FLOW Technology FT Series Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual
4250 EAST BROADWAY ROAD PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85040 U.S.A.
TELEPHONE (602) 437-1315 FAX (602) 437-4459
FT SERIES
TURBINE FLOWMETERS
and
Maintenance Manual
SERIAL NUMBER_________________________________
The specifications contained in this
manual are subject to change without
notice and any user of these specifications
should verify from the manufacturer that
the specifications are currently in effect.
Otherwise, the manufacturer assumes no
responsibility for the use of specifications
that have been changed and are no longer
in effect.
Installation, Operation
FT SERIES
TURBINE FLOWMETERS
Installation, Operation
and
Maintenance Manual
TM-86675 REV. U
PUBLISHED BY FLOW TECHNOLOGY, INC. – April 2004
Thank you for selecting a FLOW TECHNOLOGY, INC. product for your flow measurement
application.
Virtually every major commercial, government, and scientific organization is making use of our
products, expertise and extensive technical support. This is a culmination of years of refinement in our
flowmeter and calibrator designs, which has resulted in the technological leadership in the flow
measurements field, which we enjoy.
We are proud of our quality products, our courteous service and welcome you, as a valued customer, to
our growing family.
i
WARRANTY
Limited Warranty. Seller warrants that
goods delivered hereunder will at delivery be
free from defects in materials and
workmanship and will conform to seller's
operating specifications. Seller makes no
other warranties, express or implied, and
specifically makes NO WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Limitation of Liability.
under the warranty shall be limited to
replacing or repairing at Seller's option, the
defective goods within twelve (12) months
from the date of shipment, or eighteen (18)
months from the date of shipment for
destination outside of the United States,
provided that Buyer gives Seller proper
notice of any defect or failure and
satisfactory proof thereof. Defective goods
must be returned to Seller's plant or to a
designated Seller's service center for
inspection. Buyer will prepay all freight
charges to return any products to Seller's
plant, or other facility designated by Seller.
Seller will deliver replacements for defective
goods to Buyer freight prepaid. The
warranty on said replacements shall be
limited to the unexpired portion of the
original warranty. Goods returned to Seller
for which Seller provides replacement under
the above warranty shall become the
property of the Seller.
The limited warranty does not apply to
failures caused by mishandling or
misapplication. Seller's warranty obligations
shall not apply to any goods, which (a) are
normally consumed in operation or (b) have
a normal life inherently shorter than the
warranty period stated herein.
Seller's obligation
In the event that goods are altered or repaired
by the Buyer without prior written approval by
the Seller, all warranties are void. Equipment
and accessories not manufactured by Seller are
warranted only to the extent of and by the
original manufacturer's warranty. Repair or
replacement goods furnished pursuant to the
above warranty shall remain under warranty
only for the unexpired portion of the original
warranty period.
Should Seller fail to manufacture or deliver
goods other than standard products appearing
in Seller's catalog, Seller's exclusive liability
and Buyer's exclusive remedy shall be release
of the Buyer from the obligation to pay
purchase price therefor.
THE FORGOING WARRANTIES ARE IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES
WHETHER ORAL, WRITTEN, EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY. IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF FITNESS AND
MERCHANTABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY
SELLER'S WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS AND
BUYER'S REMEDIES THEREUNDER
(EXCEPT AS TO TITLE) ARE SOLELY AND
EXCLUSIVELY AS STATED HEREIN. IN
NO CASE WILL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE.
The total liability of Seller (including its
subcontractors) on any claim whether in
contract, tort (including negligence whether
sole or concurrent) or otherwise, arising out of
or connected with, or resulting from the
manufacture, sales, delivery, resale, repair,
replacement or use of any goods or the
furnishing of any service hereunder shall not
exceed the price allocable to the product or
service or part thereof which gives rise to the
claim.
ii
TM-86675
REVISIONS
DATE REVISION ECO NUMBER APPROVAL
A
B
C
D
E
12/22/92 F 10950 T. Roy
07/20/95 G 11278 M. Wusterbarth
06/13/96 H 12451 T. Roy
03/11/97 J 12724, 12744,12752 E. Knowles
08/20/97 K 13001 E. Knowles
02/09/97 L 13195 E. Knowles
06/13/98 M 13319 E. Knowles
05/03/99 N 14098 T Roy
3/11/02 P 15677 J Blasius
11/14/02 R 16185 J Blasius
5/8/03 S 16532 J Blasius
7/21/03 T 16700 J Blasius
4/5/04 U 17286 J Blasius
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 STANDARD LINE FLOWMETER 1
3.0 INSPECTION UPON RECEIPT 2
4.0 MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS 2
4.1 FLOW CONDITIONING 2
4.2 FLOW PULSATIONS 3
4.3 PURGING 3
4.4 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION 3
4.5 ORIENTATION AND CALIBRATION 3
4.6 FILTRATION 4
4.7 TORQUE REQUIREMENTS 4
5.0 PICKOFFS 4
5.1 INSTALLATION 4
5.2 EXPLOSION PROOF HOUSINGS 5
5.2.1 PICKOFF INSTALLATION SOCKETS 5
5.3 MAGNETIC PICKOFF 5
5.4 RF PICKOFF 6
6.0 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 6
6.1 CONNECTIONS 6
6.2 CONNECTION CABLE 6
6.3 GROUNDING CONSIDERATIONS 6
6.4 SIGNAL PROCESSING 7
7.0 BIDIRECTIONAL FLOWMETERS 7
8.0 OPERATION 8
8.1 OVER RANGE 8
8.2 UNDER RANGE 8
8.3 TURBINE FLOWMETER LIQUID CHARACTERISTICS 8
8.3.1 INTRODUCTION 8
8.3.2 STANDARD CALIBRATION 8
8.3.3 SINGLE VISCOSITY CALIBRATIONS 9
8.3.4 MULTIPLE VISCOSITY CALIBRATIONS 9
