Honeywell RABO Instruction Manual

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter

Instruction Manual

1. General Information

This manual covers the installation, operation and maintenance
for the Elster Instromet RABO Rotary Meter. Refer to EAM-TB5900
for additional information.

2. Intended Use and Application

Elster RABO meters are suitable for measuring most types of
clean, dry, non-corrosive common gases. They are NOT intended
for use on biogas, sewage gas, oxygen, acetylene or liquids of
any kind. Product life and measurement accuracy can be affected
by contamination in the gas stream. Periodic servicing will prolong
the life and performance of the meter.

3. Operating Principle

The RABO meter utilizes positive displacement principle of
operation which makes volumetric measurements by displacing
finite volumes of gas. The positive displacement occurs within
a cavity formed between the meter’s internal housing and its
rotating impellers. The counter-rotating “figure-8” impellers [Figure
1] turn as a result of pressure drop across the meter’s inlet and
outlet created as downstream gas is consumed. The rotating
impellers separate the flowing gas into small, finite volumes
and are counted using a mechanical index. The RABO meter
has no wearing parts because precision clearances between
the impellers and meter body are maintained by timing gears,
which are designed to enhance long term accuracy. Combining
adequate filtration and periodic maintenance, a RABO meter will
remain accurate over many years.

Table of Contents

1. General Information 2

2. Intended Use and Application

2

3. Operating Principle

2

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage

3

5. Installation

3

6. Start-up/Commissioning

5

7. Decommissioning and Removal

5

8. Inspection and Maintenance

5

9. Testing

5

10. Technical Data

7

11. Index

8

12. Pulser 10

13. Thermowell 11

14. Auxiliary Equipment Mounting 11

15. Troubleshooting 11

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 02 Elster Instromet

RABO

®

Rotary Gas Meter

1. General Information 3

2. Intended Use and Application 3

3. Operating Principle 3

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage 4

5. Installation 4

6. Start-up/Commissioning 6

7. Decommissioning and Removal 6

8. Inspection and Maintenance 6

9. Testing 6

10. Technical Data 8

11. Index 9

12. Pulser 11

13. Thermowell 12

14. Instrument Drive (ID) 12

15. Auxiliary Equipment Mounting 14

16. Troubleshooting 15

Table of Contents

The RABO meter utilizes positive displacement principle of
operation which makes volumetric measurements by displacing
finite volumes of gas. The positive displacement occurs within
a cavity formed between the meter’s internal housing and its
rotating impellers. The counter-rotating “figure-8” impellers [Figu

re
1] turn as a result of pressure drop across the meter’s inlet and
outlet created as downstream gas is consumed. The rotating
impellers separate the flowing gas into small, finite volumes
and are counted using a mechanical index. The RABO meter
has no wearing parts because precision clearances between
the impellers and meter body are maintained by timing gears,
which are designed to enhance long term accuracy. Combining
adequate filtration and periodic maintenance, a RABO meter will
remain accurate over many years.

1. General Information

2. Intended Use and Application

3. Operating Principle

This manual covers the installation, operation and maintenance
for the Elster Instromet RABO Rotary Meter. Refer to EAM-TB5900
for additional information.

Elster RABO meters are suitable for measuring most types of
clean, dry, non-corrosive common gases. They are NOT intended
for use on biogas, sewage gas, oxygen, acetylene or liquids of
any kind. Product life and measurement accuracy can be affected
by contamination in the gas stream. Periodic servicing will prolong
the life and performance of the meter.

Figure 1. Operating Principle

As the left impeller rotates
toward the vertical position,
gas enters the cavity created
between the impeller
and the housing.

When the left impeller
reaches the vertical
position, a finite volume
of gas is captured in the
left cavity.

As the impellers continue
to turn, the volume of gas in
the left cavity is discharged.
Simultaneously, gas is
entering the space between
the right impeller and
housing.

After further rotation, the
right impeller becomes
vertical and a finite volume
of gas is captured in the
right cavity.

ELSTER RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 03 Honeywell

ELSTER RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 04 Honeywell

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 03 Elster Instromet

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage

Elster RABO meters should be handled with care to protect the
product from damage. If the package shows evidence of damage
through mishandling in transit, you should notify the shipper
immediately, file a claim with the carrier and notify your Elster
supplier.

Damage to internal components may occur without visible
external damage. All new meters should be inspected and
checked for free rotation of the impellers by lightly blowing
into the inlet of the meter. This slight air pressure should
cause the impellers to rotate freely and come to a stop slowly.

NOTICE

a) Piping Configurations [Figures 2, 3 and 4]

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

NOTICE

NOTICE

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 03 Elster Instromet

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage

Elster RABO meters should be handled with care to protect the
product from damage. If the package shows evidence of damage
through mishandling in transit, you should notify the shipper
immediately, file a claim with the carrier and notify your Elster
supplier.

Damage to internal components may occur without visible
external damage. All new meters should be inspected and
checked for free rotation of the impellers by lightly blowing
into the inlet of the meter. This slight air pressure should
cause the impellers to rotate freely and come to a stop slowly.

NOTICE

a) Piping Configurations [Figures 2, 3 and 4]

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

NOTICE

NOTICE

RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 03 Elster Instromet

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage

Elster RABO meters should be handled with care to protect the
product from damage. If the package shows evidence of damage
through mishandling in transit, you should notify the shipper
immediately, file a claim with the carrier and notify your Elster
supplier.

Damage to internal components may occur without visible
external damage. All new meters should be inspected and
checked for free rotation of the impellers by lightly blowing
into the inlet of the meter. This slight air pressure should
cause the impellers to rotate freely and come to a stop slowly.

