Detailed Media vs.Flowmeter Selection Table

Media Subtype

Key Characteristics / Risks

Primary Recommendation

Alternative Options

Not Recommended (Reason)

Domestic / Industrial Clean Water

Conductive, clean, low viscosity

Magnetic Flowmeter

Ultrasonic (Clamp-on), Turbine (with filter)

Positive Displacement (clogging risk)

Deionized / Purified Water

Very low conductivity (< 5 µS/cm)

Ultrasonic Flowmeter (Transit-time)

Turbine Flowmeter (clean service only)

❌ Magnetic (non-conductive, no signal)

Cooling / Chilled Water

May contain bubbles or impurities

Magnetic Flowmeter

Ultrasonic (avoid strong bubbles)

Vortex (vibration sensitive)

Seawater

Corrosive, conductive, saline

Magnetic Flowmeter (Ti electrodes + Neoprene liner)

Ultrasonic (corrosion-free, lower accuracy)

PD, Turbine (salt crystallization/jamming)

Wastewater / Raw Water

Contains solids, fibers, possibly corrosive

Magnetic Flowmeter (wear-resistant liner)

Doppler Ultrasonic (requires bubbles/solids)

Turbine, Vortex (clogging/wear)

Slurry / Pulp

Highly abrasive, high solid content

Magnetic Flowmeter (Polyurethane liner)

Target Flowmeter (low-end applications)

PD, Turbine (wears out within minutes)

Acids / Alkalis (HCl, H₂SO₄, NaOH)

Highly corrosive, conductive

Magnetic Flowmeter (PTFE liner + Ta/Hastelloy electrodes)

Ultrasonic (clamp-on, non-contact)

Metal Rotameter, Turbine (corrosion)

Heavy Oil / Residue Oil

High viscosity (>300 cP), requires heating

Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

Positive Displacement (with heating jacket)

Vortex, Turbine (no signal at high viscosity)

Light Oil (Diesel, Gasoline, Kerosene)

Low viscosity, volatile, flammable

Turbine Flowmeter (explosion-proof)

Positive Displacement (high accuracy need)

Magnetic (non-conductive)

Crude Oil

Dirty, waxy, variable viscosity

Positive Displacement Flowmeter

Ultrasonic (multiphase-capable)

Turbine (jamming risk)

Liquefied Gas (LPG/LNG)

Low temperature, easy vaporization

Coriolis Mass Flowmeter (custody transfer)

Turbine (with pressure compensation)

Vortex (low temp + vibration sensitivity)

Saturated Steam

High temperature, phase change

Vortex Flowmeter (up to 350°C, anti-vibration)

Orifice Plate (traditional, reliable)

PD, Turbine (high temp damages moving parts)

Superheated Steam

High temperature, dry

Vortex Flowmeter (high-temp version required)

Bend Pipe Flowmeter (no moving parts)

Thermal Mass (temperature exceeds limit)

Compressed Air

Contains water, oil, rust, pulsation

Vortex Flowmeter (with air prep)

Thermal Mass (low flow ranges)

PD (oil/gum causes sticking)

Natural Gas

Clean, high pressure, custody transfer

Ultrasonic Gas Flowmeter (high accuracy)

Turbine (clean gas only), Roots (city gas)

Magnetic (non-conductive)

Nitrogen / Inert Gas

Dry, low flow rates

Thermal Mass Flowmeter (no compensation needed)

Vortex (sufficient flow required)

PD (overly costly)

Oxygen

Strong oxidizer, reacts with oil

Vortex Flowmeter (strictly degreased, oil-free)

Orifice Plate (degreased)

PD, Turbine (lubricants cause explosion)

Chlorine / Ammonia Gas

Toxic, corrosive

Ultrasonic Flowmeter (leak-free)

Vortex (special corrosion-resistant material)

PD (seal leak risk)

Food Liquids (Milk, Syrup)

Hygienic, requires CIP cleaning

Magnetic Flowmeter (sanitary tri-clamp)

Coriolis (mass/density measurement)

Turbine, PD (difficult to clean)

Melt (Plastic, Asphalt)

Very high viscosity, high temp (>200°C)

Coriolis Mass Flowmeter (with heat tracing)

Melt pump speed inference (non-instrument)

Almost all standard flowmeters (solidification)