolis Flow Meters. They provide the measurement of true-mass flow from two designs: a single tube and two parallel tubes. They work through an oscillation that is induced within the tubes at indicated frequencies. It is based on Newton’s Second Law of Motion, the frequency of oscillation changes with a change in flow rate. Coriolis flowmeters are best suited for growing and broad collection of liquid and gas applications. They give multi-parameter details on temperature, density, and mass. Mainly used in the wastewater treatment facility, pharmaceutical manufacturing, gas facility, and nuclear facility 3. Gear Flow Meters. These use oval-shaped gears that are interlinked and rotates when liquid passes through them. The volume of fluid that passes through the oval gears is well controlled, which gives the meter higher accuracy. The structure is simple and rugged, which delivers the flexibility of installation in most types of environments. Gear meters are best suited for high-viscous fluids. The gear meters work well in the paper and pulp industry, oil and fuel transfer, and manufacturing. Because of stainless steel gears, they are best suited for petrochemical and any environment dealing in light to heavy oils.  4. Magnetic Flow Meters. They are also known as Magmeters and found in two types: full-bore and insertion. Magmeters work by assessing the electric content present in water or other fluids. The technology has no moving parts, and full-bore types provide no intrusion in the fluid stream. Magmeters are used in water purification, mining, food and beverage, paper and pulp, petroleum, and chemical industries. The use of Magmeters should be prevented in low-conductive liquids like de-ionized water. 5. Turbine Flow Meters. They have a bladed rotor connected to a centerline of a flowing stream. The rotator section provides a pulse while moving either an optical or a magnetic sensor. The pulse frequency is directly linked to the velocity of the liquid. Some turbine meters give higher accuracy and can deal with higher-viscous fluids. Two main applications for turbine flow meters are water purification and irrigation. However, they can also be applied in wastewater, utilities, and oil and gas industries. If accessed with proper sanitized connections, they manage flow in the food and beverage sectors. Not suited for a low-flowing stream. 6. Vortex Flow Meters. They use pressure sensors for measuring pressure pulse.  Pressure pulses are measured from vortices, which come from the flowing liquid passing a bluff object. A simple explanation for this can be the waving of the flag. The pulses and rate of flow are directly proportional. Although the vortex flow meter is lesser-known, it provides higher accuracy. The design is perfect for high-purity and aggressive applications. These meters are suitable for wastewater, food and beverage, oil and gas, and water industries. They can also be applied to chemical, utilities, and water purification. Be Wise While Choosing Flow Meters Although all the flow meters have their unique features, you must choose a flow meter wisely and based on your requirements. Consider factors like usage, sanitization, place of installation, pricing, maintenance, viscosity, temperature, etc., before making a decision. Make your choice that’s wide enough to cover your needs. The measurement accuracy depends on several factors. A low-cost, lower-quality meter will give lower accuracy results, while the same is true the other way around.

Read More »