8.4 TURBINE FLOWMETER GAS CHARACTERISTICS 9
8.4.1 INTRODUCTION 9
8.4.2 AIR CALIBRATION 10
8.4.3 SINGLE PRESSURE CALIBRATION 10
8.4.4 MULTIPLE PRESSURE CALIBRATIONS 11
9.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS 11
9.1 END FITTINGS 13
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
SECTION TITLE PAGE
9.2 CALIBRATION 13
9.3 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 14
9.4 BEARINGS 14
9.5 PICKOFFS 15
10.0 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE 21
10.1 INSPECTION CLEANING AND STORAGE 21
10.2 REMOVING INTERNALS 22
10.3 GENERAL HANDLING TECHNIQUES 23
10.4 BALL BEARING REPLACEMENT 24
10.4.1 LIQUID FT4-8, AND GAS FT-10, FT-12 25
10.4.2 LIQUID FT6-8, FT8-8, FT-08, FT-10, FT-12, FT-16, FT-20,
FT-24
GAS FT2-8, FT4-8, FT6-8, FT8-8, FT-08, FT-10, FT-12, FT-16,
FT-20, FT-24
10.4.3 LIQUID AND GAS FT-32 26
10.4.4 LIQUID AND GAS FT-40, FT-48, FT-64 27
10.4.5 LIQUID AND GAS FT-96 28
10.4.6 LIQUID AND GAS FT128 29
10.4.7 LIQUID AND GAS FT192 30
10.5 JOURNAL BEARING REPLACEMENT 31
10.5.0.1 REPLACEMENT KITS 31
10.5.0.2 SELF-LUBRICATING BEARINGS 31
10.5.0.3 CARBIDE AND CERAMIC 31
10.5.1 FT-24 AND SMALLER GRAPHITE 32
10.5.2 FT-24 AND SMALLER CERAMIC AND TUNSTEN CARBIDE 33
10.5.3 FT-32 GRAPHITE 34
10.5.4 FT-32 CERAMIC AND TUNGSTEN CARBIDE 35
10.5.5 FT-40, FT48, FT64 CERAMIC AND TUNGSTEN CARBIDE 36
10.5.6 FT-96, FT128 TUNGSTEN CARBIDE 37
10.5.7 FT-192 TUNGSTEN CARBIDE 38
11.0 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 39
12.0 PARTS LIST 44
25
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS (TABLES GUIDE)
TABLE # TABLE TITLE PAGE
TABLE 1 TORQUE REQUIREMENTS 4
TABLE 2 FT SERIES FLOWMETER MODEL NUMBERING SYSTEM 12
TABLE 3 BEARING APPLICATION GUIDE 15
TABLE 4 LIQUID SERVICE BALL BEARING 16
TABLE 5 LIQUID SERVICE JOURNAL BEARING 17
TABLE 6 GAS SERVICE BALL BEARING H CODE 18
TABLE 7 GAS SERVICE BALL BEARING A CODE 19
TABLE 8 METER READS HIGH 39
TABLE 9 METER READS LOW 40
TABLE 10 ZERO OUTPUT 41
TABLE 11 INTERMITTENT OPERATION 42
TABLE 12 NON-REPEAT METER OUTPUT 43
TABLE 13 CONSTANT NON-ZERO OUTPUT 44
TABLE 14 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT4-8, FT6-8 45
TABLE 15 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT8-8, FT-08 46
TABLE 16 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-10, FT-12 47
TABLE 17 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-16, FT-20 48
TABLE 18 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-24, FT-32 49
TABLE 19 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-40, FT-48 50
TABLE 20 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-64, FT-96 51
TABLE 21 LIQUID SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST FT-128, FT-192 52
TABLE 22 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT2-8, FT4-8 53
TABLE 23 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT6-8, FT8-8 54
TABLE 24 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-08 55
TABLE 25 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-10, FT-12 56
TABLE 26 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-16, FT-20 57
TABLE 27 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-24, FT-32 58
TABLE 28 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-40, FT-48 59
TABLE 29 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE H) FT-64 60
TABLE 30 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT2-8, FT4-8 61
TABLE 31 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT6-8, FT8-8 62
TABLE 32 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-08 63
TABLE 33 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-10, FT-12 64
TABLE 34 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-16, FT-20 65
TABLE 35 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-24, FT-32 66
TABLE 36 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-40, FT-48 67
TABLE 37 GAS SERVICE FLOWMETER PARTS LIST (CODE A) FT-64, FT-96 68
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS (FIGURES GUIDE)
FIGURE # TITLE PAGE
FIGURE 1 FLOWMETER BASIC PARTS 1
FIGURE 2 3-VALVE BYPASS MANIFOLD PIPE SCHEMATIC 2
FIGURE 3 PICKOFF INSTALLATION SOCKETS 5
FIGURE 4 DIMENSIONS 20
FIGURE 5 BEARING SEATING 23
FIGURE 6 ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN 69
FIGURE 7 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT2-8, FT4-8 70
FIGURE 8 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT6-8, FT8-8, FT-08 70
FIGURE 9 GAS BEARING (CODE H) FT2-8, FT8-8, FT6-8, FT8-8 FT-08 71
FIGURE 10 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT-10, THRU FT-24 71
FIGURE 11 GAS BEARING (CODE H) FT-10, FT-12 72
FIGURE 12 GAS BEARING (CODE H) FT-16, FT-20, FT-24 72
FIGURE 13 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) AND GAS (CODE H)
FT-32
FIGURE 14 LIQUID BEARING (CODE A) AND GAS (CODE A & H) FT-32,
FT-40, FT-48, FT-64
FIGURE 15 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT-96 74
FIGURE 16 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT-128 74
FIGURE 17 LIQUID AND GAS BEARING (CODE A) FT-192 75
FIGURE 18 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT4-8 THRU FT-08 75
FIGURE 19 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-32 76
FIGURE 20 LIQUID BEARING (CODE E) FT4-8 THRU FT-08 76
FIGURE 21 LIQUID BEARING (CODE E) FT-16, FT-20, FT-24 77
FIGURE 22 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-32 77
FIGURE 23 LIQUID BEARING (CODE E) FT-32 78
FIGURE 24 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-40, FT-48, FT-64 78
FIGURE 25 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-96 79
FIGURE 26 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-128 79
FIGURE 27 LIQUID BEARING (CODE G & D) FT-192 80
73
73
vii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This manual provides information and guidance for the installation, operation and maintenance of the
Standard Line Turbine Flowmeters, manufactured by Flow Technology, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona.
