Liquid Controls Precision Turbine Flowmeters User Manual

INSTALLATION & OPERATION

MANUAL

Precision Turbine Flowmeters

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE #

DESCRIPTION

1

Forward

4

3 Typical Meter Runs

7

FIGURE 2: 1/2” and Larger Assembly Procedure

10

FIGURE 5: Corrosive Meter Assembly Procedure

2

3

5

6

8

9

11

Pre-Installation Inspection, Installation

Installation (continued)

Typical Flowstraightener Section

FIGURE 1: 1/4” Assembly Procedure

FIGURE 3: MF20-90 Assembly Procedure

FIGURE 4: MF100-175 Assembly Procedure

FIGURE 6: 3A Sanitary Meter Assembly Procedure

FORWARD

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A. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

1. The precision turbine flowmeter is a volumetric flow measuring device.

2. The flowing fluid engages the vaned rotor causing it to rotate at an angular velocity proportional to the flowrate.

3. The angular velocity of the rotor results in the generation of an electrical signal (AC sine wave type). Summation
of the pulsing electrical signal relates directly to the flow rate.

4. The differential pressures developed across the turbine flowmeter balances out normal downstream thrust
loads, thus eliminating the need for thrust bearings over the rated range of the meter.

5. The vaned rotor is the only moving part of the flowmeter.

B. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Refer to Assembly procedures in this manual for the identification of major parts of a typical SPONSLER PRECISION
TURBINE FLOWMETER.

C. ELECTRICAL DESCRIPTION

The pickup coil furnished with each SPONSLER PRECISION TURBINE FLOWMETER is a sensing device that
converts the change of magnetic flux from a permanent magnet, produced by the revolving rotor, into an AC sine wave.
Signal amplitude and frequency are directly proportional to flow rate.

1. Pickup Coil Types­ (a) Variable Reluctance- Generating pickups contain a permanent magnet and associated wire-wound coil. The
movement of the ferrous material of the rotor blade past the coil tip disrupts a magnetic field producing an AC
signal within the coil winding.

(b) Inductance-Generating pickups contain a wire-wound coil suitably fixed within a hermetically sealed housing.
The movement of a permanent magnet embedded in a rotor produces an AC signal within the coil winding.

2. Pickup Coil Output- The generated AC sinewave is transmitted via 2 wire shielded cable that minimizes external
interference.

3. Your Pickup Coil- Has been selected to best suit your particular application. The reluctance coil provides the
highest full scale frequency and a lesser signal/noise ratio. The inductance coil has a higher signal/noise ratio
and a lower full scale frequency.

PRE-INSTALLATION INSPECTION

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Your SPONSLER PRECISION TURBINE FLOWMETER is a measuring instrument capable of providing you with
high precision performance over a long period. It should be treated with care and not subjected to rough handling.

1. Unpack carefully and verify the information contained on the packing slip for proper MODEL Number, SERIAL
Number, and CALIBRATION Data.

2. Remove the instrument from the plastic packaging and remove the endfitting protectors from the flowmeter
housing.

3. Visually inspect the entire unit. Any visible damage should be reported to the manufacturer immediately.

4. Replace the endfitting protectors and return the Flowmeter to its plastic packaging. The unit may thus be stored
indefinitely until installation.

INSTALLATION

A. GENERAL PROCEDURE

1. Meter Position- FLOWMETERS are normally calibrated in a horizontal attitude. Best correlation of calibration,
therefore, occurs when installed and operated in this position. Meters may, however, be operated satisfactorily in
any position.

2. Flow Direction- ALL SPONSLER PRECISION TURBINE FLOW METERS are marked “IN” and “OUT” and have
an arrow to indicate the proper direction of the flow. (Bi-Directional flowmeters excluded)

3. Meter Location­ A. Relative- When it is expected that flow will be intermittent, the meter should not be mounted at a low point in
the piping system. Solids that settle or congeal in the meter may affect the meter’s performance.

B. Tolerance to Mechanical Vibration- Although the SPONSLER PRECISION TURBINE FLOWMETER is
designed for rugged service, the meter life may be increased by location in a minimum vibration area.

C. Tolerance to Electrical Interference- In order to achieve optimum electrical signal output from the
flowmeter, consideration must be given to its isolation from ambient electrical interference such as nearby
motors, transformers, and solenoids. (Section IV Maintenance Electrical)

4. System Pressure­ A. Minimum Operation Pressure- A minimum operating pressure should be maintained to preclude a change in
the calibration factor due to various types of two phase phenomena. The minimum operating pressure is a
function of the vapor pressure of the fluid and the presence of other dissolved gases. Maintenance of the
system back pressure serves to avoid cavitation or fluid separation.

Calculation of the back pressure is by the following formula:

BP = (meter ∆P x 2) + (VP x 1.25)
Where:
BP = Back pressure required
∆P = Flowmeter pressure drop @ maximum flow
VP = Product vapor pressure at maximum temperature (psig)

B. Maximum Meter Pressure- Safe working pressure for the flowmeter is determined by the size and type of
connecting fittings used and the materials of construction. Consult the factory for specifications for your
particular model.

B. PIPING

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1. General Piping Considerations- As explained in the FORWARD, the fluid moving through the flowmeter engages
the angled blades of the turbine rotor. Thus the rotational velocity of the rotor is a function of the fluid velocity and
the blade angle engagement. Swirl present in the fluid ahead of the meter can change the effective angle of
engagement and, therefore, cause a deviation from the supplied calibration (done under controlled flow
conditions). Proper installation of the Flowmeter minimizes the harmful effects of fluid swirl.

2. The Meter Location- That section of the pipe immediately preceding, including, and following the flowmeter is
known as “THE METERING LOCATION”. Three typical metering arrangements are described in the following
section of this manual. Each is designed to minimize fluid swirl. A flowstraightener is also shown and should be
used where installation does not allow the otherwise straight run of pipe upstream of the meter. PLEASE NOTE:
The required lengths of pipe are given in pipe diameters and represent the minimum distances between piping
components that are recommended to eliminate flow disturbances.

3. Meter-By-Pass- Where possible, such as in a new piping system, it is advisable to include a valved by-pass around
the flowmeter. However, the by-pass connections are not to be placed within the recommended metering run.

4. Line Purge- In a newly installed piping system or one in which fittings have been disturbed, the line should be
flushed thoroughly prior to installing the instrument to minimize possible damage to the flowmeter from foreign
materials.

C. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

The standard SPONSLER PRECISION TURBINE FLOWMETER pickup coil is designed to mate with an
MS310610SL-4S connector. A two-wire shielded cable should be used to lead from the connector to the electronic
instrument in use. The cable shield is connected (grounded) to the appropriate connector on the display unit ONLY,
in order to minimize ground-loop and interface difficulties. The connection cable should be located away from power
lines whenever possible.

Precautions should be taken when removing or installing the pickup coil. Any physical damage such as bent
threads or twisted leads are not covered by SPONSLER CO., INC warranty.

D. ASSEMBLY NOTES

1. Removal of internals should be performed in a clean area.

2. Ensure that internals are clean and dry before reassembling.