Flow Meters

Flow meters and flow counters are used wherever liquids need to be precisely measured, dispensed, or filled.

FLUX flow meters operate on the wobble-disc, oval wheel, or turbine wheel principles and cover flow rates from 0.04 to 380 l/min at viscosities up to 500,000 mPas—whether used as portable units on drum pumps or as stationary units in piping systems.

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FMC Swashplate Counter

Cycloidal disc principle

FMO Oval Wheel Meter

Oval Wheel Principle

FMT Turbine Wheel Meter

Turbine Wheel Principle

FLUXTRONIC®

Data Acquisition Electronics

Overview

FLUX flow meters measure flow rates from 0.04 to 380 l/min for viscosities up to 500,000 mPas and operating pressures up to 200 bar.

Three Measurement Principles

Swash plate (FMC), oval impeller (FMO), turbine impeller (FMT)—cover the entire spectrum: from low-viscosity fluids to high-viscosity specialty chemicals, whether used in mobile drum pumps or stationary systems.

Wide measurement range

0.04 – 380 l/min, up to 500,000 mPas, up to 200 bar

Versatile Use

Mobile, with drum and container pumps, or stationary in piping systems

Certifications

Explosion protection, 3-A, EC 1935/2004, FDA CFR 21 – depending on the model

Advantages

Precise Measurement of High-Viscosity Liquids

Up to 500,000 mPas—reliably measures bitumen, resins, and high-viscosity oils as well.

Measure regardless of position

Works in any installation position—horizontal, vertical, or at an angle—without the need for readjustment.

Semi-automatic dosing

Fill preprogrammed quantities at the push of a button—with signals sent to valves and the PLC.

Portable and easy to handle

Mechanical counting unit attached directly to the JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX – 0.24 kg, ready for immediate use.

Applications

Typical Applications and Areas of Use for FLUX Flow Meters

Small-Volume Dosing

Filling small quantities from canisters and drums—on the go with JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX and FMT.

High-viscosity fluids

Oils, resins, bitumen up to 500,000 mPas – FMO oval wheel flowmeter, even with pulsating flow.

Semi-automatic filling

Preprogrammed target quantities at the push of a button – FLUXTRONIC® with signal output to valves and PLC.

Ex-protected measurement

Flammable media and solvents – FMC and FMO in explosion-proof versions.

On-site equipment measurement

In-line measurement in piping systems – FMO for pressures up to 200 bar, low pressure loss.

Food & Pharmaceuticals

FDA- and FOOD-compliant designs—for safe dosing in hygiene-sensitive areas.

Flow Meters in Practical Applications

Case studies from the industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics sectors—featuring solutions for highly viscous and sensitive media.

Safe Fuel Dosing in Hazardous Areas 

Safe and precise metering of gasoline in ATEX-compliant environments—with the F 460 Ex, FMC 100 Ex, and FLUXTRONIC® flow meters for low-emission filling.

Filling High-Viscosity Syrups More Quickly and with Greater Control

High-viscosity glucose syrup is transferred from IBCs to mixing tanks using an F 580 S FOOD eccentric screw pump—filling time reduced from 120 to 45 minutes.

IBC Oil Dosing with ±1% Accuracy

IBC dosing of mineral oils with ±1% accuracy. Automatic batch filling system with flow meter and refill control.

Accurately dispensing solvents from IBCs

Precisely fill solvents from IBCs using an ATEX-certified filling system and flow meter—no overfilling or underfilling.

Knowledge and Technology

Selecting the right flowmeter depends on the medium, viscosity, and process conditions. The following sections explain the three measurement principles, the modular design, and the capabilities of the FLUXTRONIC® signal conditioning electronics.

Three Measurement Principles: Nutating Disc, Oval Wheel, Turbine Wheel

FLUX flow meters operate according to three measurement principles: The FMC series uses the wobble disc principle—the flow sets a wobble disc in motion, and its rotations indicate the volume of fluid measured. The FMO series operates on the oval wheel principle—the medium drives oval wheels in a measuring chamber, and a reed sensor counts the revolutions. The FMT series relies on the turbine wheel principle with a freely rotating turbine measuring wheel and a mechanical counter. When combined with the FLUXTRONIC® evaluation electronics, the FMC and FMO can be expanded into semi-automatic dosing stations—with batch operation and signal output.