2.0 STANDARD LINE FLOWMETER
The Flow Technology, Inc. Standard Line Turbine Flowmeter is a volumetric flow measuring
instrument. The flow sensing element is a freely suspended, bladed rotor positioned axially in the flow
stream with the flowing fluid pushing against the blades. The rotational speed of the rotor is
proportional to the velocity of the fluid. Since the flow passage is fixed, the turbine rotors rotational
speed is also a true representation of the volume of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. The rotation of
the turbine rotor generates electrical pulses in the pickoff that is attached to the flowmeter housing in
close proximity to the turning rotor. Each one of these pulses represents a discrete volume of fluid. The
frequency or pulse repetition rate represents the volumetric flow rate and the accumulated pulse total
represents the total volume measured. Meters provided for liquid applications are not interchangeable
with meters provided for gas applications. All requests for information concerning a specific meter
should contain the flowmeter model number and the flowmeter serial number.
The Standard Line Flowmeter consists of 3 basic assemblies. (See Figure 1)
Figure 1. Flowmeter Basic Parts
TM-86675 1
3.0 INSPECTION UPON RECEIPT
The flowmeter should be unpacked carefully and inspected to verify that no damage occurred during
shipment. Make certain that the internal parts are clean and free from packing materials or debris.
C A U T I O N
The flowmeter is a precision instrument and
may be damaged if pressurized air
is used for cleaning the flowmeter or for
checking the rotation of the rotor.
4.0 MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS
4.1 Flow Conditioning
The turbine flowmeter is sensitive to velocity profile disturbances in the flow stream. For optimizing the
velocity profile it is recommended that a straight run of constant diameter piping with length of at least
10 diameters upstream of the meter and at least 5 diameters downstream be provided. (See Figure 2) The
upstream section should have straightening vanes or other flow conditioners. The presence of major
flow disturbance generators such as pumps, valves or elbows may require longer straight sections. If
swirl is present in the line ahead of the flowmeter installation, a longer straight section or additional
flow conditioning may be required. Flow Technology, Inc. provides an array of innovative state of the
art flow conditioners.
Figure 2. 3-Valve Bypass Manifold Pipe Schematic
TM-86675 2
4.2 Flow Pulsations
Piping and system components should be arranged to minimize pulsations entering the turbine meter.
Pulsations may cause the meter to read high, and excessive pulsations may cause permanent bearing
damage. Pulsations should be kept below 10% of the current flow rate at the meter location.
C A U T I O N
Pressure should be built up gradually at start-up to avoid possible damage by
over-speeding the rotor. Any severe water hammering from improper start-up or
flow surges during operation must be avoided to prevent over-speeding, shaft or
rotor blade breakage.
NOTE
Water hammering is a term used during start-up (introducing fluid into the
piping) to describe a high velocity flow impact on the turbine rotor. This must be
avoided to prevent damage to the mechanical parts.
4.3 Purging
All flow lines in the meter system should be purged prior to installation of the meter. This will remove
pipe dope, metal shavings, slag and debris that may damage the turbine meter. Control valves should be
located downstream from the turbine meter. (See Figure 2) System start-ups with upstream control
valves in an unfilled system can result in a hydraulic shock on the meter, causing damage and a change
in calibration in liquid systems, or can cause over speed conditions in gas meter systems.
4.4 Installation Recommendation
For liquid flowmeters, it is recommended that the flowmeter be installed so that it remains full of fluid
when the flow ceases. When the flowmeter is left installed in a line that is temporarily out of service and
has been partially or fully drained, severe bearing corrosion may occur. The type and corrosiveness of
the fluid being metered, the type of bearing used in the flowmeter and the length of time the line will be
out of service are factors which may affect the life and operation of the flowmeters. If it is economically
feasible and conditions permit, the flowmeter should be removed, cleaned and stored when there is any
doubt about the fluid level in the line during these out-of-service periods. See section 10.1 inspection
cleaning and storage.
4.5 Orientation and Calibration
The orientation of the turbine flowmeter will influence the nature of the load on the rotor bearings, and
thus, the performance of the meter at low flow rates. For optimum accuracy a turbine meter should be
installed in the same orientation in which it was calibrated. Standard calibration orientation is with the
meter axis horizontal.
