Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters are a precisely manufactured and calibrated instruments used in accurate rate-of-flow and
total-flow measurement of all types of fluids, whether liquid or gas.
They also have many applications as sensors in process flow control.
The flow meter mounts directly in the flow line and consists of a cylindrically bored housing, a flow straightener and turbine
assembly, and magnetic or carrier frequency pickoffs, as shown in Figure 1.
On all Precision Flow Meters, the magnetic or carrier frequency pickoff is located directly above the turbine, near the
downstream end of the flow meter. The flow straightener and turbine assembly is retained in the housing by a snap ring and
can be easily removed for cleaning and further disassembly.
Figure 1: Turbine flow meter
Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters are provided with flow straighteners at the downstream and upstream ends. The flow
straighteners diminish any turbulence created by the turbine. Other physical differences are illustrated in exploded views. See
Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Fluid passing through the meter causes the rotor and bearing to revolve at a speed directly proportional to fluid velocity.
As each rotor blade passes the pickoff, it varies the pickoff’s reluctance, producing an output signal. Since turbine speed is
directly proportional to fluid velocity, signal frequency is similarly proportional to the volumetric rate-of-flow. The output
signal can be fed into various types of instruments to indicate the rate-of-flow, such as indicators, frequency converters,
counters, recorders and controllers.
Cox uses two pickoff technologies, magnetic and carrier frequency (RF). The magnetic pickoff has a self-generating mV
frequency output. The RF carrier pickoff senses eddy current losses as the rotor blade passes the pickoff. It does not use an
internal permanent magnet and therefore eliminates magnetic drag on the rotor. This results in linear flow ranges up to 100:1
and repeatable operating flow ranges up to 150:1. The RF carrier pickoff requires a signal conditioner to generate an output. A
high level signal offers the advantage of high output signal to noise ratio over the entire range of the flow meter and permits
long distance signal transmission.
All Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters are designed to provide a high frequency output voltage at the maximum of their
flow range. This high frequency signal improves resolution and standardized output permits several overlapping range flow
meters to be connected in series to one indicating instrument. Data concerning extended ranges, specific output voltage
and other frequency ranges is available from the Badger Meter Sales Department. As with any precision instrument, the full
capabilities of the Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meter can be realized only through close adherence to the installation and
maintenance instructions discussed in this manual.
Page 5 May 2014
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
SAFETY INFORMATION
The installation of the Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local rules,
regulations, and codes.
Failures to read and follow these instructions can lead to misapplication or misuse of the Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters,
resulting in personal injury and damage to equipment.
Safety Symbol Explanations
DANGER
INDICATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED IS ESTIMATED TO BE CAPABLE OF CAUSING DEATH OR
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
INDICATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY
OR DEATH.
INDICATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED IS ESTIMATED TO BE CAPABLE OF CAUSING MINOR OR
MODERATE PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
UNPACKING & INSPECTION
Upon opening the shipping container, visually inspect the product and applicable accessories for any physical damage such
as scratches, loose or broken parts, or any other sign of damage that may have occurred during shipment.
OTE:NIf damage is found, request an inspection by the carrier's agent withing 48 hours of delivery and file a claim with the
carrier. A claim for equipment damage in transit is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
Page 6 May 2014
User Manual
INSTALLATION
Meter Orientation
Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters may be installed in any position without affecting performance. Be sure direction of flow is
in the direction of the arrow engraved on the flow meter body. Exception: Position gas service meters as calibrated.
Piping
Recommended layout for Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters specifies a straight section of pipe or tube in the same size as the
flow meter and equal in length to 10 diameters on the upstream side, and a similar section equal in length to 5 diameters in
order to retard the formation of swirls in the liquid, which can cause incorrect flow meter output. If space prohibits the use
of these straight sections, use extreme care in arranging the piping to produce as straight and smooth a flow as possible.
Available Cox Flow Straighteners are listed in the Cox Flow Straighteners Product Data Sheet. Go to www.badgermeter.com.
Use of Pipe Compound
The 37-degree flared tube connections of Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters DO NOT require any sealing compound or Teflon
tape, and none should be used. The use of these on adjacent piping should be held to a minimum in order to avoid coating
the bearings and rotor blades with compound, causing premature rotor failure and erratic performance.
OTE:NCopper conical seals or crush rings may be used, if necessary.
