Low Flow Flowmeters

Low flow flowmeters are engineered for precise measurement of liquids at extremely low flow rates where accuracy, repeatability, and reliability are critical. Fluidyne’s Series 6610 low flow flowmeters are based on the proven oscillating piston positive displacement principle, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications involving chemicals, solvents, oils, and other process fluids.

Unlike velocity-based technologies, low flow flowmeters using oscillating piston design provide true volumetric measurement. Each mechanical movement of the piston corresponds to a fixed and repeatable volume of fluid, ensuring consistent performance even under fluctuating pressures and pulsating flow conditions. This makes Series 6610 low flow flowmeters particularly suitable for chemical dosing flowmeter applications where precision directly impacts process quality and cost control.

Designed for high-pressure, low-flow duty, Fluidyne low flow flowmeters maintain accuracy across a wide operating range while remaining unaffected by changes in viscosity, density, or temperature. Their compact construction allows easy integration into skid-mounted systems, dosing panels, and automated batching systems.

Core Information

The configuration of low flow flowmeters in the Fluidyne Series 6610 is centered around a precision-machined oscillating piston measuring chamber. As liquid enters the meter, differential pressure across the piston causes it to oscillate within a closely controlled cylindrical chamber. Each oscillation displaces a fixed volume of fluid, forming the basis of accurate volumetric measurement.

This positive displacement configuration ensures that measurement accuracy is independent of flow profile or Reynolds number. As a result, low flow flowmeters do not require upstream or downstream straight pipe lengths, making them ideal for compact installations. The tight mechanical clearances between the piston and chamber minimize internal leakage, allowing reliable measurement even at very low flow rates.

The piston movement is mechanically transmitted to a magnetic coupling or gear-driven pulse pickup. Each piston cycle generates a proportional pulse output, which can be processed by batch controllers, PLCs, or local indicators. This configuration makes Series 6600 low flow flowmeters highly effective as chemical dosing flowmeters, enabling precise control over small batch quantities and dosing volumes.

Fluidyne low flow flowmeters are designed for high-pressure operation, with robust meter bodies constructed from aluminum or stainless steel depending on application requirements. Seal materials are selected to ensure compatibility with aggressive chemicals, solvents, and oils. The internal flow path is optimized to maintain predictable pressure drop while ensuring smooth piston operation across the full operating range.

For hazardous area applications, the mechanical measuring principle remains non-electrical, while signal transmission can be achieved using ATEX-compliant flameproof (Ex d) pickups or transmitters. This configuration enhances operational safety without compromising measurement performance.

  • True volumetric measurement using oscillating piston technology
  • High accuracy at extremely low flow rates

  • Consistent performance under high-pressure conditions

  • Measurement unaffected by viscosity or density variations
  • Excellent repeatability for dosing and batching applications
  • Low minimum start-up flow ensures reliable low-end measurement
  • Stable metering under pulsating flow conditions
  • No requirement for straight pipe lengths
  • Ideal chemical dosing flowmeter for industrial processes
  • Compatible with ATEX flameproof instrumentation

Fluidyne Series 6610 low flow flowmeters are widely used in chemical dosing systems, additive injection skids, laboratory dispensing units, and precision batching systems. Their rugged construction, proven oscillating piston principle, and high-pressure capability make them a dependable choice for applications where low flow accuracy and process reliability are non-negotiable.

  • Accuracy up to ±0.1% of reading
  • Repeatability better than ±0.02%
  • Positive displacement oscillating piston measurement
  • Reliable performance at very low flow and high pressure
  • Measurement independent of viscosity and flow profile
  • Suitable for chemical dosing and precision batching

Applications

Accurate measurement of very small fluid quantities is increasingly important across industries where even minor errors can lead to significant losses, inefficiencies, or compromised quality. Low flow flowmeters are specialized instruments designed to measure precise flow rates ranging from just a few milliliters per minute to a few liters per hour. Their role is not limited to laboratory or test bench use — they have become indispensable in industrial, automotive, marine, chemical, and energy applications where accuracy, repeatability, and reliability are paramount.

Below are the detailed applications of low flow flowmeters across key industries.

Automotive and Transportation

  • Engine Testing and Calibration
  • Diesel Fuel Consumption Monitoring
  • Fleet Management

Power Generation

  • Diesel Generators
  • Boilers and Turbines
  • SCADA Integration

Marine and Shipping

  • Voyage Fuel Efficiency
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Return Line Measurement

Chemical and Process Industries

  • Chemical Dosing
  • Batch Processing
  • Corrosive Fluids

Oil & Gas and Petrochemical

  • Lubricant and Additive Injection
  • Pilot Fuel Measurement
  • Hydrocarbon Sampling

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

  • Dosing of Active Ingredients
  • Sterile Fluids and Bioprocessing
  • Laboratory Applications

Food and Beverage Industry

  • Flavor and Syrup Dosing
  • Nutritional Additives
  • Quality Control

Environmental and Water Treatment

  • Chlorine Dosing
  • Flocculants and Coagulants
  • Air Emissions Monitoring

Research and Laboratory Applications

  • Prototype Testing
  • Experimental Fluid Studies
  • Calibration and Benchmarking

Related Product

Series 6600

Series 6600

Retail Dispensing Unit

Series 6610

Series 6610

Retail Dispensing Unit

FAQ’s

What is a low flow flowmeter?

Low-flow flowmeters are devices designed to measure extremely small flow rates of liquids or gases, typically in the range of a few milliliters per minute (ml/min) up to a few liters per hour (L/h). They are essential in applications where accuracy, repeatability, and minimal pressure drop are critical.

Fluidyne’s low flow flowmeters are available in sizes DN15, DN10 and DN06 sizes. They are engineered with precise tolerances to handle very small flow rates with high accuracy. Depending on the model, the minimum measurable flow rate can be as low as 1 LPH (liter per hour) for petrochemical applications. This makes them ideal for precision monitoring where even the smallest variations in consumption or dosing need to be recorded reliably.

Fluidyne low flow flowmeters benefit a wide range of industries where precise fuel or liquid monitoring is critical. These include the chemical dosing, pharmaceuticals, and process industries, where accuracy at low flow rates is essential.

They are also used in the automotive sector for engine testing and fuel consumption studies, power generation for diesel gensets and boilers, marine and shipping for propulsion fuel monitoring, and manufacturing industries using furnace oil, LSHS, or lubricants.

Fluidyne low flow flowmeters are versatile instruments capable of measuring a wide variety of fluids with precision. These include light and heavy fuels such as diesel, petrol, kerosene, furnace oil, and LSHS; lubricating and hydraulic oils; coolants and additives in automotive and industrial systems; and a wide range of process chemicals, solvents, acids and dosing agents. Their robust design ensures accurate, repeatable measurement across both thin and viscous liquids.

Yes, Fluidyne oscillating piston flowmeters are widely used as chemical dosing flowmeters and low flow flowmeters because they are easy to install and maintain. 

Their compact, robust design allows simple in-line mounting without any straight length requirements, making them suitable for space-saving installations. 

With single rotor design, maintenance involves only periodic filter cleaning and inspection, ensuring reliable performance, long service life, and highly accurate measurement in demanding fuel, chemical, and industrial applications.