TM-86675 3
4.6 Filtration
A filter should be installed upstream of the flowmeter. (See Figure 2) For 1/2 inch flowmeters, a 10
micron nominal filter should be used; for 3/4 inch and 1 inch flowmeters, a 20 micron nominal filter
should be installed; for flowmeters 1-1/2 inch in diameter or larger, a 50 micron filter is recommended.
4.7 Torque Requirements
The following table provides the recommended torques in pound-feet for tightening MS-33656 flaredtube end fittings:
TABLE 1
TORQUE REQUIREMENTS
POUND-FEET
SIZE ALUMINUM TUBING STEEL TUBING
MIN. MAX. MIN. MAX.
½” 19 21 37 40
5/8” 27 30 54 58
¾” 35 40 75 85
1” 41 58 100 116
1-1/4” 66 75 126 140
1-1/2” 66 75 158 175
2” 150 166 221 245
5.0 PICKOFFS
5.1 Installation
Pickoffs should bottom in the well of the flowmeter housing but should only be finger tightened to
approximately 4 lb-in (4500 gm-cm max) to prevent distortion of the coil housing. The pickoff is
secured in position by tightening the lock nut to approximately 25 lb-in (30000 gm-cm). The pickoff is
removed by loosening the hex lock nut and unscrewing the pickoff from the housing.
C A U T I O N
Meter pressure ratings are established with a pickoff
installed. Do not operate a flowmeter under pressure
without a pickoff installed.
5.2 Explosion Proof Housings
Flowmeters with explosion proof housings may have the pickoff installed inside a short section of
conduit pipe (spud) that is welded to the housing. Since the spud is longer than the pickoff, the pickoff
cannot be finger tightened directly and an alternate method must be used to install the pickoff. A
modified 11/16-inch deep socket is required to screw the pickoff into the housing and a modified 13/16inch deep socket is used to tighten the lock nut.
TM-86675 4
5.2.1 Pickoff Installation Sockets
Modify a standard 11/16-inch deep socket with an elongated 3/8-inch hole as shown in Figure 3. This
socket will fit the pickoff and allow easy feed through of the lead terminals without damaging the leads.
Modify a standard 13/16-inch deep socket with an elongated hole. (See Figure 3) Cut the outside
diameter of the socket to 1.015 inches as shown to permit the socket to tighten the lock nut inside the
conduit without damaging the pickoff leads.
Figure 3. Pickoff Installation Sockets
5.3 Magnetic Pickoff
The magnetic pickoff output is a low level signal that ranges from 10 mV to several volts peak-to-peak.
A pulse amplifier may be needed to convert the pickoff low level signal to a 10 V peak-to-peak pulse
signal suitable for process instrumentation. Typical resistance of magnetic pickoffs are 2275 Ω ± 20%.
5.4 RF Pickoff
The modulated carrier (RF) pickoff must be installed with an appropriate amplifier (consult factory).
The amplifier is needed to convert the modulated carrier signal to a 10 V peak-to-peak pulse signal
suitable for process instrumentation. Typical resistance of modulated carrier pickoffs is 10 Ω ± 10%.
TM-86675 5
6.0 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
6.1 Connections
Standard pickoffs are available with a two-contact type MS3102A-10SL-4P connector or with threaded
body and pigtail connectors.
6.2 Connection Cable
The connecting cable between the flowmeter and the electronic instrumentation should be a two
conductor, 22 AWG, shielded and twisted cable with a vinyl jacket (Belden 8761 or equivalent). The
cable should not be installed in a conduit or tray containing power lines, or close to strong
electromagnetic sources such as electric lines, electric motors, transformers, welding machines, or high
voltage lines. These sources may induce transient electrical noise in the coil and cause false pulse
signals. Connections from standard pickoffs are not polarized and may be connected in either position.
For non-standard pickoffs please refer to manufacturer's specifications.
6.3 Grounding Considerations
The shield of the cable is to be grounded at only one point in accordance with the instruction of the
display instrument. Flow Technology, Inc. display instruments specify where the shield is to be
grounded.
TM-86675 6
6.4 Signal Processing
An electronic signal conditioning circuit is required to either convert the frequency output of the
flowmeter into a visual presentation on a display or to provide process control signals. Flow
Technology, Inc. manufactures a complete line of electronic packages, which include rate and total
displays, rate converters and microprocessor based units for linearization and temperature / pressure
compensation.
Pickoff Connector Specifications
Standard 2 Pin MS Non-polarized Pins
27-31386 3 Pin MS Pins: A = Coil B = Coil C = N/C
Inductance = 0.350 mh ± 10 % Resistance = 3.5 ohms ± 10 %
Amplified Pickoffs
27-94057
Pick-off w/RTD
RF 27-62730
Mag 27-62731
3 Pin MS
Wire Leads
4 Pin MS
Wire Leads
Pins: A = Power B = Ground C = Pulse
Red = Power Black = Ground White = Pulse
Input Power = 8 to 32 VDC @ 10 ma
Output = 0 to 5 VDC Pulse
Output Impedance = 2.2 K ohms
Mag Amp: Frequency Range = 10 Hz to 10 KHz
Input Sensitivity = 20 MV p-p
RF Amp: Frequency Range = 10 to 3200 Hz
Oscillator Carrier Frequency = 45 KHz
Pins: A=Coil B=Coil Non-polarized
C= RTD high D= RTD low & RTD compensation
Leads: White= Coil Non-polarized
Red= RTD high Black= RTD low & RTD compensation
RTD= 100 Ohm Platinum
7.0 BIDIRECTIONAL FLOWMETERS
Turbine flowmeters can be configured to measure flow in both directions and provide direction-sensing
capability. This is accomplished by adding a second pickoff located with respect to the first pickoff in
such a way as to achieve a 90-phase shift. The location of the pickoffs are determined by the number of
blades on the rotor.
