Baseline Systems BHM Hydrometer User Manual

N E T A F I M U S A

Hydrometers

OPERATION AND

MAINTENANCE MANUAL

NETAFIM USA

5470 E. Home Ave. • Fresno, CA 93727

888.638.2346 • 559.453.6800
FAX [phone]
www.netamusa.com

This manual is intended for use by the users of this equipment. The information

contained herein is the property of Netam USA and may not be copied, used, or

disclosed to others without the manufacturer’s prior written approval.

Users are cautioned that the material contained herein is subject to change by the

manufacturer at any time and without prior notice. The material in this manual is
intended for informational purposes only.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

General Description ............................................................ 4

Water Meter/Registers .........................................................4

Hydraulic Valve (Flow Sensor) ...........................................4

Specications and Dimensions ........................................... 5

Netam USA Hydrometers with Electrical Output ............ 7

Electrical Output Specications (Reed Switch Reg.) ......... 7

Transducer Type ................................................................ 10

Hydrometer Internal Components .....................................12

MAINTENANCE PREPARATION

Preliminary Steps ..............................................................23

Tools .................................................................................. 23

MAINTENANCE 1 ½” – 8” HYDROMETERS

Hydrometer Removal From Pipeline ................................24

Finger Strainer Cleaning and Replacement ......................25

Register Assembly Removal and Replacement ................25

INSTALLATION

A. Installation Requirements .............................................13

B. Unpacking ....................................................................13

C. Pipeline Installation ...................................................... 13

D. Preliminary Steps .........................................................13

E. Installing 1 ½” and 2” Models ......................................13

F. Installing 3” – 8” Models ..............................................13

CONTROL SYSTEM

A. Solenoid Connection ....................................................14

B. Electrical Output ..........................................................14

DRAINAGE VALVE .......................................................15

OPERATIONAL TESTING

A. To test water ow and manual operation .....................16

B. To test automatic and remote operation .......................16

OPERATIONS

A. Manual Operation ........................................................17

B. Automatic Operation ....................................................17

C. Solenoid Operation .......................................................17

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Pressure Sustaining ...........................................................18

Pressure Reducing .............................................................19

TROUBLESHOOTING

A. Leakage from Hydrometer Connection to Pipeline .....20

B. No Electrical Output Signal from Hydrometer ............ 20

C. Controller Indicates Water Not Flowing as Instructed .20

D. No Indication of Flow on Meter Dial ...........................20

E. Controller Indicates Valve Opening Failure .................21

F. Controller Indicates Valve Closure Failure ...................21

G. Leakage from Valves or Connectors ............................21

H. Constant Drainage from Pilot Valve ............................21

I. Excess or Insufcient Output Pressure .......................... 22

J. Excess or Insufcient Input Pressure ............................22

K. Excess or Insufcient Flow Rate .................................22

MAINTENANCE 1 ½” & 2” HYDROMETERS

Hydrometer Cover and Base Assemblies ..........................26

Diaphragm/Stem Dis-Assembly .......................................27

Base and Stem Dis-Assembly ........................................... 27

Inlet Spider and Strainer ...................................................28

MAINTENANCE 3” & 4” HYDROMETERS

Hydrometer Dis-Assembly and Re-Assembly ................... 29

Hydrometer Cover and Base Sub-Assemblies .................. 29

Diaphragm/Stem Assembly and Base Assembly ..............30

Inlet Spider and Strainer ...................................................31

MAINTENANCE 6” HYDROMETERS

Hydrometer Dis-Assembly and Reinstallation .................32

Register ............................................................................. 32

Hydrometer Cover ............................................................32

Diaphragm and Upper Stem Bearing ................................ 33

Lower Stem Bearing and Valve Cover ..............................33

Impeller and Flow Tube Sub-Assemblies ......................... 34

Inlet Spider ........................................................................ 34

MAINTENANCE 8” HYDROMETER

Hydrometer Dis-Assembly and Re-Assembly ................... 35

Register ............................................................................. 35

