Which type of flow meter is affected by position?

The uncompensated Thorpe tube flow meter is impacted by its position due to the way it is designed to measure gas flow. This type of flow meter relies on the principle of float position, which can be influenced by gravitational forces. When the meter is not perfectly vertical, the float may not rise or fall to the correct level, leading to inaccurate flow readings. This means that for the uncompensated Thorpe tube, the accuracy of the flow measurement can vary based on whether the meter is positioned horizontally, vertically, or at an angle.

In contrast, the compensated Thorpe tube is designed to eliminate the errors caused by changing positions through specific calibrations, allowing it to provide accurate readings regardless of orientation. The Bourdon gauge and flow restrictor also function differently and are not significantly influenced by their position, as they measure pressure or create flow resistance rather than relying on a float mechanism.