TM-86675 7
8.0 OPERATION
8.1 Over Range
In general, turbine flowmeters remain quite linear when they are over ranged, and may not provide any
indication that the instrument is being misused. However, the pressure drop will become excessive and
over speeding of the bearings could cause permanent damage. Bearings may also be damaged by
excessive downstream thrust load. The probability of an over speed condition for a liquid meter usually
occurs during system start up when there is still air in the lines. Air should be bled carefully from the
lines before high flow range is established. The flow rate or output frequency should be monitored to
insure maximum capability is not exceeded. Flow Technologies’s specifications should be consulted for
specific maximum operating flow rates. See tables 4,5,6 and 7. Under extreme conditions, the maximum
operating flow rates can be exceeded for brief periods of time without meter damage. Following are the
maximum allowable over range capabilities:
Bearing Type Liquid Gas
Ball 50% 10%
Pivot 10% 10%
Journal 50% N/A
8.2 Under Range
When used below the minimum specified range, turbine meters may become very non-linear. The
repeatability of the meter may also be reduced due to bearing and magnetic pickoff drag.
8.3 Liquid Turbine Flowmeter Characteristics
8.3.1 Introduction
Optimum performance of a turbine meter system depends upon a valid calibration as well as the correct
selection of supporting equipment. The rotational speed of a turbine rotor depends upon fluid properties
as well as the fluid velocity. The most significant fluid property for a liquid meter is the kinematic
viscosity. As liquid viscosity increases, the slip of the turbine rotor due to viscous drag is increased, and
the rotational speed and hence pick-off frequency is decreased. Due to these effects, the kinematic
viscosity of the calibration fluid should approximate the service conditions as closely as possible.
8.3.2 Standard Calibration
Standard liquid calibrations at FTI are done with MIL-C-7024 Type II solvent or water at room
temperature. The viscosity of these fluids is approximately 1.25 and 1 centistokes respectively. The
standard calibration consists of 10 data points distributed over the normal 10:1 range of the flowmeter.
If viscosities or flow ranges other than these are required, they must be specified.
TM-86675 8
8.3.3 Single Viscosity Calibration
If the flowmeter is to be used at a viscosity other than the standard calibration viscosities, an oil blend
calibration should be done on the meter to simulate the operating conditions. The calibration curve
produced will represent the flowmeter’s output characteristics for that specific viscosity. If the
flowmeter is used with liquids having viscosities greater than 3 centistokes, the linearity of the K-factor
will be reduced.
8.3.4 Multiple Viscosity Calibrations
If the viscosity is changing due to varying temperature in the system, the performance characteristics
over a range the viscosities can be established. This is done by performing multiple calibrations at
different viscosities to cover the range of interest. The K-factor of the meter is then plotted as a function
of Hz/v. The K-factor is the number of pulses generated by a flowmeter for every unit volume of fluid
passing through it. Hz is the output frequency of the meter and v is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid in
centistokes. The plot of K vs. Hz/v is commonly referred to as a universal viscosity curve. The data is
plotted in this manner because all points fall on a single smooth curve. To obtain a useful curve,
calibration points for calibrations at several viscosities are required. By observing the output frequency
of the flowmeter and obtaining the viscosity or temperature of the fluid, the value of Hz/v can be
calculated. Using the universal viscosity curve, the value of K corresponding to the known value of Hz/v
can be determined. With the K-factor known, the flow through the meter can be determined from the
expression:
Hz (60)
GPM =
K - factor
8.4 Gas Turbine Flowmeter Characteristics
8.4.1 Introduction
Accurate performance of gas turbine flowmeters depend on a valid calibration that simulates the
conditions the meter will operate in. Changes in the pressure and temperature of a gas directly affect the
density and kinematic viscosity of the fluid. These changing fluid properties affect the performance of
gas flowmeters in much the same way as liquid flowmeters.
TM-86675 9
Due to the nature of gasses to be compressed, the volume of gas measured is dependent on the pressure
and temperature as established by Boyle's Law and Charles' Law. Using these relationships, the actual
volume of gas measured can be related to a standard set of conditions that provide useful technical data.
The standard conditions for pressure and temperature used at Flow Technology, Inc. are 14.7 pounds per
square inch absolute (PSIA) and 520 degrees Rankine (60 degrees Fahrenheit) respectively. For proper
conversions, the absolute measurement for pressure and temperature must be used.
The following equation is used to convert the actual volumetric flow rate (QA) in Actual Cubic Feet per
Minute (ACFM) to the equivalent standard flow rate (QS) in Standard Cubic Feet per Minute (SCFM).
P
Q
= Q A ( ---- ) ( ---- )
S
P
T S
A
T A
S
Where:
QS = Standard flow rate in SCFM
QA = Actual measured flow rate in ACFM
PA = Actual measured pressure at pressure tap on meter (PSIA)
PS = Standard Pressure (14.7 PSIA)
TA = Actual measured temperature downstream of meter ( R)
TS = Standard temperature (520 R)
8.4.2 Air Calibration
Gas calibrations at FTI are done using air at ambient conditions. These conditions are typically 14.2
PSIA and 72 F. The standard calibration consists of 10 data points distributed over the normal 10:1
range of the flowmeter. If conditions or flow ranges other than these are required, they must be
specified.