BLEED ALL AIR AND VAPOR FROM THE LIQUID AFTER INSTALLING OR REINSTALLING A FLOW METER.
START FLOW SLOWLY TO AVOID SENDING A “SLUG” OF HIGH VELOCITY AIR OR VAPOR THROUGH THE FLOW METER
AND CAUSING IT TO OVERSPEED. START REQUIRED FLOW AFTER FLOW METER IS FULL OF LIQUID. AERATED LIQUIDS
FLOWING THROUGH A FLOW METER WILL RESULT IN INCORRECT FLOW RATES.
DISASSEMBLY
Cox Precision Ball Bearing Type
1. Firmly hold ow meter and, using tweezers, carefully remove internal snap ring from the upstream end.
2. Use long nose pliers and grasp one vane of ow straightener and gently pull ow straightener and rotor assembly from
the body. Use slight twisting motion. Snug t at transition.
3. Press down on the hub to relieve spring pressure on C-washer and remove with tweezers or thin nosed pliers. Remove
hub, spring and spacer.
4. Carefully remove rotor from shaft.
5. Remove a snap ring from side of bearing and push bearing out of rotor.
OTE:NModels CLFA6 and CLFB6 must be returned to factory for bearing change.
CLEANING
Immerse all parts, except pickoff, in a clean, filtered solvent suitable for removing residue from the liquid the flow meter has
been used with. If necessary, use a soft bristle brush.
If there is foreign matter in the ball bearings, allow them to soak in the solvent for approximately 10 minutes and then dry
with filtered compressed air. Do not use excessive air pressure.
OTE:NDo not sonic clean bearings!
EXERCISE EXTREME CARE DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS SO THAT NONE OF THE PARTS ARE DROPPED,
SCRATCHED OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO FURTHER POLISH ANY OF THE PARTS,
ESPECIALLY THE ROTOR.
Page 7 May 2014
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
Procedure for Cleaning a Turbine Meter after Water Calibration and/or Service
OTE:NWhen cleaning flow meters, keep the body, sleeve and pickoff together. Sleeve is fitted to body and pickoff has a
protruding pin. Replacement pickoffs are supplied with a nut and have no protruding pin.
1. Remove the meter from the line and let all excess water drip out.
2. Fill the meter with alcohol (at least 50% Isopropyl, Ethyl or Methyl) and let it stand for 5 minutes.
3. Discard the alcohol and let the meter dry for 2 minutes.
4. Fill the meter with MIL-C-7024 Type 2 calibration uid (or similar solvent) and let it stand for 1 minute.
5. Discard the calibration uid and ush the meter with an approved uorocarbon solvent, such as Isotron.
OTE:NIf this procedure is not possible, the turbine meter should always remain filled with water when not in use, to prevent
internal wetted parts from being exposed to air.
CLFC6, CLFD6, CLFE6, CLFF6
1. Body *
2. C-washer
3. Hub *
4. Spring *
5. Spacer
6. Bearing retainer ring *
7. Bearing
CLFC6, CLFD6, CLFE6
CLFB6, CLFA6
CLFF6
Figure 2: Cox Precision LoFlo turbine flow meter
8. Rotor *
9. Straightener assembly *
10. Body retaining ring
* Replaceable at factory level only.
OTE:NOrder parts by name and basic number shown, followed by flow meter
size designation. For example, order a bearing for a CLFF6 flow meter
as bearing #1400-63. Flow meter serial number must be provided when
ordering parts.
CLFB6, CLFA6
1. Body *
2. C-washer
3. Hub *
4. Spring *
5. Spacer
8. Rotor *
9. Straightener assembly *
10. Body retaining ring
Figure 3: Cox precision turbine flow meter
DO NOT INTERCHANGE FLOW METER PARTS OTHER THAN BEARINGS AND RETAINING RINGS. THIS PRECAUTION IS
NECESSARY TO PRESERVE LINEARITY AND REPEATABILITY.
Page 8 May 2014
REASSEMBLY
Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly except for the following:
• On Precision Turbine Flow Meters where shaft bearings are provided with a
retainer, always install with the retainer flange facing upstream.
• Inspect rotor for markings as shown in Figure 4 to indicate flow direction before
assembly.
• Flow meters having broached slots in the body for flow straightener vanes
should be carefully assembled.
• Align straightener vanes with the slots and push gently until the assembly
is seated.
