Find HS Code and trade information for flowmeter

Flowmeter

A flowmeter (or flow gauge) is an instrument used to measure the volumetric or mass flow rate of a fluid moving through a pipe or channel. They are essential components in a wide range of industrial applications, including chemical processing, water treatment, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring.

Materials

Flowmeters are constructed from a variety of materials depending on the fluid being measured, pressure, temperature, and compatibility requirements. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel: Widely used for its corrosion resistance and durability, suitable for many fluids. Grades 304 and 316 are common.
• Carbon Steel: Lower cost option, used for non-corrosive fluids. Often coated for added protection.
• Plastic (PVC, PP, PVDF, PTFE): Used for corrosive fluids or applications where metal contamination is a concern.
• Glass: Used for visual inspection of flow and for corrosive fluids.
• Ceramic: Used for high-temperature applications or abrasive fluids.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a flowmeter is to accurately quantify the amount of fluid passing a specific point in a system over a period of time. This measurement is crucial for:

• Process Control: Maintaining desired flow rates for optimal operation.
• Batching and Blending: Accurately dispensing fluids in specific quantities.
• Leak Detection: Identifying abnormal flow patterns that may indicate leaks.
• Inventory Management: Tracking fluid consumption and production.
• Cost Allocation: Determining the cost of fluids used in various processes.

Flowmeters operate based on different principles to determine flow rate. These principles include:

• Velocity Measurement: Measuring the speed of the fluid.
• Differential Pressure: Measuring the pressure drop across a restriction in the flow path.
• Positive Displacement: Measuring the volume of fluid that passes through the meter.
• Mass Flow: Measuring the mass of fluid passing through the meter.

Usage Scenarios

Flowmeters are deployed in diverse applications:

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Monitoring water usage, flow to treatment processes, and effluent discharge.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Measuring crude oil flow in pipelines, gas flow in distribution networks, and flow in refineries.
• Chemical Processing: Controlling chemical feed rates, monitoring reactor flows, and blending processes.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Precise measurement of ingredients in drug manufacturing.
• Food and Beverage Industry: Controlling ingredient flows and monitoring production rates.
• HVAC Systems: Measuring airflow and water flow for efficient climate control.
• Power Generation: Monitoring steam flow and cooling water flow.

Common Types

Several types of flowmeters are commonly used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Differential Pressure Flowmeters (DP Flowmeters):
  • Orifice Plate: Simple and cost-effective, but can cause a significant pressure drop.
  • Venturi Meter: Lower pressure drop than orifice plates, but more expensive.
  • Flow Nozzle: Intermediate performance between orifice plates and venturi meters.
  • Pitot Tube: Measures velocity at a single point.
• Velocity Flowmeters:
  • Turbine Flowmeter: Accurate and reliable, but requires clean fluids.
  • Paddlewheel Flowmeter: Lower cost option, suitable for large pipes.
  • Vortex Flowmeter: Measures flow based on vortex shedding.
  • Ultrasonic Flowmeter: Non-intrusive, suitable for a wide range of fluids. (Doppler, Transit-Time)
• Positive Displacement Flowmeters:
  • Oval Gear Flowmeter: High accuracy, suitable for viscous fluids.
  • Rotary Vane Flowmeter: Accurate and reliable, suitable for a wide range of fluids.
• Mass Flow Flowmeters:
  • Coriolis Flowmeter: Highly accurate and can measure both mass and volumetric flow, but expensive.
  • Thermal Mass Flowmeter: Measures flow based on heat transfer.

The selection of the appropriate flowmeter depends on factors such as fluid type, flow rate, accuracy requirements, pressure, temperature, and cost.

Flowmeters are instruments used for measuring or checking the flow of liquids or gases. Based on the provided information, several HS codes may be applicable.

• 9026102040: This HS code falls under Chapter 90 (Instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases). Specifically, it is for instruments measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids, and is categorized as Electrical Flow meters. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 9026102080: Also within Chapter 90, this code covers instruments for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids, but is categorized as Electrical Other. This means it encompasses electrical flow meters not specifically classified under 9026102040. The total tax rate is 55.0%, with a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.
• 9028200000: This HS code is under Chapter 90, specifically for Gas, liquid or electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof, and is categorized as Liquid meters. The total tax rate is 16¢ each + 2.5% + 55.0%.

Please note that for HS code 9028200000, a base tariff of 16¢ per piece plus 2.5% applies in addition to the 55.0% total tax rate.