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Flow Rate Control by Means of Flow Meter and PLC Controller
Sylwia Włodarczak1, Marek Ochowiak1, Michał Doligalski2
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Equipment, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2021
Summary
A novel flow meter design utilizing a programmable logic controller (PLC) enhances fluid control and automation possibilities. This cost-effective system, built with a turbine flow sensor, offers accurate flow rate measurement for diverse fluids.
Area of Science:
- Automation and Control Systems
- Fluid Dynamics Measurement
- Instrumentation and Measurement
Background:
- Traditional flow meters can be expensive and limited in automation capabilities.
- The integration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) offers advanced control and data acquisition potential.
- Educational applications of automation in engineering are increasingly important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, construct, and test a cost-effective flow meter system controlled by a PLC.
- To explore the didactic potential of using PLCs for fluid flow automation.
- To develop an algorithm and software for accurate flow rate measurement using a turbine sensor.
Main Methods:
- Designed and constructed a flow meter system centered around a PLC.
- Utilized a Gems Sensors FT-210 series turbine flow sensor for its low cost and chemical resistance (polyamide-12).
- Developed a control algorithm and software (APB Soft) for impulse counting and flow rate calculation.
- Compared the performance of the designed flow meter against a Krohne VA-40 high-accuracy rotameter.
Main Results:
- The designed PLC-based flow meter successfully measured fluid flow rate.
- The system demonstrated accurate readings of impulses from the turbine flow sensor.
- Performance results were comparable to a high-accuracy industrial rotameter, indicating system reliability.
Conclusions:
- The PLC-controlled flow meter provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for fluid flow measurement and automation.
- The system's design and implementation highlight the practical application and didactic value of PLCs in fluid control.
- The use of a polyamide-12 turbine sensor allows for the measurement of various fluid types.
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