User Manual
Figure 4: Scribed lines
Page 9 May 2014
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
TROUBLESHOOTING
IssuePossible CauseRemedy
Meter indicates higher flow than actual. Cavitation.Increase back pressure.
Meter indicates high flow.Dirt blocking flow area rotor. Clean meter; add filter.
Meter indicates low flow. Dirt dragging rotor.Clean meter; add filter.
Meter indicates low flow.Worn bearing.Replace bearing; recalibrate when
required.
Meter indicates low flow.Viscosity higher than calibrated.Change temperature; change fluid;
recalibrate meter.
Erratic system indication; meter alone
works well.
Indicator shows flow when shut off.
Mechanical vibration causes rotor to
oscillate without turning.
No flow indication. Full flow of fluid
opened into dry meter. Impact of fluid
on rotor causes bearing separation.
Erratic indication at low flow; good
indication at high flow.
No flow indication.Faulty pickoff.Replace pickoff; recalibrate as
System works perfectly, except
indicates lower flow over entire range.
Meter indicating high flow. Upstream
piping at meter smaller than meter.
Opposite effects as above.Viscosity lower than calibrated.Change temperature; change fluid;
Mass flow indication wrong. Turbine
meter is volumetric; density correction
is electronic; must change with
temperature.
Erratic or wrong indication of flow.Loose pickoff.Tighten pickoff.
Indicates high flow two hours after
installing new bearing.
Cannot reach maximum flow rate;
meter selection was with Delta-P at 0.75
sp. gr., now using on 1.0 sp. gr. Delta-P
is proportional to specific gravity.
Does not repeat at low flows. Repeats at
high flows.
Ground loop is shielding. Ground shield one place only. Watch for
internal electronic instrument grounds.
Mechanical vibration.Isolate meter; use potted pickoff.
Fluid shock. New bearing failed.Move meter to position where it is full
of fluid at start-up.
Low instrument sensitivity. 10
mV rms turbine signal is being
lowered by loading of electronics or
instrumentation cannot sense low level
signals.
Wrong fluid density. Critical in gas.Check fluid, electronics.
Bearing wear-in; small meters critical.Recalibrate. 20…30 min. run-in is
High pressure drop.Install larger meter.
System resolution readability.Increase resolution, for example:
Table 1: Troubleshooting
Amplify signal.
necessary.
solenoid valves.
Change piping.
recalibrate meter.
required to stabilize friction.
1 out of 100 = 1%
1 out of 1000 = 0.1%
Page 10 May 2014
=
(
× 60)÷
=
.−
User Manual
TECHNICAL TERMS
Several terms, such as K-Factor and linearity, are used to indicate turbine flow meter performance.
K-Factor
“K” is a letter used to denote the cycles per gallon factor of a flow meter. This factor is a fixed value used in resolving or
totalizing the pulse count output of a flow meter. It results from the equation:
Cycles per second/Gallons per second = Cycles per gallon (K)
Repeatability
The maximum deviation from the corresponding data points taken from repeated tests under identical conditions.
Linearity
This is defined as the deviation from the mean calibration factor (K) and is expressed as being within a certain tolerance. Cox
Precision Turbine Flow Meters are linear to ± 0.5% over the range shown.
CALIBRATION DATA
K-Factor
The calibration data supplied with a Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meter is shown in Figure 6.
Correct application of a Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meter requires consideration of many important factors. Because of
the wide variation of possible applications, detailed data for liquid flow models only is given in this manual. For special
requirements—such as those outside the range of –300…350° F, those with extremely corrosive liquids, gases and other
unusual conditions—consult the Badger Meter Sales Department.
20-Point Calibration
Calibration at twenty flow rates (10 up-scale and 10 down) between minimum and maximum flow range, is available for
application where ± 0.25% accuracy or better is required. With this calibration complete data on signal output, pressure drop,
K-Factor and deviation from linearity is supplied.
30-Point Calibration
This is the same as the 20-point, with 10 extra points to cover the longer range of the carrier type meters.
UVC-Universal Viscosity Curve
A 10-point calibration is made at each of four viscosities if curves of “K” versus Hertz were made. In between, viscosities cannot
be determined (see right side of Figure 5). Replot as “K” versus Hertz divided by centistokes. A single curve is drawn through all
data points. Other viscosity curves can now be determined. Use only over 10:1 range for viscosity effects.
Gas Calibrations
When performed at the Flow Dynamics facility, a curve of ACFM vs. Hertz is supplied.
