In any industrial environment, measuring water flow is vital. This rule is valid for almost all irrigation applications, where the installation of an electromagnetic flowmeter is crucial for billing or control purposes. Find how to install a water flow meter.
A water flow meter is any device that measures water flowing through a pipe. Depending on your application, maintenance needs, and budget, you may choose from various water flow meter technologies.
Along with making the right choice of meter, you’ll also need to know how to install a water flow meter device properly. When installed incorrectly, a water flow meter will not perform reliably or accurately. This article will outline some critical points to consider when installing a water flow meter for your business.
1. Check the orientation, position, and altitude of your flow meter
Install a water flow meter with the correct altitude, orientation, and position to ensure optimal accuracy and performance. While you can install most water flow meters in any direction, you can only install some brands vertically. Make sure to check the recommended position and altitude of your device before proceeding with the installation.
For example, pressure-based flow meters should be installed upstream of disturbances like control valves and pipe elbows. If your flow profile is distorted, the element may detect an acceleration that is too little or too great, and not reflective of the full fluid flow stream.
2. For liquid flow measurement installations, make sure there is no vapour or air build-up in the liquid
Magnetic flow meters generate magnetic fields within the flow tube. Because of a flow meter’s design, entrapped air may cause serious reading and stability errors, compromising the system’s performance. By designing your water flow system with this problem in mind, you can achieve optimal performance.
Because of vapour or air-build up causing erratic readings, many water flow meters may enter fault mode. So, how can you keep the entrapped air away from your flow meter?
While many people assume that air inside a pipe will always make its way to the top, this isn’t always true. In many cases, air will not move within a pipeline without a specific water velocity. Pipes with a greater diameter will require a higher air velocity.
One way to solve this issue is to Install a water flow meter with a rising gradient, ensuring air will rise to a high spot. You can then install air release valves to release built-up air and maximise your system’s flow capacity.
3. For gas flow measurement installations, make sure there is no liquid droplet build-up in the gas
Particular pressure and temperature conditions can turn gas into a liquid. When this change occurs, condensation will become trapped in the lower part of your pipe. In horizontal piping, you should always Install a water flow meter at a high point. This positioning will enable any liquid droplet build-up to drain away from the flow meter.
Conclusion
When installing a water flow meter for industrial applications, you’ll need to work intelligently to avoid accuracy and reliability problems. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll know your water flow system will achieve optimum performance.
