Flowmeter Selection for Hygienic Fluid Handling Applications Using Trade-off Analysis

Abstract

There are several types of flowmeters commercially available in the market today. The researchers found ultrasonic and electromagnetic flowmeters the viable alternatives for hygienic fluid handling applications. These types of flowmeters offer full bore un-obstructed pipe, allowing undisturbed fluid when measuring fluid flow. This key feature made these flowmeters easy to clean and maintain. Applications like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, ink refilling, and the like require this technology for they need no impurities to the fluid they are handling. Hence, the researchers used Trade-off analysis to select between the two viable alternatives the most suitable for hygienic fluid handling like the above-mentioned applications. The researchers selected Compatibility, Accuracy and Repeatability, and Cost as the criteria in the decision-making process. By using the Pairwise weighing method, the researchers come up with each criterion's respective weights of 74.4%, 10.6%, and 15%. With an overall performance of 57.83%, the researchers concluded that between the two alternatives, the ultrasonic flowmeter is the most suitable for hygienic fluid handling applications.