Pressure Rating
The standard LoFlo and Precision Flow Meters are rated 2500…5000 psi operating pressure. They have a 4:1 pressure safety
factor. Flange flow meters are rated for service pressure according to ANSI ratings for the flanges used.
Operation at temperatures above 200° F will decrease the connection rating because of lowered stress capabilities of
the metal.
Liquid FormulaGas Formula
= × 3600 × 8.328 × . .
Figure 5: Calculating flow rates in different units
Page 11 May 2014
Certificate
of Calibration
Customer Name:
HONG KONG EVERBLOOMING INTL CO LTD
Report #
CX35874 - X14892
Customer Address:
Sooner Air Freight Int’l Ltd Unit 7,Corp Square, 8 Lam Lok Street KLN BAY Hong Kong
Customer PO #
13EB0205COX
Model #
NRPC 12
Cal Date:
2/21/2013
Serial #
X14892
Customer Re-Cal Date:
Signal:
PULSE (Collect Raw Data)
Lab Temp:
72.1 Deg F
Calibration Procedure:
FDP-002
Lab Relative Humidity:
27.3%
Calibration Tech:
Luis
Fluid Specifications:
MIL-C-7024 T2
Specific Gravity:
0.76
Temperature (F):
80
Viscosity (CSTKS):
1.12
Notes, Adjustments & Repairs
Test Point #
Frequency
Flow Rate
Roshko #
Strouhal #
Meter Temp
Viscosity
Density
Flow Rate
Hz
GPM
Hz/cstk
pul/gal
Deg. F
cStks
g/cc
LPM
1
10.5941
0.23290
10.1597
2729.48
72.223
1.0428
0.7662
0.88161
2
10.5995
0.23292
10.1649
2730.62
72.223
1.0428
0.7662
0.88169
3
16.4760
0.35749
15.8004
2765.43
72.224
1.0428
0.7666
1.35326
4
16.4773
0.35751
15.8017
2765.55
72.224
1.0428
0.7666
1.35331
5
23.0864
0.49779
22.1398
2782.83
72.229
1.0428
0.7665
1.88435
6
23.0878
0.49790
22.1411
2782.42
72.229
1.0428
0.7665
1.88474
7
31.8261
0.68334
30.5241
2794.65
72.239
1.0427
0.7665
2.58671
8
31.8233
0.68336
30.5214
2794.30
72.244
1.0427
0.7665
2.58681
9
45.9753
0.98154
44.0817
2810.58
72.207
1.0430
0.7665
3.71553
10
45.9764
0.98158
44.0913
2810.53
72.224
1.0428
0.7665
3.71569
11
65.0253
1.38527
62.2155
2816.58
71.909
1.0452
0.7665
5.24383
12
65.0929
1.38719
62.2802
2815.61
71.909
1.0452
0.7665
5.25109
13
92.3185
1.97035
88.2532
2811.37
71.782
1.0461
0.7665
7.4586
14
92.7150
1.97801
88.7088
2812.52
71.909
1.0452
0.7665
7.4876
15
126.727
2.71355
121.228
2802.25
71.876
1.0454
0.7665
10.2719
16
126.986
2.71960
121.429
2801.72
71.829
1.0458
0.7665
10.2948
17
172.915
3.72060
165.032
2788.63
71.567
1.0478
0.7668
14.084
18
173.020
3.72232
165.100
2789.03
71.539
1.0480
0.7668
14.0905
19
249.704
5.39233
238.001
2778.54
71.382
1.0492
0.7668
20.4122
20
250.070
5.39867
238.304
2779.35
71.347
1.0494
0.7668
20.4362
21
353.158
7.64305
335.772
2772.47
71.032
1.0518
0.7669
28.9321
22
353.580
7.65082
336.141
2772.96
71.016
1.0519
0.7669
28.9615
23
487.881
10.5643
462.716
2770.99
70.694
1.0544
0.7669
39.9901
24
488.960
10.5857
464.180
2771.49
70.824
1.0534
0.7669
40.0714
25
724.643
15.6740
686.287
2773.97
70.499
1.0559
0.7669
59.3325
26
725.055
15.6826
685.830
2774.01
70.321
1.0572
0.7669
59.3651
27
986.019
21.3207
976.576
2775.36
76.755
1.0098
0.7669
80.7077
28
993.053
21.4722
982.275
2775.43
76.571
1.0111
0.7668
81.281
29
1406.85
30.3943
1390.06
2777.71
76.414
1.0122
0.7668
115.055
30
1412.22
30.5055
1393.71
2778.13
76.245
1.0134
0.7668
115.476
I certify the accuracy of this Calibration Report:
Andrew Yee
Calibration Engineer
Name Title Signature
Standard #
Description
Serial #
ReCal Date
FDI-180
30 GPM Liquid Prover
NA
8/12/2013
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
15555 North 79th Place • Scottsdale, AZ 85260 • Phone: (480) 948 -3789 • Fax: (480) 948 -3610 • sales@flow-dynamics.com
Calibration Results (Initial Calibration)
www.badgermeter.com
Standards Used in Calibration
The instrument referenced above was calibrated using standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Calibration reports for references
maintained by Badger Meter, Inc. are available upon request to the customer of this calibration report. The volumetric flow rates reported are within a best
uncertainty of +/- .037% of reading (Represents an expanded uncertainty using a coverage factor, k =
calibration equipment only and does not apply to the UUT ( Unit Under Test).