Measuring Principles and Design of FLUX Flow Meters

  • Three measuring principles: wobble disc (FMC), oval wheel (FMO), turbine wheel (FMT)
  • Wide measurement range: 0.04 – 380 l/min, up to 500,000 mPas, up to 200 bar
  • Flexible application: Mobile with drum and container pumps or stationary in piping systems
  • Can be automated: FLUXTRONIC® for semi-automatic filling and dosing processes

Measurement Principles and Recommended Applications

Swashplate: FMC/FMJ – for low- to medium-viscosity fluids

Low- to medium-viscosity fluids (up to 2,500 mPas), including those with light contamination. Mobile use with drum pumps and container pumps from the 400 series, or stationary use in plant engineering. FMC models are suitable for batch operation; FMJ models are only suitable for normal operation (no automatic operation).

The FMC/FMJ series flow meters operate on the swivel disc principle. In this system, the flow sets the swivel disc in motion. The FLUXTRONIC® evaluation unit calculates the volume dispensed based on the number of rotations. For maximum measurement accuracy, the system must always be completely filled with flow or liquid.

  • The FMC/FMJ flow meters are primarily used with our Series 400 drum pumps and container pumps
  • They are also suitable for stationary use in plant engineering
  • The FMJ should only be used if batch operation (automatic filling at the push of a button) is not required
  • FMC flow meters are also suitable for batch operation (automatic operation)
  • Also suitable for measurements in hazardous areas
  • For applications involving low-viscosity liquid media such as acids, alkalis, fuels (gasoline, diesel), water, oils, highly flammable media, solvents, and even slightly contaminated liquids
Oval impeller: FMO – for a wide viscosity range (up to 500,000 mPas) and pulsating flow rates

Wide viscosity range (up to 500,000 mPas), even with pulsating flow rates (compressed-air diaphragm pumps). Mobile use with drum, container, and eccentric screw pumps, or stationary use in plants. Sizes FMO 101/102 for small flow rates, FMO 104/110 for medium flow rates, and FMO 140/150 for large flow rates.

The flow meters of the FMO series consist of a measuring chamber with oval wheels. The medium flows through the measuring chamber, thereby driving the oval wheels. A reed sensor counts the number of revolutions made during this process and transmits this data to the FLUXTRONIC®. The FLUXTRONIC® calculates the flow rate of the medium based on a previously entered, medium-specific calibration constant.

  • FMO 101 and FMO 102 for low flow rates
  • The FMO 104 and FMO 110 are primarily used with our drum pumps, container pumps, and eccentric screw pumps
  • The FMO 140 and 150 are primarily used in larger systems
  • The FMO units are suitable for automatic filling (batch operation) of fluids at the push of a button
  • For applications and liquids in hazardous areas
  • Also available with FDA/FOOD certification
  • For pure and highly viscous liquids, such as acids, alkalis, fuels (gasoline, diesel), water, oils, solvents, highly flammable media, and non-self-lubricating media
Impeller: FMT – for low-viscosity, non-flammable fluids

Low-viscosity, non-flammable fluids (up to 40 mPas). Purely mechanical metering unit, specifically designed for mobile use with JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX pumps. Cost-effective alternative to FMC/FMJ.

Flow meters and flow meters of the FMT series based on the turbine wheel principle:
The FMT 120 PP flow meter operates according to the turbine wheel principle. It uses a turbine measuring wheel that rotates freely in the liquid flow. The medium flowing through the flow meter sets the turbine impeller in rotational motion, which is measured and evaluated. The partial and total volumes are displayed on the five-digit LCD screen.

  • The FMT flow meter is primarily used with our JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX drum pumps for smaller flow rates and filling volumes
  • An affordable alternative to our FMC/FMJ flow meters and flow counters
  • For neutral, low-viscosity, and non-flammable liquids

Materials and Applications

Polypropylene (PP): FMC, FMT 

Acids, alkalis—a standard material with high chemical resistance.

Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE): FMC

Concentrated acids, corrosive media – greater resistance than PP.

Stainless steel (S): FMC, FMO

Solvents, fuels, food, cosmetics—suitable for use in hazardous areas.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): FMO 

Acids, alkalis, corrosive chemicals.

Aluminum (Al): FMO

Fuels, mineral oils, heating oils.

A Direct Comparison of the Series

An overview of the most important specifications and features—for selection and comparison.

