With the rapid advancement of smart agriculture, efficient and precise irrigation systems have become essential components of modern vegetable greenhouses. Flow meters, serving as the "eyes" of sprinkler irrigation systems, directly determine water and fertilizer utilization efficiency and crop yields. Currently, mainstream electromagnetic flow meters, turbine flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters each have their own advantages and limitations. How should farmers make informed choices? Yigeqi has summarized the following selection recommendations:
1. Selection Recommendations
(1)Preferred Applications for Electromagnetic Flow Meters
Complex Media: Irrigation water containing fertilizers, pesticides, or organic particles (e.g., organic fertilizer solutions).
High Precision Requirements: Integrated water-fertilizer systems demanding ≤1% liquid-to-fertilizer ratio deviation (e.g., hydroponic tomato cultivation).
Long-Term Usage: Reduced maintenance needs, ideal for large-scale commercial greenhouses (area ≥1 hectare).
(2)Scenarios prioritizing turbine flow meters
Limited budget: Small family greenhouses or demonstration projects (cost-sensitive).
Clean medium: Water source is filtered well water/tap water (no particles).
Short-term use: Seasonal cultivation, acceptable for periodic disassembly and cleaning.
(3)Priority selection of ultrasonic flowmeter scenarios
The pipeline has been renovated: the installation of the pipeline cannot be cut off (external clamping).
Large diameter measurement: main pipeline flow monitoring (DN50 and above cost advantages are obvious).
Temporary monitoring: mobile irrigation equipment or pilot projects.
2. Installation Guidelines
Electromagnetic Flow Meter: Avoid use in pure water or low-conductivity liquids (conductivity ≥5μS/cm). Install away from variable frequency drives to prevent signal fluctuations caused by electromagnetic interference.
Turbine Flow Meter: Install a filter (over 80 mesh) to prevent impeller blockage by sand or gravel. Lubricate bearings every three months to maintain accuracy.
Ultrasonic Flow Meter: Rust or scale buildup on pipe walls may cause signal attenuation – require regular calibration. Avoid installing at pump outlet as turbulence affects measurement.
Although the initial cost of electromagnetic flowmeter is high, its long-term stability and low maintenance characteristics make it an optimal solution for large intelligent greenhouse sprinkler irrigation system. For small greenhouses, turbine or ultrasonic flowmeter can be selected according to cost.
