Flow Meters Vs. Load Cells: How Do They Measure Up?

By Liz Braden, CSI

While flow meters and load cells are two very different technologies, their paths may sometimes overlap. In fact, it is not always easy to decide which technology would be best suited for a certain application.

For instance, when outfitting a tank for batching, you must select a method for measuring the amounts of each ingredient added. A flow meter may be the first device that comes to mind. However, the load cell might actually be the better solution.

A flow meter may come in many forms, but it is usually an in-line device that measures the rate or flow of a fluid — either in volume or mass. On the other hand, a load cell is a device that allows for the contents of a tank or vessel to be weighed.