A CO2 flow meter is a device designed to measure the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas in a pipeline or process. They are used across industries like welding, beverage production, greenhouse gas monitoring, and medical gas delivery. Below is a concise overview based on your query:
 
Types of CO2 Flow Meters
Thermal Mass Flow Meters: Measure flow based on heat transfer from a heated surface to the gas. Ideal for precise CO2 control in applications like food preservation or water treatment.
Differential Pressure Flow Meters: Use pressure drop across a restriction (e.g., orifice plates) to calculate flow. Cost-effective but less accurate than other types.
Vortex Flow Meters: Measure vortices formed by gas passing an obstacle. Robust for harsh conditions like chemical processing.
Gas Turbine Flow Meters: Use a rotating turbine to measure flow rate. Suitable for carbonation in beverages or inert gas protection.
Coriolis Mass Flow Meters: Measure mass flow directly, ideal for volatile CO2 phases (gas, liquid, supercritical). Highly accurate for carbon capture applications.
Positive Displacement Flow Meters: Count gas-filled chambers for precise low-flow measurements, common in medical and food industries.
 
Key Specifications
Flow Range: Varies by application, from milliliters per minute (e.g., medical) to thousands of liters per minute (e.g., industrial). Common ranges include 0-50/120/300/800 L/min or 0-15 SCFH.
Accuracy: Typically 1-2% of reading (e.g., TSI 5310-5: ±2%).
Pressure Rating: Up to 1.5 MPa for standard models; higher for industrial use.
Output Signals: 4-20mA, RS485, pulse, or 0-5VDC for integration with control systems.
Power Supply: Often DC 8-24V or 120VAC (e.g., ASCO CO2 Flowmeter).
Calibration: CO2-specific calibration improves accuracy; some models lack temperature/pressure compensation, affecting readings under varying conditions.
Display: Digital displays for real-time flow, totalized flow, temperature, and pressure (e.g., VPInstruments models).
 
Applications
Welding: Ensures precise shielding gas flow for quality welds.
Beverage Production: Controls carbonation for consistent product quality.
Greenhouse Gas Monitoring: Tracks emissions for environmental compliance.
Medical Gas Delivery: Regulates CO2 for patient care.
Carbon Capture: Measures CO2 in dynamic phases for accurate accounting.
Food Industry: Used in freezing or carbonation processes.