total ink usage flowmeter

[richerdick]

any recomendations for which type of devices i could use to totalise the flow of newsprint ink (a similar consistancy to grease). the flow rate is low maybe 1-2 l an hour on demand and zero when off demand
thanks

 

[itsmoked]

Sounds like a job for a paddle wheel flow meter. They give a pulse each turn of the wheel and maybe after each pass of a paddle. You can just add up the pulses with a counter.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[jmw]

FTI (Flow Technology Inc) meters has a new low flow ultrasonic meter which is intended to fill the gap left by bottom end coriolis meters. This could be worth investigation.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[unclesyd]

Here is the Intek meter we use for various materials.

http://www.intekflow.com/products/rheotherm-flow-instruments/low-flow-meters-liquid/default.html

 

[JimCasey]

Ink is abrasive.

The paddle wheel meter would suffer mortification of the bearings if the velocity were high enough in this case to get the wheel to turn (unlikely).

The velocity would be so low that the ultrasonic meter would likely not see a meaningful doppler or transit-time difference.

I'm thinking your best choice would either be a coriolis meter or just a weight-loss system on the ink tank. Ink has to weigh around 2 1/2 pounds per liter.

 

[jmw]

Jim,
the FTI meter has been developed especially for the very low flow conditions where coriolis cannot go or is too expensive. This means that your argument will have been addressed (I would believe).
Of course, I would have to compare the declared flow rates with the technologies to see where we are in the selection criteria but given that the meter is intended as a crossover device I would suggest looking at both technologies to make a choice.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[Cat3347]

I like the idea of using weight/level of the ink tank.

 

[jmw]

Ink supply systems usually have a mixing tank into which solvents are added according to the viscosity of the ink. Periodically they are also topped up from the raw ink drum.
Ink then flows to the printing machine and the overflow returns to the mixing tank, having suffered some solids depletion and some solvents depletion.
Tank level therefore is often in a continuous state of flux. Flow measurement is not so easy either as you must usually reconcile the flow and return of ink to the press.
However, I am judging this by the types of printing application I have been involved in (bank notes.... I must say the sight of several pallets of high denomination bank notes stacked up around you is a bit distracting at first)and most of the inks were somewhat less viscous, once prepared for the printing press, than grease.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[itsmoked]

I can't believe ink is that abrasive it's pumped by pumps...

http://www.omega.com/toc_asp/subsectionSC.asp?subsection=F&book=Green&all=1

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com