Hydrometer Cover ............................................................35

Diaphragm Sub-Assembly ................................................35

Diaphragm Sub-Assembly and Dis-Assembly .................36

Lower Chamber Disc Sub-Assembly ................................36

Stem Sub-Assembly and Valve Cover ..............................37

Impellar and Flow Tube Assemblies ................................. 38

Inlet Spider ........................................................................ 38

SCHEMATICS ................................................................39

Introduction

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A hydrometer combines a hydraulic master valve, water meter and a
ow sensor in a single unit. Netam USA’s Hydrometer is designed
for high pressure, remote control irrigation and industrial applications.

Body: Horizontal
Available Sizes: 1½”, 2”, 3”, 4”, 6” and 8”
Operation: For automatic and remote operation in a variety

of applications. Remote operation is possible via

an external solenoid valve activated by a remote

controller or control center. Flow rate and volume
data are electronically transmitted to the remote
controller by means of a transducer inserted into

the register dial.

WATER METER/REGISTERS

The hydrometer contains both a dry contact (reed switch) type
magnetic drive and a higher frequency output photo-diode register
transmission water meter, the impeller is the only moving part in

contact with the water. The meter may be calibrated to measure either

gallons or cubic meters. A hermetically sealed register contains the

dial face and all mechanical meter components.

The dial face contains:

• Totalizer

• Three (3) analog pointers

• Rotating ow indicator or leak detector

A magnetic pointer, located over one of the analog pointers, measures
the ow rate and transmits the data to the reed switch transducer in
the register cover.

HYDRAULIC VALVE (FLOW SENSOR)

The hydrometer contains a hydraulic master valve operated either
manually or by remote control. The valve normally remains closed
until a command is received to open it. Hydraulic commands

are transmitted to the valve via an external solenoid valve. The
hydrometer can also be ordered in a Normally Open conguration.

In this case the valve is opened until a command is received and the
valve closes.

Standard Register

Gallon Totalizer

Totalizer

Analog Pointers

Rotating Flow
Indicator or
Leak Detector

4 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Specications and Dimensions

W L

H

SPECIFICATIONS

Size 1 ½”

Maximum Working Pressure (psi) 230 230 230 230 230 230

Minimum Working Pressure (psi) 14 14 14 14 14 14

Regulated Pressure Ratio 1:3 1:3 1:3 1:3 1:3 1:3

Maximum Flow Rate (GPM) 55 95 220 380 860 1500

Minimum Flow Rate (GPM) 4.4 20 53 79 198 357

Accuracy ±2% ±2% ±2% ±2% ±2% ±2%

2”

3” 4” 6” 8”

H

W

W L

L

H

Hydrometer Dimensions

Size 1 ½”

Length (L) 6 5/16” 6 1/4” 9 9/16” 10 15/16” 19 1/2” 20 11/16”

Width (W) 4 3/4” 4 3/4” 8 1/4” 9 1/16” 14 7/8” 17 3/4”

Height (H) 10 5/16” 13 13/16” 16 15/16” 17 3/4” 25 7/16” 25 5/8”

Weight 4 lbs. 7 lbs. 52 lbs. 65 lbs. 245 lbs. 309 lbs.

2”

3” 4” 6” 8”

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 5

Headloss Charts

1 ½”

5.0

Specications, Cont.

5.0

4.0

2”

3.0

3”

Headloss (psi)

2.0

1.0

0

Pressure loss in psi = (gpm/Cv)

50

100 150 200 250

^2

Example: 2” Hydrometer, design ow @ 97 gpm
(55 gpm/35 gpm)

^2

= 2.5 psi headloss

Performance Data

Size

within ± 5% Accuracy

1 ½”

2”
3”
4”
6”
8”

Lowest Flow

1.8 GPM 4.4 GPM 44 GPM 55 GPM

5.3 GPM 20 GPM 66 GPM 95 GPM
14 GPM 53 GPM 176 GPM 220 GPM
21 GPM 79 GPM 264 GPM 380 GPM
53 GPM 198 GPM 660 GPM 860 GPM
97 GPM 357 GPM 1,189 GPM 1,500 GPM