Feature
FMC
FMO
FMT
FLUXTRONIC®
 
Measurement Principle Swashplate Oval wheel Turbine wheel Signal Processing Electronics
Flow Rate 10–250 l/min 0.04 – 380 l/min 5–120 l/min
Max. viscosity 2,500 mPas 500,000 mPas 40 mPas
Max. operating pressure 6 bar 200 bar 10 bar
Max. temperature 80 °C 120 °C 50 °C
Materials PP, ETFE, stainless steel PVDF, stainless steel, aluminum PP PP
Explosion protection ✓ (Stainless steel versions) ✓ (Zone 1)
FDA/FOOD n/a
Calibratable
✓ Calibration based on medium
FLUXTRONIC®
Application Mobile / Stationary Mobile / Stationary Mobile (JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX) Wall- or product-mounted
Ideal for Changing media, including contaminated media High-viscosity, pulsating, high-pressure Small quantities, mobile Semi-automatic filling
  FMC FMO FMT FLUXTRONIC®

The maximum flow rate is a test bench value, measured with water at 20 °C at the pump’s discharge port, without any attachments (hose, dispensing nozzle, flow meter). The flow rate that can be achieved in practice is lower and depends on the specific application, the properties of the fluid, and the pump configuration. Specifications are for an axial rotor, unless otherwise stated.

From Measurement to Safe Filling

FLUX flow meters precisely measure flow rates and support reproducible dosing processes. When combined with FLUX pumps, motors, and compatible accessories, they form pre-assembled filling systems for manual, semi-automatic, or legally metered applications.

Kits with a dispensing nozzle are suitable for simple filling tasks. Systems featuring FLUXTRONIC® enable reproducible dosing. For filling operations subject to calibration requirements under the Prepackaged Goods Ordinance, the FLUX FILL GT with weighing technology is available.

From Measurement to Filling

Pump, motor, hose, discharge fitting—all designed to work together, ready for immediate use.

Reproducible dosing

With FLUXTRONIC®, defined quantities can be reliably reproduced.

For various media

Suitable for many liquids used in the chemical, industrial, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Calibrated in accordance with FPackV

FLUX-FILL GT Filling System, a compact, semi-automatic filling system with weighing technology for accurate, efficient filling of fluids

Ready to use right away

Pre-assembled systems reduce the amount of coordination required during the process.

Downloads

Documents, catalogs, and technical documentation related to FLUX products in one place. select a category to find the documents you're looking for.

Operating Instructions

Operating instructions for all FLUX flow meters.

Data Sheets

Technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data for all FLUX pumps and flow meters.

Performance Curves

Flow rate, head, and performance curves for precise flow meter and pump selection.

Dimension Sheets

Dimensions and installation dimensions for technical planning and design.

Certificates & Evidence

Declarations of conformity, ATEX/IECEx certificates, as well as ISO, REACH, and other certifications.

Brochures

Product brochures and company information to browse and download.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about FLUX Flow Meters. Types, materials, usage recommendations maintenance and certification.

Are flow meters available for use in hazardous areas?

Yes—both the FMC series and the FMO series are available in explosion-proof versions.

Details:

  • FMC: Explosion-proof versions available (see the respective data sheet for details).
  • FMO: The S/S versions (stainless steel housing with stainless steel oval impellers) bear the Ex marking II 2G Ex h IIB T4 Gb. Available as FMO 101 S/S, FMO 102 S/S, and FMO 104 S/S.
  • FMT: No explosion-proof version available.

When used in potentially explosive atmospheres, the entire system (pump, motor, flow meter, electronics) must be compatible with the respective explosion protection rating.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO

For which media are flow meters suitable?

FLUX flow meters are suitable for low-viscosity to high-viscosity fluids—up to 500,000 mPas (FMO) or 2,500 mPas (FMC), depending on the series.

Typical media:

  • FMC (tilting-disc): Acids (e.g., formic acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid up to 98%), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide), glycol, brake fluid, calcium chloride, citric acid, flammable media. Insensitive to small solids.
  • FMO (oval impeller): Oils, gasoline, solvents, including non-self-lubricating fluids. For high-viscosity fluids up to 500,000 mPas. Can also be used with pulsating flow rates (e.g., with compressed-air diaphragm pumps).
  • FMT (turbine impeller): Neutral, aggressive, low-viscosity, non-flammable liquids up to 40 mPas.

