Know Your Flow: Midstream

Overview

There isn't one flow technology that fits every midstream application. Gas or liquid. Large line or small line. Permanent measurement or temporary verification. The right solution depends on what you're measuring, where you're measuring it, and what you need from the measurement.

Here's a quick look at the flow technologies commonly used across midstream operations — and where each one fits.

Ultrasonic Clamp-On

Best for: Non-intrusive measurement, large lines, temporary measurement, and verification

Clamp-on ultrasonic meters measure flow from outside the pipe, eliminating the need to cut into the line or interrupt the process.

Use it for:

• Pipeline flow measurement
• Meter verification
• Temporary flow studies
• Troubleshooting existing meters
• Large-diameter lines
• Applications where shutdown or penetration isn't practical

Need the measurement without touching the process? Start here.

Coriolis

Best for: High-accuracy mass flow and demanding measurement applications

Coriolis meters directly measure mass flow while also providing valuable process variables such as density and temperature.

Use it for:

• Liquid and gas measurement
• Loading and unloading
• Transfer applications
• High-accuracy measurement
• Density measurement
• Applications where multiple process variables are valuable

When accuracy and process information matter most.

Thermal Mass Flow

Best for: Gas measurement, especially lower-flow and utility applications

Thermal mass technology directly measures gas mass flow without requiring separate pressure and temperature compensation.

Use it for:

• Natural gas
• Fuel gas
• Flare and vent gas
• Compressed air
• Nitrogen and other utility gases
• Low-flow gas applications

Gas flow without the extra compensation.

Magnetic Flow

Best for: Conductive liquids

Mag meters provide reliable flow measurement with no moving parts and minimal pressure loss, making them a strong fit for water and other conductive liquids throughout midstream facilities.

Use it for:

• Produced water
• Process water
• Wastewater
• Cooling water
• Chemical injection or transfer
• Other conductive liquids

If it's conductive and it's liquid, mag is worth a look.

Not Sure Which Flow Technology Fits?

That's where application expertise matters.

Pipe size, fluid properties, pressure, temperature, required accuracy, turndown, and installation conditions can all change the answer.

TechStar's flow specialists can help evaluate the application and select the right technology for the measurement, whether it's a permanent installation, a temporary flow study, or troubleshooting an existing meter.