Lowest Flow

within ± 2% Accuracy

4.0

3.0

Headloss (psi)

2.0

1.0

0

Nominal Flow

within ± 2% Accuracy

4”

200

within ± 2% Accuracy

400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

Maximum Flow

6”

8”

Flow Rate (gpm)Flow Rate (gpm)

Cv Values

Cv (Flow Rate at

1.0 psi of Headloss)

Size

1 ½”

2”
3”
4”
6”
8”

23 GPM
35 GPM

92 GPM
139 GPM
347 GPM
624 GPM

6 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Specications, Cont.

NETAFIM USA HYDROMETERS WITH ELECTRICAL OUTPUT

Netam USA Hydrometers are equipped with electrical output devices that combine the high reliability
of hermetically sealed, magnetically driven registers with a wide variety of electrical output options.
Hydrometers (measuring instruments) provide electrical output information about the ow of water.
When more than just the traditional register is needed, they also provide the solution for automation and
communication with controllers, electronic devices and other water delivery systems.

Netam USA has three types of transducer outputs available which provide three levels of resolution:

• Reed Switch (RS) Register - low frequency pulse output for functions related
primarily to recording volume.

• Photo Diode (PD) Register - standard frequency pulse output (open collector) for
functions such as rate of ow and recording total volume.

• Photo Diode (PDH) Register - high frequency pulse (open collector) for functions
such as rate of ow and recording total volume.

Recommended Register
Transducer Outputs

Manufacturer

Baseline Basestation PDH

Hunter ACC 2-Wire PDH

Rain Bird MDC & Maxi RS

Signature All Models RS

Sentinel PDH
Toro
TDC 2-Wire PDH

Rainmaster All Models
PD (6”, 8”)

Flowmaster

Tucor
& RK Series

Motorola All Models RS

Controller

Model

Recommended

Register Type

RS (1” to 4”)

PDH

ELECTRICAL OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS
REED SWITCH (RS) REGISTER

The ow rate is transmitted as periodic electrical pulses are measured by the magnetic pointer in
the dial face. The hydrometer is congured to transmit a pulse according to a pre-dened volume
interval. The following summarizes the available volume intervals for various hydrometer sizes in
either gallons or cubic meters.

• A three pointer register, with a magnet installed on one of the pointers.

• Output denition: Volume Output

• Output type: RS – Reed Switch and PD – Photo Diode

The sensor is installed in a transparent plastic cover that can be mounted on the register in one of
three positions with the pointer facing the magnet. Three values of electrical output are available

in 1:10:100 ratios.

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 7

Specications, Cont.

U.S. GALLONS

0 0 0 0 0 0

BM

0

9

1

8

2

0

7

9

3

1

6

8

4

5

Pulse per

1 USG

EXAMPLE for sizes 1½”, 2”, 3”, 4”

(standard pulse = 1 g/p)

7

6

4

5

9

8

7

6

2

3

0

1

2

3

4

5

Pulse per
10 USG

Pulse per
100 USG

Pulse per

10 USG

U.S. GALLONS

0 0 0 0 0 0

x 1000

BM

0

9

1

8

7

6

4

5

EXAMPLE for sizes 6”, 8”
(standard pulse = 10 g/p)

0

9

1

8

2

9

3

8

7

6

2

0

7

3

1

6

4

2

5

3

4

5

Pulse per
100 USG

Pulse per
1000 USG

For sizes 1½”, 2”, 3”, 4”: If the pointer with the magnet is set in the middle position as shown
in the drawing the magnet will make one contact of the reed switch for every 360° rotation - the
result is an output of 1 pulse per 10 USG.

For sizes 6”, 8”: If the pointer with the magnet is set in the right position as shown in the drawing
the magnet will make one contact of the reed switch for every 360° rotation - the result is an
output of 1 pulse per 1000 USG.

