New Baumer Flow Sensor for High-Pressure, Large Diameter Applications

Baumer, a global leader in process sensors, encoders, and instruments, has released its newest product, the PFM43 water flow meter. This sensor is specialized for industrial water applications, like pumping stations, as it can withstand high pressures and be installed in large-diameter pipes.

The latest flow measurement device, the PFM43, can reduce the cost and labor associated with flow measurement installation. Image used courtesy of Baumer

Sensing Water Flow Rate

Baumer has worked to simplify flow monitoring in industrial water applications with the PFM43 electromagnetic immersion flow meter. 

Magnetic flow meters are the traditional monitoring approach with continuous measuring tubes, which can be costly and time-consuming to install since they require removing and replacing an entire pipe segment. This burden is especially true in applications with large-diameter pipes. The new PFM43 provides users with easy and rapid installation, even in existing pipelines, with a simple drill-and-weld process. This simple installation translates to significant time and cost savings. Additionally, the sensors have a measurement accuracy of less than 2%, which helps to ensure efficient operation of systems.

Different models in this sensor series provide sensing elements that extend into the flow channel ranging from 176 mm to 462 mm. All models yield the same accuracy and pressure tolerance.

Baumer’s 244 mm long PFM43 electromagnetic immersion flow sensor to fit pipe diameters from DN80 to DN1000. Image used courtesy of Baumer

Simple Installation in Large Pipe Diameters

The Baumer PFM43 is designed to provide an affordable and efficient flow meter for large pipes ranging from DN80 to DN2000 (which roughly equals 3” to 80” in diameter). Its robust design can handle water pressures up to 100 bar, or roughly 1450 psi. Typically, measuring volume flow and velocity in such conditions requires costly and complex magnetic-inductive flow meters with continuous measuring tubes.

The PFM43 simplifies this with easy installation and operation. Each model weighs no more than 5 kg, which allows for one-person installation even in large pipes, saving time and reducing costs. It measures volume flow, velocity, and temperature and can be easily parameterized via USB with the Baumer Control Panel (BCP). The PFM43 offers comparable performance to more expensive magmeters but is more cost-effective and user-friendly, enhancing Baumer’s portfolio for industrial water applications.

The PFM43 depicted collecting volume and flow rate at a water storage and treatment facility. Image used courtesy of Baumer

Water Flow Sensing Applications

The high-pressure capacity and large diameter compliance make this an ideal sensor for use in pumping stations where high pressures are common due to large elevation differences. Water storage and treatment facilities must also be capable of handling a large flow volume at high pressures, and a cost-effective sensor with faster installation is of great benefit when many sensors must be integrated along a municipal water system.

Baumer Leading the Way for Process Sensing

Industrial automation contains an incredible variety of sensors. Process sensors are critical because they are often installed in processes that affect our everyday lives, such as water and waste systems. They do not simply detect discrete events but rather provide continuous analog metrics about the various systems. Baumer strives to deliver top-notch performance in all sorts of sensors, including process, discrete, vision, safety, and even the cables and accessories that support an accurate installation process for years of reliable service.