NOTICE

a) Piping Configurations [Figures 2, 3 and 4]

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

NOTICE

NOTICE

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

NOTICE

NOTICE

Figure 2. Horizontal installation, side view

a) Piping Configurations [Figures 2, 3 and 4]

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

NOTICE

NOTICE

4. Receiving, Handling and Storage

5. Installation

a) Piping Configurations [Figures 2, 3 and 4]

Figure 2. Horizontal installation, side view

Figure 3. Vertical installation, side view

Elster RABO meters should be handled with care to protect the
product from damage. If the package shows evidence of damage
through mishandling in transit, you should notify the shipper
immediately, file a claim with the carrier and notify your Elster
supplier.

Damage to internal components may occur without visible
external damage. All new meters should be inspected and
checked for free rotation of the impellers by lightly blowing
into the inlet of the meter. This slight air pressure should
cause the impellers to rotate freely and come to a stop slowly.

DO NOT attempt to make any repairs. Tampering with the
meter may void warranty coverage.

If a meter shows signs of external damage, or if the impellers do
not rotate freely, contact your local Elster sales representative for
return instructions.

Elster RABO meters are supplied with oil in a separate container.
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is available upon request.DO
NOT put oil in the meter until it is installed and leveled in the gas
piping system. Meters containing oil that are transported or not
installed level may lead to contamination of the measurement
chamber, and will impact accuracy.

Store Elster RABO meters in their original shipping container in a
dry location until installation. If prolonged storage is experienced,
RABO meters should be tested for accuracy before installation.

Elster RABO meters can be installed in horizontal or vertical (top
inlet) piping configurations. Vertical (top inlet) piping is preferred
because it enables the meter to pass contaminants more freely
through the meter. All piping should be properly supported
and aligned to eliminate any strain on the meter, which may cau

se

the impellers to bind.

Recommended piping practices include a filter or strainer on the
inlet of the meter and non-lubricated isolation valves. A bypass
line will facilitate maintenance and removal of the meter and
provide uninterrupted gas supply.

The meter should not be installed lower than the outlet pipe run.
If it is necessary to install the meter lower than the outlet pipe run,
installation of a drip leg in the outlet piping to capture condensate
is recommended. The meter should never be located at the lowest
point in the system.

A restricting orifice can also be installed at least 4 pipe diameters
downstream of the outlet of the meter to prevent the meter from
flowing excess capacity. Warranty does not cover failures due to
excess flow conditions.

DO NOT weld piping while meter is installed in the
piping system.

If hydro testing, remove the meter from the piping system.

ELSTER RABO® Rotary Gas Meter 05 Honeywell

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

Figure 6. Vertical installation

Figure 4. Side view

applicable local codes and ordinances.

debris.

to installation.

nameplate.

must be horizontal [Figure 4].

appropriate bolts and gaskets. Inlet and outlet pipe
flanges should be parallel and should not introduce any
bind on the meter body when tightened.

tighten flange bolts evenly (maximum 80ft-lbs).

!

WARNING

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

Figure 6. Vertical installation

Figure 4. Side view

applicable local codes and ordinances.

debris.

to installation.

nameplate.

must be horizontal [Figure 4].

appropriate bolts and gaskets. Inlet and outlet pipe
flanges should be parallel and should not introduce any
bind on the meter body when tightened.

tighten flange bolts evenly (maximum 80ft-lbs).

!

WARNING

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

Figure 6. Vertical installation

Figure 4. Side view

applicable local codes and ordinances.

debris.

to installation.

nameplate.

must be horizontal [Figure 4].

appropriate bolts and gaskets. Inlet and outlet pipe
flanges should be parallel and should not introduce any
bind on the meter body when tightened.

tighten flange bolts evenly (maximum 80ft-lbs).

!

WARNING

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

Figure 6. Vertical installation

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

b) Mounting

c) Adding Oil

Figure 4. Side view

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

Figure 6. Vertical installation

Figure 7. Sight glass

1) Always follow your company’s procedures, and
applicable local codes and ordinances.

2) Ensure gas valves are closed.

3) Ensure the upstream piping is clean and free of any
debris.

4) Remove protective caps from meter inlet and outlet prior
to installation.

5) Ensure the impellers turn freely.

6) Ensure the direction of flow using the arrow on the
nameplate.

7) Ensure the meter orientation is correct. Impeller shafts
must be horizontal [Figure 4].

8) Connect the inlet and outlet pipe flanges using
appropriate bolts and gaskets. Inlet and outlet pipe
flanges should be parallel and should not introduce any
bind on the meter body when tightened.

9) Level meter to within 1/16“ per foot in all directions and
tighten flange bolts evenly (maximum 80ft-lbs).

Add oil only to the index end of the meter.

1) Ensure gas valves are closed and meter and piping are
depressurized.

Failure to depressurize the meter prior to removing
meter and/or components could result in personal
injury and/or property damage.

2) Remove oil fill plug in the counter end case cover using a
5mm hex key [Figures 5 and 6].

3) Using the supplied syringe and oil, slowly add oil until
it is +/-1/16“ of the center of the sight glass [Figure 7].
DO NOT OVERFILL. Only use Shell Morlina lubricating oil.

DO NOT remove any sight glasses. No maintenance
can be performed through these openings.

4) Reinstall the oil fill plug.

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

Figure 5. Horizontal installation

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
FIL L

OIL
LEV EL
SIG HT
GLA SS

OIL
DRA IN