Available Impulse Sequences

Available Outputs

(U.S. gallons/pulse)

1    

10      

100      

1000   

1 ½”

3” 4” 6” 8”

2”

Reed Switch (RS) Register
Specifications

• Magnet activated.

• Acts as a “dry contact”, uses very little

electric power.

• For “Volume” related functions such as

data recorders or simple counters.

Electrical Specifications

Maximum Contact Current: 50 mA

Maximum Contact Voltage: 28 VDC

Reed Switch (RS)
Low Frequency Pulse Outputs

Reed Switch (RS)

Hydrometer

Size

1½”, 2”, 3”, 4” 1 1 60.00 0

6”, 8” 10 0.1 600.00 0

Gallons/

Pulse

Pulse/

Gallon K Factor Offset

Circuit Diagram

Register with Reed Switch
Output, Two Wires

8 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Specications, Cont.

Photo-Diode (PD & PDH) Register

• SensorcombinesanIRlightsourceandalightsensitive

diode in one package.

• Signalsarecreatedwhenthelightbeamcreatedbythe
IRlightisinterruptedbyarotatingelement.

• RequiresaconstantsupplyofDCpower.

Circuit Diagram

Register with Photo Diode
Output and Wire Leads

Note:Sunlightwillinterfere
withtheIRlightandmay
corruptorinterferewiththe
signal—keepdustcapclosed

during operation to ensure

propersignaloutput.

Photo-Diode Electrical
Specifications

POSITIVE powers the IR light
(yellow wire)

Current Min: 15 mA to a maximum of 25 mA DC
through a resistor

•MaximumVoltage:28VDC

OUTPUT (clear wire)

Output–Opencollector

Recommended
Resistor Valves

Voltage (V+)

Ω W

5 180 0.25

6 220 0.25

9 330 0.25

12 470 0.50

24 1000 1.00

Resistor Values

(Max. Load – 2 mA)

GROUND (bare wire)

NOTE: Correct polarity of the leads should be

checked carefully to prevent damage to
the sensor.

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 9

Transducer Type

Transducer Type: Reed Switch and Photo Diode K Factors

Photo Diode (PD) and

Photo Diode High Frequency

Meter

Size

1½”

2”

3”

4”

6”

8”

Reed Switch (RS)

Standard

Output

Gallons per pulse 1 10 100 0.1 0.0053

Pulse per gallon 1 0.1 0.01 10 187.900

K factor 10.00 60.00 600.00 6000.00 6.00 0.319

Gallons per pulse 1 10 100 0.1 0.0085

Pulse per gallon 1 0.1 0.01 10 117.000

K factor 10.00 60.00 600.00 6000.00 6.00 0.5100

Gallons per pulse 1 10 100 0.1 0.0205

Pulse per gallon 1 0.1 0.01 10 48.710

K factor 10.00 60.00 600.00 6000.00 6.00 1.232

Gallons per pulse 1 10 100 1 0.0556

Pulse per gallon 1 0.1 0.01 10 17.993

K factor 10.00 60.00 600.00 6000.00 6.00 3.335

Gallons per pulse 10 100 1000 1 0.1741

Pulse per gallon 0.1 0.01 0.001 1 5.747

K factor 10.00 600.00 6000.00 60000.00 60.00 10.437

Gallons per pulse 10 100 1000 1 0.317

Pulse per gallon 0.1 0.01 0.001 1 3.152

K factor 10.00 600.00 6000.00 60000.00 60.00 19.036

Optional Output PD PDH

Pulse (PDH)

Note: Offset = 0 in all Netafim USA Water Meters

When entering K factors in controllers and/or data recorders please refer to the manufacturer’s
recommendations—some will require the number of gallons per pulse and others will require
the number of pulses per gallon. Some manufacturers will require a “K” and “offset” (for all
Netam USA Water Meters the offset = 0) where the K and offset are calculated using he fol­lowing equation:

Freq = (GPM/K) – offset

Where:
Freq = pulse/second

GPM = gallons per minute
K = unit less constant specic to each hydrometer pulse output
Offset = correction factor (All Netam USA water meters have an offset = 0)

or:

K = 60/(pulse/gallon)

10 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Specications, Cont.

