The superior accuracy of the arc electrode magnetic flowmeter: A numerical study

The superior accuracy of the arc electrode magnetic flowmeter is demonstrated by optimizing its weight function and comparing its performance downstream of a 90° elbow and gate valve (50% open) with that of an optimized multipoint (six‐electrode) and single‐point electrode flowmeter. Research literature is inconclusive on the necessary angle of arc electrode magnetic flowmeters, as well as the required spacing for multipoint flowmeters to optimize meter accuracy. This article determines the optimum configurations for both arc and multipoint flowmeters using the coefficient of variation of the weight function as the basis for optimization. This study illustrates that the accuracy of multipoint electrode flowmeters exhibits the same oscillatory behavior of single‐point flowmeters, but the magnitude of the deviation is greatly reduced. The numerical study also provides supporting evidence that the optimized arc electrode flowmeter is superior to the optimized multipoint and single‐point electrode flowmeters. Article Impact Statement Arc electrode flowmeters have the potential to increase the conservation of water through improved accuracy readings.