Enhancing pulp and paper operations with Variable Area Flowmeters

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In the pulp and paper industry, precision and reliability are crucial at every stage,  from raw pulp preparation to final paper production. Process flows must be tightly monitored to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and resource optimisation. That’s where McMenon Variable Area (VA) Flowmeters, also known as Rotameters, prove to be an essential tool for manufacturers who demand excellence.

Built on decades of engineering expertise, McMenon’s VA flowmeters offer robust, visible, and accurate flow monitoring solutions that support the success of pulp and paper operations worldwide.

The importance of flow measurement in pulp and paper mills

The pulp and paper manufacturing process is a complex system involving chemical treatments, water management, energy-intensive operations, and precise quality control steps. Critical flow measurement points include:

  • Chemical dosing for pulp digestion and bleaching
  • Seal water monitoring for pump protection
  • Cooling water flow control in power and process systems
  • Additive flow for coating and surface finishing
  • Sampling lines for quality assurance testing

In these applications, low to moderate flowrates must be measured accurately to maintain consistent product output, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance, especially in an industry that is under growing pressure to optimise sustainability.

Why McMenon VA Flowmeters are the perfect fit for pulp and paper

At McMenon, we understand that success in manufacturing demands flow measurement solutions that are simple, rugged, and accurate. That’s why our VA flowmeters are designed to outperform in the real-world conditions faced by pulp and paper mills.

1. Versatile performance across critical applications

Our portfolio — including the FAM540, FAM3200, A6, and FGM1190 models, covers a full range of flow measurement needs:

  • FAM540 Metal Tube Flowmeter: Ideal for high-pressure, high-temperature cooling and chemical service lines.
  • FAM3200 Metal Tube Flowmeter: Suited for aggressive or opaque fluids often found in chemical dosing and process media.
  • A6 Glass Tube Flowmeter: Perfect for low flow applications in lab testing and sample collection.
  • FGM1190 Glass Tube Flowmeter: A cost-effective solution for clear liquid and gas flows, including water and compressed air monitoring.

Each meter provides direct visual indication, giving operators confidence and immediate feedback without the complexity of digital instrumentation where it may not be necessary.

2. Engineered for tough manufacturing environments

Unlike delicate instrumentation that struggles in humid, corrosive, or abrasive pulp mill environments, McMenon VA flowmeters are built for durability:

  • Stainless steel and Inconel options for metal meters
  • Safety shields and corrosion-resistant bodies
  • Snap-in tube designs for easy maintenance and part replacement
  • Short lay lengths for installation in tight, space-constrained areas

Whether you’re upgrading a mill, adding new sampling lines, or retrofitting chemical dosing stations, McMenon VA flowmeters fit easily and perform reliably.

3. Accurate, compliant, and long-lasting solutions

All McMenon VA meters are calibrated to VDI/VDE 3513 standards and offer rangeability ≥10:1, delivering the precise, dependable measurements that modern pulp and paper operations require.

Options such as high/low flow alarms, flow and pressure control valves, and custom scales ensure you can configure the perfect meter for your exact process needs.

Why leading pulp and paper mills trust McMenon

  • Proven performance across global installations
  • Engineered-to-order solutions for specific process demands
  • Dedicated customer support from first consultation to post-installation
  • Designed and manufactured in the UK, trusted worldwide

At McMenon, we believe precision flow measurement should be simple, visible, and built to last, helping pulp and paper manufacturers stay competitive, sustainable, and confident in their processes.

Looking for better Flow Measurement in your mill?

Let’s make your operations more efficient, reliable, and sustainable with McMenon VA Flowmeters.

Get in touch with our sales team by email.

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