Industrial measuring instruments are essential equipment for every factory. They make measurements more accurate, so products meet their design specifications. Depending on the type of instrument, they can measure many different values, such as water flow rate, weight, and temperature.
Which key industrial measuring instruments should every factory have, and how does each type work? Let’s find out in this article.
Table of Contents
- What Are Industrial Measuring Instruments?
- Why Use Industrial Measuring Instruments?
- Types of Industrial Measuring Instruments
- Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Measuring Instruments
- Summary: Industrial Measuring Instruments
What Are Industrial Measuring Instruments?
Industrial measuring instruments are designed to measure the values involved in manufacturing products in industrial plants. The measured values are processed and used to keep production in line with the required standards.
Examples of values that industrial measuring instruments can measure include:
- Weight
- Water flow rate
- Tank water level
- Temperature
- Frequency
- Pressure
- Electrical values
- Electronic values
There are many other values that industrial instruments can measure and perform basic control on, allowing the production process to be managed efficiently.
Industrial measuring instruments serve two main purposes:
- To obtain raw values, without analyzing the figures further
- To control values, by comparing the measured value with the desired setpoint so production can be kept as close to plan as possible
Because the purpose of industrial measuring instruments can vary depending on the factory or the type of product made, they are designed to measure in fine detail with high accuracy, so they can be used to their full potential in all kinds of industrial plants.
Industrial plants therefore rely on industrial measuring instruments to achieve their planned output. Producing according to plan reduces costs and saves time, while also improving safety and efficiency within the factory.
Why Use Industrial Measuring Instruments?
Why are industrial measuring instruments so important, why do factories need dedicated instruments, and are they really better than general-purpose tools? As mentioned, industrial measuring instruments work with greater precision and accuracy than general-purpose tools so they can handle the demands of different industrial plants. As a result, they measure the values needed in industry better than general tools that were not designed specifically for this work.
That’s why industrial plants that need to control production standards choose industrial measuring instruments that fully meet their needs.
Types of Industrial Measuring Instruments
Now that you know what industrial measuring instruments are, the next question many people ask is what types there are. Industrial measuring instruments can be divided into the following main categories:
- Flow meters
- Weighing instruments
- Gauges
- Other equipment
You can read about what each type of industrial measuring instrument does and which instruments are available in the subsections below, or see more in our industrial instrumentation business group.
Flow Meters
Flow meters, or flow rate measuring instruments, measure the flow rate of various substances. Each type of flow meter works on a different principle. Examples of flow meters include:
Thermal Mass Flow Meters
Thermal mass flow meters measure the mass flow rate of fluids or gases, using sensors to detect flow accurately. Examples include:
- The ST100 SERIES thermal mass flow meter, one of the models with the most advanced sensor technology. It processes data quickly and offers multiple output formats, including analog, ratio, and a range of advanced digital outputs.
- The MT86 thermal mass flow meter, which can measure mass flow at multiple points with up to 16 sensor points, delivering high accuracy and reliable measurement results.
Thermal Mass Flow Switch
Thermal mass flow switches also detect and monitor mass flow. One example is the FLT93L thermal mass flow switch, a type of FlexSwitch that is highly flexible and accurate, as well as durable with a long service life.
Flow Meter
Flow meters measure the flow rate of various substances, including gases. For example, the ST75 flow meter is especially space-saving and cost-effective, available in sizes from 6 mm to 51 mm. It can detect many types of gas, from natural gas, methane, hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide to inert gases.
Flow Conditioners
Flow conditioners rebalance the flow profile when it has been distorted by components such as elbows, valves, blowers, and compressors, or by other flow disturbances. Flow conditioners keep the flow symmetrical and steady, so flow rate can be measured accurately. An example product is the Flow Conditioners The VIP (Vortab Insertion Panel).
Weighing Instruments
As the name suggests, weighing instruments measure the weight of various substances. They are made up of several components that help measure weight accurately, including load cells, weigh transmitters, and summing boxes.