8.4.3 Single Pressure Calibrations
If the flowmeter is to be used at conditions that vary significantly from the standard calibration, a
calibration at equivalent conditions should be performed to simulate the actual operating conditions.
The calibration curve produced will represent the flowmeter's output characteristics for the specified gas
at the actual operating conditions.
TM-86675 10
8.4.4 Multiple Pressure Calibrations
Performance characteristics over a range of pressures can be established for operating conditions where
the temperature and pressure are changing. This is done by performing multiple calibrations at different
pressures to cover the range of interest. The information obtained is then plotted on a curve of K-factor
verses Hz/v where the K-factor is the pulses per unit volume generated by the flowmeter and the Hz/v is
the frequency output of the flowmeter divided by the kinematic viscosity of the fluid. The procedure is
similar to liquid meters using the universal viscosity curve. By reading the output frequency of the
flowmeter during operation and dividing it by the kinematic viscosity of the fluid being used, the
volumetric flow rate can be determined by reading the K-factor from the universal viscosity curve and
calculating the flow rate:
Hz (60)
CFM =
K - factor
Electronic instrumentation is available that can be programmed with the universal viscosity curve and
setup with pressure and temperature transducers that will automatically make these calculations and read
out the corrected flow rate.
9.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS
Table 2 shows the complete model numbering system for the FT series flowmeters. The sections that
follow describe the contents of Table 2 in detail.
Tables 3 thru 7 describe the different bearings and their applications.
TM-86675 11
TABLE 2
FT MODEL NUMBERING SYSTEM
FT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _
BASE MODEL
2-8 Through 192
( 1/2" Through 12" )
END FITTINGS
Refer to Section 9.1
CALIBRATION
Refer to Section 9.2
NON STANDARD UNITS
U = To signify required units of measure
other than GPM or ACFM
R = To signify special calibration flow range
other than normal 10:1 or extended range
B = to signify both changes in units and
special flow range
SERVICE
L = Liquid
G = Gas
P = Gas with pressure tap
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Refer to Section 9.3
BEARINGS
A = Ball Bearing
D = Carbide Journal
E = Graphite Journal
G = Ceramic Journal
H = Ball Bearing Self Lubricating (FT64 & smaller gas meters)
Refer to Section 9.4
PICKOFFS
Refer to Section 9.5
SPECIAL CODE
Special meter configurations will not be addressed in this manual
please contact the factory for a description of the special code.
TM-86675 12
9.1 End Fittings
AE = AN (or MS) external straight
BE = British Standard external pipe threads 1/2" to 4"
NE = NPT external threads, 1/2" to 6"
HB = Hose Barb
WF = Wafer type serrated surface
C1 = 150# Raised Face Flange
C2 = 300# Raised Face Flange
C3 = 600# Raised Face Flange
C4 = 900# Raised Face Flange
C5 = 1500# Raised Face Flange
C6 = 2500# Raised Face Flange
J1 = 150# Ring Joint Flange
J2 = 300# Ring Joint Flange
J3 = 600# Ring Joint Flange
J4 = 900# Ring Joint Flange
J5 = 1500# Ring Joint Flange
J6 = 2500# Ring Joint Flange
D1 = DIN Flange PN16
D2 = DIN Flange PN40
D3 = DIN Flange PN100
D4 = DIN Flange PN160
D5 = DIN Flange PN250
D6 = DIN Flange PN400
9.2 Calibration
KA = 3 Point, K-factor average, in Air
KW = 3 Point, K-factor average, in Water
KS = 3 Point, K-factor average, in Solvent
KB = 3 Point, K-factor average, in Oil Blend
NA = 10 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Air
NW = 10 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Water
NS = 10 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Solvent
NB = 10 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Oil blend
XA = 10 Point, extended range, in Air
XW = 10 Point, extended range, in Water
XS = 10 Point, extended range, in Solvent
XB = 10 Point, extended range, in Oil blend
TA = 20 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Air
TW = 20 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Water
TS = 20 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Solvent
TB = 20 Point, normal 10:1 range, in Oil blend
YA = 20 Point, extended range, in Air
YW = 20 Point, extended range, in Water
TM-86675 13
YS = 20 Point, extended range, in Solvent
YB = 20 Point, extended range, in Oil blend
GA = 30 Point, extended range, in Air
GW = 30 Point, extended range, in Water
GS = 30 Point, extended range, in Solvent
GB = 30 Point, extended range, in Oil blend
U2 = Universal Viscosity Curve, 2 viscosities
U3 = Universal Viscosity Curve, 3 viscosities
R1 = Reynolds # Calibration, 10 Point 1 Pressure
R2 = Reynolds # Calibration, 10 Point 2 Pressure
R3 = Reynolds # Calibration, 10 Point 3 Pressure
E1 = Reynolds # Calibration, 20 Point 1 Pressure
E2 = Reynolds # Calibration, 20 Point 2 Pressure
E3 = Reynolds # Calibration, 20 Point 3 Pressure
LW = 10 Point 10:1 Range, in Water, Premium linearity
LS = 10 Point 10:1 Range, in Solvent, Premium linearity
BA = Bidirectional, 1 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Air
BW = Bidirectional, 1 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Water
BS = Bidirectional, 1 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Solvent
BB = Bidirectional, 1 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Oil blend
CA = Bidirectional, 2 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Air
CW = Bidirectional, 2 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Water
CS = Bidirectional, 2 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Solvent
CB = Bidirectional, 2 Pickoff, 10 points each direction, Oil blend
9.3 Construction Materials
C = 304 Housing, 430F Rotor
D = 304 Housing, 17-4 Rotor
E = 316 Housing, 430F Rotor
G = 316 Housing, 316 Rotor
H = 316 Housing, 17-4 Rotor
N = Hast C Housing, Hast C Rotor
Q = PVC Housing, PVC Rotor
R = Monel 400 Housing, Monel 400 Rotor
T = Carp 20 Housing, Carp 20 Rotor
9.4 Bearing Code
A = 440C Ball Bearings.
