Abstract
Efficiency Drives in Process Industries and Legislative Pressures Boost
Market Growth
Legislation from the European Commission compelling end users to improve
process management and customers' desire to save costs through optimal
production procedures are boosting the uptake of flow sensors. End users are
being forced to streamline their manufacturing methods to comply with regulatory
amendments related to pollution, environmental issues and greater control in the
chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals industries. These directives
are leading to efficiency drives, which in turn, are supporting market growth.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the European flow sensors
market by nine product segments - differential pressure, electromagnetic,
turbine, positive displacement, variable area, ultrasonic, vortex, coriolis mass
and thermal mass. The study covers eight geographical areas in what can be
loosely termed as Western Europe. The research presents extensive information on
the latest market trends, drivers and restraints, and revenue forecasts for the
period 1999-2009.
Ultrasonic and Coriolis Mass Technologies Steadily Displace Conventional
Equipment
Superior technical parameters are helping ultrasonic and coriolis mass flow
sensors steal the march over traditional technologies despite adverse market
conditions. "These flowmeters are becoming broadly accepted for their
higher accuracy, reliability and low maintenance," says the analyst.
Ultrasonic flow sensors enjoy the highest revenue growth rate due to their
utility in measurement of flow in large pipes, no pressure drops or impact on
flows and capability to measure any fluid flow.
Coriolis technology follows in terms of revenue growth. One of the reasons
for its success is its ability to measure mass flow instead of volumetric flow.
These flowmeters are widely used in custody transfer applications, chemicals and
other process industries. Acceptance of these new flowmeters is expected to
depend on suppliers' capability to offset the problem of lack of customer
confidence in novel technologies. Apart from the attractive features of these
advanced technologies, market participants also advertise their cost
competitiveness to draw the interest of end users.
Manufacturers under Pressure to Meet Continuous Demand for Product
Development
Only innovative companies capable of manufacturing improved and efficient
instruments are likely to retain their market positions. This is especially true
for traditional turbine and positive technologies, which are continuously being
replaced by newer ones. There is an evident preference for intelligent
instruments, which apart from measuring the flow rate, have in-built
microprocessors that can provide data on the performance of the instrument and
are able to interpret other variables.
"Apart from the ease of installation and maintenance, intelligent
instruments offer higher accuracy and process efficiency, which enhance
performance," notes the analyst. Smart multiphase flowmeters are becoming
increasingly popular in the oil and gas, and food and water industries. To
capitalise on this demand, some manufacturers have introduced multivariable
differential pressure flow sensors, while some others have launched
multivariable vortex instruments. Additionally, the significant potential cost
savings on supplementary devices balances out the higher investments in these
advanced instruments, further promoting adoption of smart flowmeters.
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