Badger Meter, Inc. Flow Dynamics calibration services are accredited by NVLAP (Lab Code 200668-0) to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (NIST Handbook 150) and are
compliant to ANSI/NCSLZ540-1-1994; Part 1. This certificate is not an endorsement by NVLAP, NIST or an agency of the federal government.
The results reported relat
Badger Meter, Inc..
e only to the item(s) calibrated as described above. This report may not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of
Report #:CX35874 - X14892
Figure 6: Calibration certification
Page 12 May 2014
2, at an approximate level of confidence of 95%) and applies to
Doc Nbr: CRF-002 Rev: F
Page 1 of 1
User Manual
Torque Rating
When using Precision Flow Meters with AN end fittings at high pressure, tighten the fittings to the torque values in Table 2.
Materials listed in Table 3 are recommended and used for most turbine flow meter applications. For unusual requirements—
such as those outside the range of –300…350° F or those with extremely corrosive liquids—consult the Badger Meter
Sales Department.
PartType
BearingHybrid ceramic
Body 316
C-Washer302
Hub303
LocknutCRS (plated)
Pickoff304
Spacer303
Spring302
Snap Ring303
Straightener Assembly316
Rotor17-4 SS
Table 3: Materials per part
Dimensions
• See “Dimensions (Liquid)” on page 14 for tube sizes and mounting dimensions of liquid Precision Turbine Flow Meters.
• See “Dimensions (Gas)” on page 18 for tube sizes and mounting dimensions of gas Precision Turbine Flow Meters.
Page 13 May 2014
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
DIMENSIONS LIQUID
Dimension B specifies the most common pickoff type. Actual size may vary depending on pickoff choice. Consult factory
for details.
AN End Fitting
B
Size
A
End Fitting
in. (mm)
A
in. (mm)
HEX BODY
Figure 7: AN end fitting
B (RF)
in. (mm)
SQUARE BODY
B (MAG)
in. (mm)
in. (mm)
8-40.50 (12.70)2.45 (62.23)3.20 (81.28)2.70 (68.58)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
8-60.50 (12.70)2.45 (62.23)3.20 (81.28)2.70 (68.58)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
80.50 (12.70)2.45 (62.23)3.30 (83.82)2.80 (71.12)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
100.625 (15.88)2.72 (69.08)3.30 (83.82)2.80 (71.12)1.25 (31.75) Square Body
120.75 (19.05)3.25 (82.55)3.40 (86.36)2.90 (73.66)1.25 (31.75) Square Body
161.00 (25.40)3.56 (90.42)3.50 (88.90)3.00 (76.20)1.63 (41.40) Hex Body
201.25 (31.75)4.06 (103.1)3.60 (91.44)3.10 (78.74)1.88 (47.75) Hex Body
241.50 (38.10)4.59 (116.6)3.80 (96.52)3.30 (83.82)2.25 (57.15) Hex Body
322.00 (50.80)6.06 (153.9)4.00 (101.6)3.50 (88.90)2.75 (69.85) Hex Body
Table 4: AN end fitting dimensions
NPT End Fitting
B
C
SQUARE BODY
B (MAG)
in. (mm)
C
in. (mm)
Size
A
End Fitting
in. (mm)
A
in. (mm)
HEX BODY
Figure 8: NPT end fitting
B (RF)
in. (mm)
8-40.50 (12.70)2.70 (68.58)3.20 (81.28)2.70 (68.58)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
8-60.50 (12.70)2.70 (68.58)3.20 (81.28)2.70 (68.58)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
80.50 (12.70)2.70 (68.58)3.30 (83.82)2.80 (71.12)1.12 (28.45) Square Body
100.75 (19.05)3.29 (83.57)3.30 (83.82)2.80 (71.12)1.25 (31.75) Square Body
120.75 (19.05)3.29 (83.57)3.40 (86.36)2.90 (73.66)1.25 (31.75) Square Body
161.00 (25.40)3.78 (96.01)3.50 (88.90)3.00 (76.20)1.63 (41.40) Hex Body
201.25 (31.75)4.23 (107.4)3.60 (91.44)3.10 (78.74)1.88 (47.75) Hex Body
241.50 (38.10)4.67 (118.6)3.80 (96.52)3.30 (83.82)2.25 (57.15) Hex Body
322.00 (50.80)5.89 (149.6)4.00 (101.6)3.50 (88.90)2.75 (69.85) Hex Body
The dimension from the center of bore to top of pickoff represents the most common pickoff types. Length may vary
depending on pickoff choice. Consult factory for details.