D = Carbide Journal - Carbide Shaft and Bearing.
E = Graphite Journal - 316 SST Shaft and Graphite Bearing
G = Ceramic Journal - Ceramic Shaft and Bearings
H = 440C Ball Bearings. (Polymer retainer )
TM-86675 14
Table 3
BEARING APPLICATION GUIDE
CODE BEARING TYPE SERVICE BEARING
TEMPERATURE
RATING
A BALL LIQUID OR GAS -450° F TO 300° F 440C SST
MATERIAL
D CARBIDE
JOURNAL
E GRAPHITE
JOURNAL
G CERAMIC
JOURNAL
H BALL LIQUID OR GAS -450° F TO 300° F 440C SST POLYMER
LIQUID UP TO 1200° F C-2 CARBIDE
LIQUID UP TO 500° F 316 SHAFT GRAPH. BRG.
LIQUID UP TO 1200° F ALUMINUM BASED
CERAMIC
RETAINER
Meter temperature rating may be limited by the pickoff temperature rating
9.5 Pickoffs
-1 = RF MS Connector 400 ° F, 27-31199-101
-2 = MAG MS connector 400° F, 27-30880-101
-3 = MAG Explosion Proof 400° F, 27-30880-102 leads / 27-30931-102 EP
-5 = RF Explosion Proof 400° F, 27-31199-102 leads / 27-31949-101 EP
-6 = MAG MS connector 750°F, 27-80666-104
-7 = MAG Explosion Proof 750° F, 27-80666-104 MS / 27-82333-102 EP
-8 = RF MS Cox Equivalent 400° F, 27-84097-102
-9 = RF MS 5/8 Thd. 400° F, 27-84097-101
S8 = RF F & P 400° F, 27-31386-101
-L = RF MS connector 750° F, 27-88628-102
-M = RF Explosion Proof 750° F, 27-88826-103
-Y = RF Explosion Proof (CSA) 400° F, 27-13869-101
-Z = MAG Explosion Proof (CSA) 400° F, 27-13868-101
-U = MAG MS (Factory Mutual) 400° F, 27-32400-101
-X = RF MS (Factory Mutual) 300° F, 27-32404-101
PP = MAG Leads (Factory Mutual) 400
° F, 27-32400-103
SS = RF Leads (Factory Mutual 300° F, 27-32404-103
TT = MAG Explosion Proof (Factory Mutual) 400° F, 27-32400-102
XX = RF Explosion Proof (Factory Mutual) 300
A1 = RF MS Amplified 230
° F, 27-61313-104
° F, 27-32404-102
A2 = MAG MS Amplified 230° F, 27-61313-101
A3 = MAG Explosion Proof 230
° F, 27-61313-102
A4 = MAG Leads Amplified 230° F, 27-61313-103
A5 = RF Explosion Proof Amplified 230
A6 = RF Leads Amplified 230
° F, 27-61313-106
° F, 27-61313-105
TM-86675 15
TABLE 4
LIQUID SERVICE - BALL BEARING
MODEL
FT4-8 .25-2.5 .03-3 .1-3 48000 2000
FT6-8 .5-5 .05-5 .12-5 25000 2100
FT8-8 .75-7.5 .08-8 .16-8 16000 2000
FT-08 1-10 .1-10 .2-10 12000 2000
FT-10 1.25 - 12.5 .15-15 .3-15 9600 2000
FT-12 2-20 .25-25 .5-25 5400 1800
FT-16 5-50 .6-60 1-60 2400 2000
FT-20 9-90 1-100 1-100 1300 1950
STD RANGE
10:1 (GPM)
RF & MAG
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(GPM)
RF
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(GPM)
MAG
PICKOFF
NOMINAL
K FACTOR
PULSE/
GALLON
MAX
FREQ.
(HZ)
FT-24 15-150 1.6-160 2.5-160 600 1500
FT-32 22-225 2.5-250 3.5-250 350 1300
FT-40 40-400 4.5-450 5.0-450 180 1200
FT-48 65-650 N/A 7.5-750 75 812
FT-64 125-1250 N/A 15-1500 30 625
FT-96 300-3000 N/A 50-3500 28 1400
FT128 550-5500 N/A 60-6000 14 1300
FT160 850-8500 N/A 100-10000 8.5 1200
FT192 1200-12000 N/A 1500-15000 5.0 1000
Notes:
1. Repeatability
2. Linearity = ± .5% of reading except as noted. Values are valid for viscosities of 3 centistokes or less
based on standard 10:1 range.
3. RF Pickoff not applicable for meter sizes FT-48 and larger.
4. Linearity = ± .75% of reading for FT4-8 and FT6-8 when high temp mag pickoff is used.
5. Premium linearity available over select ranges consult factory.
= ± .05%
TM-86675 16
TABLE 5
LIQUID SERVICE - JOURNAL BEARING
MODEL
FT4-8 .25-2.5 .1-3.0 .12-3.0 48000 2000
FT6-8 .5-5.0 .15-5.0 .2-5.0 25000 2000
FT8-8 .75-7.5 .2-8.0 .25-8.0 16000 2000
FT-08 1.0-10.0 .25-10 .3-10 12000 2000
FT-10 1.25 - 12.5 .3-15 .4-15 9600 2000
FT-12 2-20 .5-25 .5-25 6000 2000
FT-16 5-50 1.0-60 1.0-60 2400 2000
FT-20 9-90 1.0-100 1.5-100 1300 1950
STD RANGE
10:1 (GPM)
RF & MAG
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(GPM)
RF
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(GPM)
MAG
PICKOFF
NOMINAL
K FACTOR
PULSE/
GALLON
MAX
FREQ.