Load Cell
A load cell measures weight by converting the force a substance exerts on the cell into an electrical signal, which is then shown on a display for people to read. An example is the KIS-11 load cell, available in capacities of 50, 100, and 125 kN. It is portable and easy to install, making it suitable for many types of factories, including hazardous areas.
Weigh Transmitter
As the name suggests, a weigh transmitter converts the measured weight into an analog signal or another readable format. For example, the WST 3 weigh transmitter can accurately convert values into both analog and digital outputs, with processing times of less than 20 milliseconds.
Summing Box
A summing box combines the signals from multiple load cells into a single output, which is then converted for display. For example, the SL5 summing box can combine signals from 4 load cells, connects to load cells easily, and is resistant to harsh environments.
Tank Gauging Systems
Tank gauging systems measure the volume or level of liquid in tanks. There are several ways of measuring from the tank itself, including tank level measurement, temperature measurement, and fork level detection.
Radar Level Gauge
A radar level gauge measures the liquid level in a tank. If you’re wondering what level gauges can be used for and how to choose one that suits your needs, it comes down to the model you choose. For example, The Rosemount 5900S Radar Level Gauge can measure levels with an accuracy of ±0.5 mm, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from liquefied gas and crude oil to asphalt.
Temperature Transmitter & Sensor
Temperature transmitters and sensors measure and convert industrial temperature readings. Some devices measure and convert in a single unit, while others work as a pair of devices. One example is the Multi Spot Temp Sensor 565, which has multiple temperature sensing points, each connected to a temperature transmitter.
Vibrating Fork Level Switch
A vibrating fork level switch detects level using frequency. When the device passes through different media, the frequency changes, allowing it to detect the level of liquids or chemicals in a tank. An example is the Vibrating Fork 2130 level switch, which is robust, durable, highly safe, easy to use, and very accurate.
Pressure Transmitter
A pressure transmitter measures pressure and converts the reading into an analog or digital signal. An example is the 3051 Pressure Transmitter, which does it all in a single device.
Some people may also ask: what is a pressure gauge? A pressure gauge measures pressure only, without converting the reading into a signal.
Other Essential Equipment for Industrial Instrumentation
Other types of industrial measuring instruments are supporting tools that help improve safety in industrial plants and record data reliably, so you have nothing to worry about. These include electrical and electronic test and measurement instruments and indicators.
Electronic Test and Measurement
Electronic test and measurement instruments measure everything related to electricity, including voltage, electrical resistance, and electrical power in watts, for example Lightning Surge Protectors.
Indicator
An indicator relays signals from transmitters or measuring instruments so operators can easily monitor and check them, for example the 47NL Series indicator.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Measuring Instruments
Are industrial measuring instruments the same as precision measuring instruments?
Industrial measuring instruments differ from precision measuring instruments in that industrial control systems may have to operate in environments that are not particularly safe, so they need highly durable equipment. Industrial measuring instruments are designed to be highly robust while also measuring precisely and accurately, whereas precision measuring instruments are not designed to be as strong, durable, or suited to industrial work.
Which industrial measuring tools are used for QC?
The tools used for QC include:
- Check Sheet
- Pareto Diagram
- Stratification
- Cause & Effect Diagram
- Scatter Diagram
- Control Chart
- Histogram
Summary: Essential Industrial Measuring Instruments for Factories
Industrial measuring instruments, or measuring tools for industrial technicians, are vital equipment in almost every industry, as they help improve work efficiency and safety in industrial plants. If you’d like advice or more information, contact us at +662 939-5711 (12 lines), +662 513-2333 (12 lines), or +662 939-4207-8.
References
Introduction to Industrial Instrumentation. Retrieved 30 October 2023, https://automationforum.co/introduction-to-industrial-instrumentation/
Understand what Industrial Instrumentation is and what it is for. Retrieved 30 October 2023, https://www.altus.com.br/en/post/385/understand-what-industrial-instrumentation-is-and-what-it-is-for
THE 7 BASIC QUALITY TOOLS FOR PROCESS IMPROVEMENT. Retrieved 30 October 2023, https://asq.org/quality-resources/seven-basic-quality-tools