The choice of housing material (PP, PVDF, stainless steel, aluminum, ETFE) depends on the chemical resistance required for the specific medium.

Products Used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

How are flow meters maintained?

FLUX flow meters are designed to require minimal maintenance. Regular visual inspections and cleaning ensure measurement accuracy.

Maintenance Instructions:

  • Check regularly for leaks, wear, and deposits.
  • For viscous or crystallizing media, flush the meter after use to prevent deposits in the measuring mechanism.
  • FMC and FMO models are calibratable—regular calibration is recommended, especially for applications where dosing is critical.
  • FMT: As a pure counting unit, it requires very little maintenance.

Products Used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

How are the measurement data from a flow meter analyzed?

The evaluation depends on the model series and the connected electronics:

  • FMC and FMO: When used in combination with the FLUXTRONIC® evaluation electronics, filling and dosing processes can be controlled semi-automatically. In automatic mode, signals can be output for control purposes—such as to activate solenoid valves or for integration into higher-level process control systems.
  • FMT: Purely a counting unit—displays the flow rate but offers no evaluation capabilities or signal output.

The FLUXTRONIC® enables preset filling volumes at the push of a button and is suitable for semi-automatic filling systems.

Products Used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUXTRONIC®

What do FOOD and FDA certifications mean for flow meters?

FOOD and FDA certifications confirm that the parts of the flow meter that come into contact with the medium are approved for contact with food. FOOD refers to European Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, while FDA refers to the U.S. standard CFR 21.

Practical Implications:

  • In food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications, certification of the parts in contact with the medium is mandatory.
  • Whether a specific model has FOOD or FDA approval can be found in the respective data sheet or certificate.
  • The choice of material (e.g., stainless steel, PVDF) affects the approval.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO

What installation instructions apply to flow meters?

Proper installation is crucial for accurate measurement results:

General Installation Instructions:

  • Use pressure-resistant, tension-free piping.
  • Install the flow meter downstream of the pump (on the pressure side)—stable pressure and uniform flow improve measurement accuracy.
  • Always keep the line completely filled with the medium.
  • FMC: Operates in any installation position (position-independent).
  • FMO: Low pressure loss, calibratable. Follow the installation instructions in the respective dimension sheet.
  • FMT: Designed for mobile applications with JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX pumps.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

What is a flow meter, and what is it used for?

A flow meter measures the volume of a fluid flowing through a pipe—either as the total volume (meter) or as the current volumetric flow rate (flow per unit of time). FLUX flow meters are used in combination with drum and container pumps or eccentric screw pumps to monitor and control filling and dosing processes.

FLUX offers three series with different measuring principles:

  • FMC: Wobble-disc principle – robust, insensitive to solids, 10–250 l/min, up to 2,500 mPas.
  • FMO: Oval-wheel principle – high precision, wide measurement range (0.04–380 l/min), up to 500,000 mPas, up to 200 bar.
  • FMT: Turbine wheel principle – compact, for mobile applications with JUNIORFLUX/COMBIFLUX, 5–120 l/min.

In combination with the FLUXTRONIC® evaluation electronics, filling and dosing processes can be controlled semi-automatically.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

What is the maximum allowable operating pressure for flow meters?

The maximum operating pressure depends on the series and the housing design:

  • FMC (swash plate): up to 6 bar.
  • FMO (oval impeller): up to 200 bar – suitable for high-pressure applications.
  • FMT (turbine wheel): up to 10 bar.

For high-pressure applications, a pressure-resistant, stress-free installation is required. The FMO is the only series designed for operating pressures above 10 bar.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

What materials are flow meters made of?

FLUX flow meters are available in various material combinations—selected for their chemical resistance to the respective medium.

Housing materials by series:

  • FMC (tilting disc): polypropylene (PP), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), stainless steel.
  • FMO (oval wheel): Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), stainless steel, aluminum. Oval wheels available in either PPS or stainless steel.
  • FMT (turbine wheel): Polypropylene (PP).

The medium temperature influences the choice of material: FMC models can be used up to 80 °C; FMO models made of stainless steel can be used up to 120 °C.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

What measurement principles do flow meters use?