Ordering Information

FLOW RANGE

Min GPM

PD 10 0.1

1.8 55 1½” Male Pipe Thread PDH 187.900 0.0053

RS 1 1

PD 10 0.1

5.3 95 2” Female Pipe Thread PDH 117.000 0.0085

RS 1 1

PD 10 0.1

14 220 3” Flanged PDH 48.710 0.0205

RS 1 1

PD 10 0.1

21 380 4” Flanged PDH 17.933 0.0556

RS 1 1

PD 1 1

53 860 6” Flanged PDH 5.747 0.1741

RS 0.1 10

PD 1 1

97 1,500 8” Flanged PDH 3.152 0.317

RS 0.1 10

± 5%

Max GPM

± 2%

Meter

Size

Connection

Register

Output

Type

Pulse per

Galon

Gallons

per Pulse

Electric

• LHM15TG01-MEL

• • LHM15TG01-PRMEL

• LHM15TG0053-MEL

• • LHM15TG0053-PRMEL

• LHM15TG1-MEL

• • LHM15TG1-PRMEL

• LHM2TG01-MEL

• • LHM2TG01-PRMEL

• LHM2TG0085-MEL

• • LHM2TG0085-PRMEL

• LHM2TG1-MEL

• • LHM2TG1-PRMEL

• LHM3FG01-MEL

• • LHM3FG01-PRMEL

• LHM3FG0205-MEL

• • LHM3FG0205-PRMEL

• LHM3FG1-MEL

• • LHM3FG1-PRMEL

• LHM4FG01-MEL

• • LHM4FG01-PRMEL

• LHM4FG0556-MEL

• • LHM4FG0556-PRMEL

• LHM4FG1-MEL

• • LHM4FG1-PRMEL

• LHM6FG1-MEL

• • LHM6FG1-PRMEL

• LHM6FG1739-MEL

• • LHM6FG1739-PRMEL

• LHM6FG10-MEL

• • LHM6FG10-PRMEL

• LHM8FG1-MEL

• • LHM8FG1-PRMEL

• LHM8FG317-MEL

• • LHM8FG317-PRMEL

• LHM8FG10-MEL

• • LHM8FG10-PRMEL

Model Number

Pressure

Regulating

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 11

Hydrometer Internal Components

Hydrometer Internal Components

(DoubleChamberNotAvailablein6”)

12 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Installation

A. Installation Requirements

• Globe conguration hydrometers
require no straight pipe installation

requirements. Do not install valves
that will cause a restriction directly
upstream or downstream of the
hydrometer.

• Connections to the hydrometer

should be the same size as the meter.

Example: if a 3” hydrometer is
installed, 3” pipe and ttings should

Globe Configuration

Straight Pipe Installation Requirement
0 x D and 0 x D

Upstream

Size

1 ½” 0” 0” 6 5/16” 6 5/16”

2” 0” 0” 8 5/8” 8 5/8”

3” 0” 0” 11 1/2” 11 1/2”

4” 0“ 0” 14 1/8“ 14 1/8“

6” 0“ 0” 19 1/2“ 19 1/2“

8” 0” 0” 23 5/8“ 23 5/8“

Distance

Downstream

Distance

Meter

Length

Total

Requirement

be connected to the hydrometer.

• Prior to installation of the meter, the
pipeline should be thoroughly ushed.

• Recommendation: Air Vents of proper size and type, Continuous
acting and large acting, be installed to eliminate air.

B. Unpacking

The hydrometer comes fully assembled according to the customer’s specications. The 1½” model
is shipped with the appropriate couplings and gaskets. For larger diameter models installation
hardware is not included for larger diameter models. Pilot valves and other accessories are factory
installed and calibrated according to the customer’s specications.