OTE:NDimensions below are shown in inches.
3.2
2.7
2X AN END FITTINGS
(PER AS4395)
User Manual
2.22
1.00
MAG PICKOFF
Figure 13: LoFlo meter dimensions
RF PICKOFF
Page 17 May 2014
A
B
D
HEX BODY
SQUARE BODY
A
B
D
HEX BODY
SQUARE BODY
Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
DIMENSIONS GAS
Dimension B specifies the most common pickoff type. Actual size may vary depending on pickoff choice. Consult factory
for details.
Figure 17: Typical linearity curve for a size 20 flow meter
UVC Plot, Three Viscosities
0.7 cStk
4.2 cStk
25.5 cStk
4000
1101001,00010,000
Roshko Number
Figure 18: UVC plot
Page 20 May 2014
= 1200 �1.0/1.5 = 980
User Manual
FACTORS AFFECTING LINEARITY
There are many factors affecting the linearity of turbine flow meters. The following enumerates some of these factors and
their effect.
Size
The size of the meter selected is determined by the flow range required and the fluid characteristics. Standard flow ranges are
listed in the Product Data Sheet. Where range requirements fall between listed ranges, it may be necessary to use two meters
or a meter can be ordered for the specific range required. Overspeeding to meet a required flow capacity results in lowered
operating life. Going to a larger meter size to avoid overspeeding will result in the non-linear range at the lower flow rates.
Bearings
The rotor in a standard meter is mounted on ball bearings. The function of rolling friction in regard to linear operating range
is nil and can be disregarded. Where ball bearings cannot be used because of fluid characteristics, a sleeve or bushing type
bearing is available at the expense of a reduced linear range. Due to the inherent character of increased friction, the linear
operating range may be sharply curtailed in the lower capacity meters.
Pickos
Magnetic pickoffs affect the linear range of a meter, due to magnetic drag on the rotor. Since the turning force available is a
function of the total mass flow, the low capacity meters will be more affected at the minimum flow rate than the high capacity
meters. Replacement pickoffs should have the same part number as original equipment, otherwise the linear range can
be affected.
Fluids
There are two types of fluids: compressible and incompressible. Considering only the incompressible (liquids), there are three
factors that affect the linear flow range. They are lubricity, density and viscosity.
Lubricity
This is not a measurable quantity. It is that property of a liquid which determines the friction within the bearing and affects
the life of the bearing as well as the linear operating range. Lack of lubricity can cause erratic action, especially at the low end
of the flow range.
Density
Turbine flow meters are designed to operate over the standard frequency range with liquids of 1.0 specific gravity (H2O).