FLUX offers three measurement principles—each optimized for different media and applications:

  • Tumbler Disc Principle (FMC): A disc tumbles inside the housing and displaces a defined volume per revolution. Robust, insensitive to small solids, and can be used in any orientation. For medium flow rates (10–250 l/min) and viscosities up to 2,500 mPas.
  • Oval wheel principle (FMO): Two intermeshing oval wheels rotate inside the housing and displace a precise volume with each revolution. Very high measurement accuracy, wide flow rate and viscosity range (0.04–380 l/min, up to 500,000 mPas). Can also be used with pulsating flow streams.
  • Turbine-wheel principle (FMT): A turbine wheel rotates in proportion to the flow rate. Compact and easy to handle, designed purely as a metering unit. For low-viscosity fluids (up to 40 mPas) and mobile applications.

The choice of measurement principle depends on viscosity, desired accuracy, and installation conditions.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

What measurement range do flow meters cover?

FLUX flow meters cover flow rates ranging from 0.04 l/min to 380 l/min—from ultra-low-volume metering to process flow rates.

Measurement ranges by series:

  • FMC (tilting-disc): 10–250 l/min, viscosity up to 2,500 mPas, operating pressure up to 6 bar.
  • FMO (oval wheel): 0.04–380 l/min, viscosity up to 500,000 mPas, operating pressure up to 200 bar. Various sizes (FMO 101, 102, 104) for different flow ranges.
  • FMT (turbine wheel): 5–120 l/min, viscosity up to 40 mPas, operating pressure up to 10 bar.

The FMO covers the widest measurement range and is also suitable for high-viscosity media and high pressures. The FMC is the robust solution for medium flow rates containing solids. The FMT is designed for mobile, low-volume applications.

Products used: FLUX FMC, FLUX FMO, FLUX FMT

Which flow meter is suitable for highly viscous fluids?

For high-viscosity fluids, the FMO series (oval-rotor design) is the right choice—it handles viscosities up to 500,000 mPas.

Details:

  • The FMO provides precise measurements even at high viscosities, as the oval-rotor principle operates independently of the fluid’s flowability.
  • Can also be used with pulsating flow rates—e.g., in combination with compressed-air diaphragm pumps.
  • Operating pressure up to 200 bar, medium temperature up to 120 °C (stainless steel version).
  • Low pressure drop even with highly viscous media.

The FMC (up to 2,500 mPas) and FMT (up to 40 mPas) series are not suitable for highly viscous media.

Products used: FLUX FMO

How do I choose the right flow meter?

Short answer: The right flow meter ensures precise measurements, process reliability, and lower operating costs. The right FLUX flow meter is selected based on the properties of the fluid, the flow range, and the operating environment. It reliably measures liquids ranging from low-viscosity to high-viscosity and can be integrated into manual or automated processes.

Selecting a flow meter: Answer the following questions and then choose the appropriate flow meter from the FLUX flow meter overview. 1. What do you want to measure? Match media & material compatibility The properties of the medium determine the measuring principle and the materials:

  • Flammable or non-flammable?
  • Conductive or non-conductive?
  • Viscosity: low-viscosity (e.g., water) or high-viscosity (e.g., syrup)?
  • Pure or containing particles?
  • Chemically aggressive or neutral?

Tip: Choose materials that are chemically resistant to prevent corrosion and failures. 2. How is the fluid conveyed? Check operating conditions Flow range: Does the measurement range match the process? Temperature & pressure: Is the sensor within the permissible range? Pressure loss: Be aware of additional losses due to installation. 3. What are the requirements of the application? Installation & Safety

  • Hazardous Area / ATEX: Is the sensor intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere?
  • Installation: Directly on the pump or in the piping?

4. Do you want to integrate other digital systems?

  • Do you need a pulse output, a 4–20 mA signal, or digital interfaces for process control systems?

With FLUXTRONIC®, you can evaluate and document measured values and integrate them into automated processes.

Questions about selecting a flow meter Which flow meter is best for highly viscous media?

  • Oval-rotor or wobble-disc flow meters, as these are optimized for viscous liquids.

What should you do with media containing particles?

  • Use a wafer-type flow meter or install a filter upstream of oval-wheel flow meters.

How does pressure loss affect the selection?

  • For low system pressures, choose a measuring principle with low resistance (e.g., turbine).

What options are available for hazardous areas?

  • FLUX offers ATEX-certified devices and compatible evaluation electronics.

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