The steel industry, as an important pillar industry of the national economy, has put forward extremely high requirements for precise control of the production process. The precise measurement of fluid flow rate is directly related to process stability, product quality, and energy efficiency. The metal tube rotor flowmeter has become the core equipment for low flow rate and small flow measurement in the steel industry due to its high temperature and high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance, and large range ratio. This article will analyze its key role in steel production from three dimensions: technical principles, industry adaptability, and typical application scenarios.

1、 Technical principles and core advantages

The metal tube rotor flowmeter is based on the principle of variable area measurement, and reflects the flow rate by the position change of the float inside the vertical conical tube. When the fluid passes through the conical tube from bottom to top, the float rises to the equilibrium position under the action of flow velocity and buoyancy, and its height is linearly related to the flow rate. The displacement is converted into a scale indicator or electrical signal output through a magnetic coupling system. This technological path endows it with the following advantages:

Wide range ratio（10:1-20:1）A single device can cover a wide range of flow, reducing the number of instruments and maintenance costs.

Resistant to harsh working conditions: all metal structure (such as304/316LStainless steel, fluorine lined material) suitable for high temperature (maximum)400℃）High voltage（DN15-DN50Caliber up to25MPa）And strong corrosive media.

Low flow velocity measurement expertise: can accurately capture0.03-4000m³/h(Air) and1-200000L/hThe low flow rate signal of (water) meets the needs of segmented scenarios such as gas cooling and liquid transportation in the steel industry.

Intelligent integration capability: SupportsHARTAgreement4-20mATwo line output and pulse accumulation function, achieving andDCS/PLCSeamless integration of the system.

2、 Adaptability analysis of the steel industry

The steel production process covers ironmaking, steelmaking, and rolling, involving multi parameter control of high-temperature melts, corrosive gases, and low flow media. The adaptability of metal tube rotor flowmeter is reflected in:

High temperature melt flow control: In the steelmaking converter gas recovery system, this equipment can measure150-300℃The high-temperature gas flow rate is protected against thermal radiation interference through a jacket design, ensuring the efficiency and safety of gas recovery.

Corrosive medium monitoring: For hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid solutions in the pickling line, the fluorine lined float flowmeter can operate stably for a long time to avoid measurement deviation caused by corrosion.

Low flow rate gas metering: In the transportation of protective gas (such as argon) in the continuous casting machine crystallizer, the equipment can accurately capture it0.03m³/hSmall flow rate changes at different levels to prevent oxidation of molten steel.

Explosion proof environment compatibility: explosion-proof typeExdIICT6Certification makes it suitable for flammable and explosive areas such as gas cabinets and coal injection systems, ensuring production safety.

3、 Typical application scenarios

1. Blast furnace gas recovery system

Scenario description: The gas generated during the blast furnace ironmaking process needs to be cooled, dedusted, and recycled for reuse. The flowmeter is installed in the gas pipeline to monitor the recovery amount and optimize combustion control.
Technical implementation:

selectDN80Caliber, high temperature type（200℃）Flow meter, made of316Lstainless steel

passHARTThe protocol transfers traffic data toPLCThe linkage regulating valve controls the gas pressure.

The cumulative pulse output function enables daily recycling statistics and assists in energy efficiency management.

2. Converter oxygen lance gas supply system

Scenario description: During converter steelmaking, the oxygen gun needs to precisely control the oxygen flow rate to regulate the reaction rate of the molten pool.
Technical implementation:

Adopting a side inlet and side outlet flowmeter, compatible withDN50The Conduit.

4-20mAThe output signal is linked with the oxygen lance control system to adjust the gas supply in real-time.

The upper and lower limit alarm function prevents safety accidents caused by excessive flow.

3. Continuous casting machine crystallizer protective gas delivery

Scenario description: Argon gas is introduced into the crystallizer to isolate the air and prevent secondary oxidation of the molten steel.
Technical implementation:

selectDN25Low flow rate specialized flowmeter, measuring range0.03-10m³/h.

The magnetic coupling transmission mechanism ensures stable operation of the float and avoids interference from small bubbles.

Instantaneous LCD display/Accumulate flow and assist operators in adjusting the gas seal pressure.

4、 Technological Upgrades and Industry Trends

With the intelligent transformation of the steel industry, metal tube rotor flow meters are evolving in the following directions:

Multi parameter calibration: integrates temperature and pressure compensation functions to improve measurement accuracy under complex working conditions.

Wireless transmission: throughLoRa/NB-IoTTechnology enables remote monitoring and reduces manual inspection costs.

Self diagnostic function: Built in sensor health monitoring module, providing early warning of equipment failures.

Modular design: supports quick replacement of measuring tubes and floats, reducing downtime for maintenance.

V. Conclusion

The metal tube rotor flowmeter has become a benchmark equipment for flow measurement in the steel industry due to its technological maturity and scene adaptability. From energy efficiency optimization of blast furnace gas recovery, to precise control of converter oxygen lance, to safe transportation of continuous casting protective gas, its value runs through the entire chain of steel production. In the future, with the deep integration of intelligent sensing technology and industrial Internet, this equipment will further enable the high-quality development of the steel industry.