(HZ)
FT-24 15-150 1.6-160 2.5-160 600 1500
FT-32 22-220 2.5-250 3.5-250 350 1300
FT-40 40-400 4.5-450 5.0-450 180 1200
FT-48 65-650 N/A 7.5-750 75 812
FT-64 125-1250 N/A 15-1500 30 625
FT-96 300-3000 N/A 50-3500 28 1400
FT128 550-5500 N/A 60-6000 14 1300
FT160 850-8500 N/A 100-10000 8.5 1200
FT192 1200-12000 N/A 150-15000 5.0 1000
Notes:
1. Repeatability = +/- .1% for FT-12 and smaller, +/- .05% for FT-16 and larger.
2. Linearity = +/- .5% of reading except as noted.
Values are valid for viscosities of 3 centistokes or less based upon standard 10:1 range.
3. Linearity is +/- 2% of reading for FT4-8.
4. Linearity is +/- .75% of reading for FT6-8 when high temp mag pickoff is used
5. Premium linearity available over select ranges consult factory.
6. RF pickoff not applicable for meter sizes FT-48 and larger.
TM-86675 17
TABLE 6
GAS SERVICE - BALL BEARING “H” CODE
MODEL
FT2-8 .1-1.0 .09-1.25 N/A 114000 1900
FT4-8 .25-2.5 .2-3.0 N/A 40800 1700
FT6-8 .5-5.0 .25-5.0 .4-5.0 24000 2000
FT8-8 .75-7.5 .4-8.0 .5-8.0 16000 2000
FT-08 1.0-10.0 .5-10 .75-10 12000 2000
FT-10 1.25 - 12.5 .6-15 1-15 9600 2000
FT-12 2-20 1-25 1.5-25 6000 2000
FT-16 5-50 1.5-60 2.5-60 2400 2000
STD RANGE
10:1 (ACFM)
RF & MAG
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(ACFM)
RF
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(ACFM)
MAG
PICKOFF
NOMINAL
K FACTOR
PULSE / ACF
MAX
FREQ.
(HZ)
FT-20 9-90 2.5-100 5-100 1300 1950
FT-24 15-150 4-160 6-160 600 1500
FT-32 22-220 5-250 8-250 350 1300
FT-40 40-400 9-450 10-450 180 1200
FT-48 65-650 N/A 15-750 75 812
FT-64 125-1250 N/A 30-1500 30 625
Notes:
1. Gas service - Air @ 14.7 PSIA and 60 F.
2. Repeatability = +/- .1%.
3. Linearity = +/- 1.0% of full scale based on standard 10:1 range.
4. MAG Pickoff not applicable for FT2-8.
5. MAG Pickoff range is .35 - 2.5 ACFM for FT4-8.
6. Linearity for FT2-8 is 4% of full scale, repeatability is +/- .5%.
7. Linearity for FT4-8 is 3% of full scale, repeatability is +/- .3%.
8. Linearity for FT6-8 is 1.5% of full scale, repeatability is +/- .15%.
9. RF Pickoff not applicable for meter sizes FT-48 and larger.
TM-86675 18
TABLE 7
GAS SERVICE - BALL BEARING “A” CODE
MODEL
FT2-8 .1-1.0 .09-1.25 N/A 93000 1550
FT4-8 .25-2.5 .2-3.0 N/A 45000 2000
FT6-8 .5-5.0 .25-5.0 .4-5.0 24000 2000
FT8-8 .75-7.5 .4-8.0 .5-8.0 16000 2000
FT-08 1.0-10.0 .5-10 .75-10 12000 2000
FT-10 1.25 - 12.5 .6-15 1-15 9600 2000
FT-12 2-20 1-25 1.5-25 6000 2000
FT-16 5-50 1.5-60 2.5-60 2400 2000
STD RANGE
10:1 (ACFM)
RF & MAG
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(ACFM)
RF
PICKOFF
EXTENDED
RANGE
(ACFM)
MAG
PICKOFF
NOMINAL
K FACTOR
PULSE / ACF
MAX
FREQ.
(HZ)
FT-20 9-90 2.5-100 5-100 1300 1950
FT-24 15-150 4-160 6-160 600 1500
FT-32 22-220 5-250 8-250 350 1300
FT-40 40-400 9-450 10-450 180 1200
FT-48 65-650 N/A 15-750 75 812
FT-64 125-1250 N/A 30-1500 30 625
FT-96 300-3000 N/A 70-3500 9.0 467
FT128 550-5500 N/A 120-6000 4.0 325
FT160 850-8500 N/A 200-10000 2.0 240
FT192 1200-12000 N/A 300-15000 1.0 167
Notes:
1. Gas service - Air @ 14.7 PSIA and 60 F.
2. Repeatability = +/- .1%.
3. Linearity = +/- 1.0% of full scale based on standard 10:1 range.
4. MAG Pickoff not applicable for FT2-8.
5. MAG Pickoff range is .35 - 2.5 ACFM for FT4-8.
6. Linearity for FT2-8 is 4% of full scale.
7. RF Pickoff not applicable for meter sizes FT-48 and larger.
TM-86675 19
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