Flow Monitoring

Harnessing Edge Data Capture in Flow Monitoring

Accurate, reliable, real-time flow monitoring is crucial across various industries. This data can be used to effectively track usage, control the speed of liquid or gas-based continuous processes, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance—especially important when government, municipalities, and pharmaceutical organizations are involved.

ControlByWeb IoT controllers offer a flow monitoring solution that scales with your application, whether you’re monitoring a single pipeline or a broad network of flow points. Analog-capable modules capture data in real time and can share that data with a SCADA system thanks to an open REST API. Alternatively, on-board logic can be used to decentralize the solution or add the peace of mind of redundancy.

Go With (and Know) the Flow

Our IoT controllers are designed to address the diverse needs of flow monitoring and other I/O applications. Here are six key benefits of using ControlByWeb IoT controllers for flow monitoring:

• Robust features: Flow monitoring often involved integrating multiple sensors and devices to capture comprehensive data at different physical points. Many of our controllers support multiple inputs, and they can also be connected remotely via peer-to-peer networking to expand I/O even further.
• Real-time data access: Operators can instantly access flow data from anywhere, thanks to the web-based interface included with our modules. This real-time stream of data allows for timely adjustments and ensures that systems are operating within desired parameters. It also enhances responsiveness and minimizes risk of system failures.
• Solidly built and supported: Each of our controllers are built in-house at our facility in northern Utah, USA. Our sales and support teams are a quick phone call or email away when you need help, and every device is backed by a 5-year warranty.
• Data over time: ControlByWeb modules can record and store historical flow data, enabling operators to analyze trends and identify patterns. This data can also be shared externally and sent through FTP protocol.
• Remote access and control: Flexibility is more than a convenience in modern industrial applications. If a central system goes down, our IoT controllers can continue operating independently, allowing you to monitor and adjust flow systems from anywhere. Remote functionality also reduces the need for on-site presence even when things are running smoothly.
• Prompt alerts: ControlByWeb controllers include an email notification feature, which can be used to send alerts when flow levels exceed or fall below set thresholds. This helps to alert you of any potential issues before the system experiences a major disruption or pump failure.

🇻🇦 Ancient Origins
The concept of flow measurement dates back to ancient civilizations: The Romans used simple water clocks and aqueducts to measure and control water flow for their cities.

Understanding Flow Monitoring

Flow monitoring involves measuring the movement of liquids, gases, or slurries through pipelines and other conduits. It’s common in many different industries, from oil pipelines to the production of sensitive chemical compounds. The flow itself can originate from a pump or hydraulic valve, but it can also be due to natural occurrences like a running river. Level sensors are placed at key points to capture data about the flow. This gives operators insight as to how much of the substance is streaming through at any given time. An example is open channel flow monitoring: Water managers use flow data to know where, when, and by whom water is being used. Municipalities can also use this information to balance the needs of agriculture and residents while conserving water, a precious resource.

Accurate flow measurement—and fast responses to conditions that are constantly in flux—is critically important to maintain system integrity and ensure continuous operation. Whether it’s monitoring municipal water or precise production processes, data is essential for informed decision-making and system optimization. ControlByWeb IoT controllers offer real-time data access, flexible I/O capabilities, an intuitive browser-based UI, and other features that make them ideal for flow monitoring applications.