If a liquid of 1.5 specific gravity is used, it will have a 50% increase in driving force available at a given frequency. Also, the
differential pressure of the meter is increased a like amount. This increased differential pressure can reduce the life of the
bearing. Reduction of maximum operating frequency to maintain design pressure drop will result in reduced bearing life. The
maximum frequency can be approximately calculated as shown by the following example:
Figure 19: Calculating maximum frequency
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Precision Meters, Turbine Flow Meters
Viscosity
In a turbine meter, the one factor that affects the linear range the greatest is viscosity. The skin friction (viscous affect of
the boundary layers) on the blades of the rotor and adjacent surfaces, is known to be a function of the Reynolds number
(a dimensionless parameter). At a sufficiently low Reynolds number, the boundary layer is completely laminar. At a high
Reynolds number, the boundary layer is turbulent. In the transition region, there is a gradual change from laminar to
turbulent flow. At low viscosities, the Reynolds number is high, so that at the minimum operating frequency the flow is still
turbulent. As the viscosity is increased, the Reynolds number decreases and the meter (at the same minimum frequency) is
operating in the transition region. At this point, the drag actually decreases and the K-Factor (cycles per gallon) increases.
A further increase in viscosity and the Reynolds number decreases to a point where the flow is completely laminal and the
K-Factor decreases. In effect, as the viscosity increases, the range in which the flow is turbulent decreases. In low capacity flow
meters, the viscosity effect may be of such an order that the entire flow range will be in the laminar flow region.
Mounting for Calibration
Turbine flow meters are calibrated with the axis horizontal and the pickoff on top. Flow meters with ball bearings may be
mounted in any attitude with nil affect on the linearity range or calibration. Pipe configuration, such as valves, tees and
elbows immediately preceding the meter, can produce swirl in the fluid with erroneous results. A minimum of 10 diameters
of tubing the same size as the meter is recommended. For maximum precision, external flow straighteners are available for all
size meters.
Pressure Drop
Pressure drop across turbine flow meters is substantially constant for a given gravimetric flow rate, but varies in approximate
proportion to the square of the volumetric flow rate. This variation is proportional to a liquid’s density. The values shown
under range characteristics are based on a liquid specific gravity of 0.760 and a viscosity of 1 centistoke.
Specic Gravity
Changes in the specific gravity of a liquid in a linear shift in gravimetric calibration can be plotted as a function of specific
gravity. These changes have no measurable effect on the volumetric flow rate but will cause a shift in the pressure drop across
the flow meter.
Pressure
Pressure changes have no measurable effect on volumetric flow rates.
Temperature
Large temperature changes cause an area change within the flow meter. Higher temperature will result in decreased fluid
velocity while depressed temperature will result in increased fluid velocity. This change will cause a variation of the K-Factor
that is supplied with the turbine flow meter. Turbine flow meters calibrated at one temperature and operated at another
require correction of their K-Factor. Cox Precision Turbine Flow Meters can operate from –350…500° F, and up to 800° F using
a special high temperature pickoff.
Associated Equipment
Electrical leads from the flow meter to remote associated equipment should be carefully chosen to be compatible with
the flow meter output and the impedance values of the components used. Distance between flow meter and associated
equipment is then a negligible factor. Use good quality coaxial cable or twisted pairs, with or without shielding, as required
by environmental factors. If a shielded lead is required, it must not be grounded at the flow meter since neither pin of the
standard pickoff is grounded. Ground at some other point to eliminate ground loops in the associated equipment.
Filtration
Filtration is recommended as follows:
• LoFlo meters, meter sizes 84 through 08, and flange sizes 84, 86, 8 and 10 flow meters should have filters with a rating of
25…40 microns.
• Size 10 through 32 and flange sizes 12 through 48 flow meters should have filters with a rating of 40…75 microns.
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User Manual
RECALIBRATION
• Recalibration is not necessary following a cleaning operation or the replacement of bearings, snap rings, springs
or spacers.
• Recalibrate the flow meter if the rotor hub, or rotor and flow straightener assembly is replaced.
• Flow meters may be recalibrated by the user if the facilities are available, or they may be returned to the factory. Yearly
calibration is recommended.
• When the flow meter is set up for recalibration, allow the fluid to circulate for 5 minutes before beginning the
calibrating runs.
LOFLO REPLACEMENT PARTS
Figure 20: Model CLFA6Figure 21: Model CLFB6Figure 22: Models CLFC6…CLFF6
1100 – Flow is through 0.03
1300 – Rotor is angled blade
1400 – Bearing is staked into rotor.
(Factory replace)
1100 – Flow is through swirl slot.
Tube is press fit over slot.
1300 – Rotor has straight blades.
1400 – Bearing is staked into rotor.
(Factory replace)
1100 – Flow is through swirl slots. No tube over slots.
1300 – Rotor has straight blades.
1400 – Bearing is held with snap rings. (Field replace)