The flowmeter is used in
process applications that need reliable metering, registering or monitoring of
bulk material flows. The flowmeter has no moving parts. The bulk material flows
through two force sensor stations that have no mechanical effect on the
material. Bulk material flows by gravity into the upper measuring channel, an
inclined chute mounted on a force transducer where the force, acting
perpendicularly on the chute is measured as mass. The bulk material then flows
into the lower, vertical channel, which determines velocity or acceleration
rate. From the signals of these two sensors the flow rate is determined per
unit of time. The bulk material can consist of granules, chips or fibers. Bulk
materials include plastics, chemicals, animal feed, cement, coal, glass,
aluminum, grain, etc; with very good to good flow characteristics. Since there
are no moving parts, bulk materials are handled gently.