C. Pipeline Installation

The following tools are required to perform these procedures:

• Flat blade and Phillips head screwdrivers in various sizes

• Open end or box wrenches in various sizes

• Large pipe wrenches

• Pliers

• Dies or pipe threading tools compatible with the pipeline diameter

• Teon tape or similar pipe sealing material

D. Preliminary Steps

1. Before beginning the installation, the line should be thoroughly ushed to remove any
foreign matter.

2. Close the inlet valve in order to shut off the water ow to the pipeline.

E. Installing 1½” and 2” Models

The 2” hydrometer can be attached directly to a male threaded pipeline or to a female threaded
pipeline using a coupling. The 1½” model can only be attached using a coupling.

Coupling Connection

• Create a female threaded connection on both pipe sections.

• Apply Teon tape or similar material to seal the connections.

• Insert the male coupling connections into the pipeline sections and tighten securely.

• Place a coupling gasket over each male threaded hydrometer connection and
securely tighten the coupling nuts.

Direct Connection

• Create a male threaded connection on both pipe sections that are to be attached.

• Apply Teon tape or similar material to seal the connections.

• Insert the male threaded pipe connection into the hydrometer and tighten securely.

F. Installing 3” – 8” Models

The end user is expected to supply the appropriate gaskets
and bolts according to the diameter of the pipeline.

• Place the appropriate gasket onto each ange.

• Insert the bolts, nuts and washers and tighten securely.

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 13

Installation, Cont.

CONTROL SYSTEM

A. Solenoid Connection

The hydrometer receives commands from the controller or control center via an external solenoid

valve. The hydrometer may be ordered with a factory installed solenoid valve or connected to an
solenoid valve supplied by the user.

To connect to a factory installed solenoid:

1. Connect the electric cable from controller to the attached solenoid valve. Position

the three-way selector in the “Auto” position - in this position the hydrometer will be

controlled by the solenoid.

B. Electrical Output

The hydrometer supplies volume and ow rate data to a controller or to an external measuring
device via an electrical connection. A reed switch transducer is factory installed in the register
dial. The cable attached to the reed switch transducer attaches to the controller or measuring

device.

To connect the hydrometer to the controller or measuring device:

1. Install an appropriate connector onto the bare end of the cable exiting from the reed
switch. Refer to the user manual of the controller or measuring device for details
regarding the specic connector type.

2. Connect the cable to the input port of the controller or measuring device.
(See pages 7-10 for more details)

14 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual

Drainage Valve

DRAINAGE VALVE

At the beginning of the winter it is necessary to drain the water from the pipeline in order to
prevent the pipes from bursting. (Please refer to the drawing below)

• Before draining, it is very important to ensure that there is no pressure in the line.

• Dissassemble plug (1)

• Assemble the drainage ball valve (2)

• Assemble elbow (3)

CAUTION: Do not use compressed air to blow out hydrometer.

Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual • 15

Operational Testing

INSTALLATION

Before the hydrometer is placed into service, you should perform the following tests to verify that
it is operating properly:

A. To test water ow and manual operation:

• Set 3-Way Selector to the “Open position”.

• Turn on the water ow to the hydrometer.

• Visually verify that water is owing downstream from the hydrometer in appropriate

quantities.

• Verify that the leak detector, pointers and the totalizer are functioning properly.

• Check all hoses, connections, pilot valves, etc. for leakage and repair as necessary.

• Set 3-Way Selector to the “Close position”.

• Verify that the water ow downstream has stopped.

B. To test automatic and remote operation:

• Set 3-Way Selector to the “Auto” position.

• Turn on the water ow to hydrometer.

• Verify that the hydrometer output is correctly received by the controller or control center.

• Use the controller or control center to close the hydrometer. Verify that the water ow

downstream has stopped.

• Use the controller software to test operation of the hydrometer under various applications
and conditions such as pressure reducing, pressure sustaining and ow regulation.

• Your hydrometer is now ready for routine use.

16 • Hydrometers Operation and Maintenance Manual