Blog
LBT Target Flowmeter | Reliable Flow Measurement for Demanding Industrial Applications
In demanding industrial environments, flow measurement is often challenged by high temperature, high pressure, viscous media, electromagnetic interference, and complex installation conditions. Under such conditions, conventional flowmeters may experience measurement instability, increased maintenance requirements, or limited applicability.

To address these challenges, Zhaofeng Instrument introduces the new LBT Series Target Flowmeter, a robust mechanical flow measurement solution designed for reliable operation across a wide range of industrial applications.

Based on a proven force-measurement principle and precision mechanical structure, the LBT Series provides stable and direct flow measurement for liquids, gases, saturated steam, superheated steam, and high-viscosity fluids. It is particularly suitable for demanding applications in oil & gas, petrochemical, thermal energy, metallurgy, and general industrial process control.
Three Key Advantages for Demanding Industrial Applications
01. Stable Operation Without External Power
The LBT Series uses a mechanical measurement structure and does not require an external power supply for its basic flow indication. This makes it particularly suitable for remote installations, outdoor stations, and locations where power supply or signal wiring is limited. By reducing dependence on external power and electronic components, the flowmeter helps minimize the impact of power fluctuations and wiring failures, providing reliable local flow indication for continuous industrial operation.
02. Robust Construction and Low Maintenance
The flowmeter incorporates a precision three-bearing torque-tube mechanism designed for stable force transmission and long-term mechanical operation. Its robust construction provides excellent mechanical stability and wear resistance, while the optimized transmission mechanism helps reduce unnecessary mechanical stress and improve operating stability. With a reliable mechanical structure and no complicated routine operation required, the LBT Series can help reduce frequent adjustment and maintenance, lowering the overall cost of ownership.
03. Wide Application Range and Easy Installation
The LBT Series is designed for measuring liquids, gases, saturated steam, superheated steam, and high-viscosity media, provided that the selected wetted materials are compatible with the process medium.
Standard models cover pipe sizes from DN20 to DN100, with pressure ratings from PN16 to PN100 and customized high-pressure configurations available. The flowmeter supports horizontal and vertical installation, while flange connections based on GB or ANSI standards facilitate integration into existing piping systems. This makes the LBT Series a practical option for both new installations and equipment upgrades on existing industrial pipelines.
How Does the LBT Target Flowmeter Work?
The LBT Series operates according to a proven target flow measurement principle. When fluid flows through the pipeline, it generates a force on the target plate. This force is directly related to the flow rate and density of the medium. The generated force is transmitted through a connecting rod to the force-balancing mechanism. The precision three-bearing torque-tube assembly converts the mechanical force into controlled displacement. The displacement is then amplified through the internal gear mechanism to drive the mechanical dial, providing a direct indication of the instantaneous flow rate.

Measurement Process
Fluid Flow → Force on Target Plate → Force Transmission → Torque-Tube Balance → Mechanical Amplification → Flow Indication
This straightforward measurement chain minimizes unnecessary electronic components and provides a simple, stable, and reliable solution for continuous industrial flow monitoring.
Key Technical Specifications
Robust Mechanical Design for Long-Term Operation
The LBT Target Flowmeter is engineered around several key mechanical components.
1. Pressure-Bearing Flow Body
The main pressure-bearing body is manufactured from stainless steel and uses a standard flanged connection to the process pipeline. Its rigid construction provides good resistance to pressure and deformation, helping maintain stable operation under demanding pressure conditions.
2. Target Plate and Force-Sensing Assembly
The target plate is the core sensing component of the flowmeter.
The LBT Series uses a specially designed curved target plate. As the process medium passes through the pipeline, the target plate is subjected to a force corresponding to the flow velocity.
The optimized target geometry provides:
·High measurement sensitivity
·More uniform force distribution
·Reduced mechanical vibration
·Stable force-to-flow correlation
·Customizable material options
Depending on the application, target plate materials can be selected or customized according to wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and process-medium compatibility requirements.
3. Precision Force-Balancing Transmission Assembly
The LBT Series incorporates a precision three-bearing torque-tube sealing and transmission mechanism.
The optimized mechanical design amplifies the measured displacement before driving the internal movement. This helps reduce the amplification ratio required by the movement and improves:
·Mechanical stability
·Movement smoothness
·Measurement consistency
·Long-term reliability
A built-in mechanical limiting and protection device helps prevent excessive displacement, reducing the risk of damage to the mechanism and minimizing the influence of excessive displacement on measurement linearity. Depending on the configuration, the product can support working pressures up to 32 MPa.
Designed for Challenging Industrial Processes
The LBT Target Flowmeter is suitable for applications where mechanical robustness, process adaptability, and straightforward maintenance are important.
Typical applications include:
·Oil & Gas
·Petrochemical Processing
·Thermal Energy and Steam Systems
·Metallurgy
·Chemical Processing
·Industrial Manufacturing
·Process Utilities
·Flow Measurement on Existing Pipelines
Its mechanical operating principle makes the LBT Series especially attractive for applications where environmental conditions, electromagnetic interference, or limited access to power and signal wiring can make electronic flow measurement more challenging.
Customized to Your Process Conditions
Different industrial processes require different materials, pressure ratings, temperature ranges, pipe sizes, and measurement ranges.
At Zhaofeng Instrument, we can configure the LBT Target Flowmeter according to your specific process requirements, including:
Medium → Flow Range → Pipe Size → Pressure → Temperature → Material → Connection Standard
Our engineering team can recommend a suitable configuration based on your medium characteristics, operating pressure and temperature, pipeline specifications, and installation conditions.
Reliable Flow Measurement Starts with the Right Design
For industrial flow measurement, reliability is not only about measurement accuracy—it also depends on mechanical stability, process compatibility, installation flexibility, and long-term maintainability. With its proven target-flow measurement principle, robust mechanical construction, wide process compatibility, and customizable configuration, the LBT Series Target Flowmeter provides a dependable solution for challenging industrial flow measurement applications.
Zhaofeng Instrument is committed to providing reliable measurement and control solutions for industrial processes worldwide.
Need a target flowmeter for your application?
Send us your medium, flow range, pipe size, operating pressure, and temperature, and our team can help you select the appropriate LBT Series configuration.