Flow Transmitter — Signal Output & Process Integration Solutions
A flow transmitter converts the raw signal from a flow meter sensor into a standardised output — 4–20mA, pulse or digital protocol — for transmission to a PLC, SCADA system or data logger. BES Flowmeters supplies flow transmitters as part of the Siemens SITRANS FM range, including the MAG 5000 and MAG 6000 for electromagnetic flow measurement applications across water, wastewater and industrial process industries.
What Is a Flow Transmitter?
A flow transmitter is the signal processing and output component of a flow measurement system. It receives the raw electrical signal from the flow sensor, processes it into a calibrated measurement, and transmits a standardised output signal to your control or monitoring system.
In many modern flow meters the transmitter is integrated into the meter body. In larger or remote installations, a separate transmitter is mounted away from the sensor — connected via cable — allowing easier access for configuration and maintenance.
Flow Transmitter Output Types
| Output Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4–20mA analogue | Proportional to flow rate | PLCs, controllers, chart recorders |
| Pulse output | Proportional to totalised volume | Batch controllers, data loggers |
| HART | Digital over 4–20mA loop | Process instrumentation |
| Modbus RTU | RS-485 digital | SCADA, building management |
| PROFIBUS DP | Industrial fieldbus | Process plant automation |
| Foundation Fieldbus | High-speed fieldbus | Advanced process control |
Siemens SITRANS FM Transmitters
BES Flowmeters supplies the Siemens SITRANS FM transmitter range, designed for use with Siemens electromagnetic flow sensors across industrial liquid measurement applications.
MAG 5000
The MAG 5000 is a compact, cost-effective transmitter suited to standard water and wastewater applications. It supports 4–20mA and pulse outputs and is available in wall-mount and field-mount configurations. IP67 rated for outdoor installation.
MAG 6000
The MAG 6000 is an advanced transmitter with full digital communication support including HART, Modbus RTU, PROFIBUS DP and Foundation Fieldbus. It includes advanced diagnostics, empty pipe detection and data logging capability — suited to process industries requiring full SCADA or DCS integration. IP67 rated.
Both transmitters are compatible with the full Siemens SITRANS FM sensor range including the MAG 1100, MAG 3100 and MAG 5100 W, allowing transmitter upgrades without disturbing the installed sensor.
Flow Transmitter vs Flow Meter — What's the Difference?
A flow meter is the complete measurement device — sensor plus transmitter. A flow transmitter specifically refers to the signal processing and output component. In modular systems like the Siemens SITRANS FM, the sensor (which contacts the fluid) and the transmitter (which processes the signal) are separate components that can be specified, installed and replaced independently.
This separation is particularly useful in hazardous or hard-to-access locations — the sensor stays in the pipe while the transmitter is mounted in an accessible location for configuration and maintenance.
Applications
Flow transmitters from BES Flowmeters are used across:
- Water and wastewater treatment plants
- Municipal water distribution networks
- Chemical and petrochemical processing
- Mining and minerals processing water circuits
- Food and beverage production lines
- HVAC and building services
Need help selecting the right flow transmitter for your application? Contact BES Flowmeters with your sensor type, pipe size and control system requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
A flow transmitter is a device that converts a flow meter’s raw measurement signal into a standardised output — typically 4–20mA, pulse or digital protocol — for transmission to a control system, PLC, SCADA or data logger. The transmitter may be integral to the flow meter or mounted remotely.
A flow meter measures the physical flow of fluid. A flow transmitter processes that measurement and outputs a standardised signal for use by a control or monitoring system. Many modern flow meters include an integrated transmitter. In some cases — particularly for larger or remote installations — the transmitter is mounted separately from the sensing element.
Common flow transmitter outputs include 4–20mA analogue (proportional to flow rate), pulse output (proportional to totalised volume), and digital protocols such as HART, Modbus RTU, PROFIBUS DP and Foundation Fieldbus. The correct output depends on your control system’s input requirements.
BES Flowmeters supplies flow transmitters as part of the Siemens SITRANS FM range, including the MAG 5000 and MAG 6000 transmitters for electromagnetic flow sensors. These transmitters support multiple output protocols and are suitable for water, wastewater and process industry applications.
In many cases, yes — flow transmitters and sensors in modular systems can be replaced independently. The Siemens MAG 5000 and MAG 6000 transmitters are designed to work with the same SITRANS FM sensor range, so a transmitter upgrade is possible without disturbing the installed sensor. Contact BES Flowmeters to confirm compatibility for your specific installation.