Omega FTB500 User Manual

FTB500 Series

Low Flowrate Meters

Servicing North America:

U.S.A.: Omega Engineering, Inc., One Omega Drive, P.O. Box 4047

ISO 9001 Certified

Stamford, CT 06907-0047
Toll-Free: 1-800-826-6342 Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Canada: 976 Bergar

Laval (Quebec), H7L 5A1 Canada
Toll-Free: 1-800-826-6342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

For immediate technical or application assistance:

U.S.A. and Canada: Sales Service: 1-800-826-6342/1-800-TC-OMEGA

®

Customer Service: 1-800-622-2378/1-800-622-BEST

®

Engineering Service: 1-800-872-9436/1-800-USA-WHEN

®

Mexico En Español: 001 [phone] FAX: [phone]
Latin America [e-mail] e-mail: [e-mail]

Servicing Europe:

Benelux: Managed by the United Kingdom Office

Toll-Free: 0800 099 3344 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Czech Republic: Frystatska 184

733 01 Karviná, Czech Republic
Toll-Free: 0800-1-66342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

France: Managed by the United Kingdom Office

Toll-Free: 0800 466 342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Germany/Austria: Daimlerstrasse 26

D-75392 Deckenpfronn, Germany
Toll-Free: 0800 6397678 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

United Kingdom: OMEGA Engineering Ltd.

ISO 9001 Certified

One Omega Drive, River Bend Technology Centre, Northbank
Irlam, Manchester M44 5BD United Kingdom
Toll-Free: 0800-488-488 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

OMEGAnet®Online Service Internet e-mail

omega.com [e-mail]

It is the policy of OMEGA Engineering, Inc. to comply with all worldwide safety and EMC/EMI
regulations that apply. OMEGA is constantly pursuing certification of its products to the European New
Approach Directives. OMEGA will add the CE mark to every appropriate device upon certification.

The information contained in this document is believed to be correct, but OMEGA accepts no liability for any
errors it contains, and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
WARNING: These products are not designed for use in, and should not be used for, human applications.

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ....................................................................................2

2. Operation........................................................................................ 3

2.1 Principle.................................................................................3

2.2 Precautions.............................................................................3

3. Installation...................................................................................... 4

3.1 General Piping .......................................................................4

3.2 Strainers/Filters......................................................................5

3.3 Installation Kits......................................................................5

4. Maintenance ...................................................................................6

4.1 General...................................................................................6

4.2 Disassembly...........................................................................6

4.3 Inspection & Repair...............................................................6

4.4 Assembly ...............................................................................8

4.5 Pickup Coil Testing ...............................................................8

4.6 Trouble Shooting .................................................................10

4.7 Spare Parts...........................................................................11

- 1 -

1 Introduction

We are proud that you have selected an Omega Low Flowrate
Meter, the finest precision flow transducer on the market.

The Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters are designed
to meet the need for a high quality low flow measurement device
for service in low to moderate viscosity clean liquids and for gas
applications.

The information in this manual is provided to assist in the proper
installation, use, and maintenance of your instrument.

Please take a few minutes to read through this manual before
installing and operating your meter. If you have any problems
with the meter, refer to the maintenance and troubleshooting
sections of this manual.

If you need further assistance, contact your local Omega
Representative or contact the Omega customer service department
by telephone, fax, or email for advice.

- 2 -

2 Operation

2.1 Principle

The Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters has been
developed to meet the need for a low flow measurement device
for use with low to moderate viscosity clean liquids and for gas
measurement applications.

The Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters is a family of
low flow rate measurement devices whose design is based on a
Pelton Wheel-like rotor. The measured fluid is directed
tangentially through a velocity nozzle against the rotor causing it
to spin. The pickup coil senses the spinning motion of the rotor
through the housing and converts it into a pulsing electrical
signal. Summation of the pulsing electrical signal relates directly
to the total flow, while the frequency is related to the flow rate.

2.2 Precautions

 Do not drop the meter. Dropping the meter may result in

damage to the meter housing and/or internals.

 Do not operate the meter at flowrates greater than the

maximum flowrate marked on the meter. Operating at
flowrates greater than the maximum flowrate may over­spin the meter. Over-spinning may result in damage to
the meter.

CAUTION: Avoid over-spinning the meter. Over-spinning the meter may

result in damage to the meter internals and lead to meter
failure.

- 3 -

3 Installation

Upon receipt of the flowmeter carefully inspected it, checking for
any indications of damage which may have occurred during
shipment. Inspect all packing material carefully for parts or
components which may have been packed with the shipment.
Refer to the packing list/invoice for a detailed list of items
included in the shipment.

3.1 General Piping

The Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters is capable of
sensing fluid flow in one direction only. The meter housing is
marked by a flow direction arrow to indicate the direction of flow
through the meter. The meter must be installed in the piping in th e
correct orientation to ensure the most accurate and reliable
operation. Care should be taken in the proper selection of the
mating fittings. Size, type of material, and pressure rating should
be the same as the flowmeter supplied.

When it is expected that flow will be intermittent, the meter should
not be mounted at a low point in the piping system. Solids which
settle or congeal in the meter may affect meter performance.

In order to achieve optimum electrical signal output from the
flowmeter, due consideration must be given to its isolation from
ambient electrical interference such as nearby motors, trans­formers, and solenoids.

A typical flowmeter installation is shown below:

Blocking Valve

Strainer

BYPASS RUN

Bypass Valve

Turbine Flowmeter

Blocking Valve

METER RUN

Blocking and Bypass valves should be installed if it is necessary to
do preventive maintenance on the flowmeter without shutting
down the flow system. The Bypass valve can be opened before the
Blocking valves are closed allowing the flow to continue while
removing the turbine flowmeter for service.

- 4 -

IMPORTANT

: All flow lines should be purged prior to installing the

meter. To prevent possible damage to the meter, install the
meter ONLY in flow lines that are clean and free of debris.

Upon initial start-up of the system a spool piece should be installed
in place of the flowmeter so that purging of the system can be
performed to remove all particle debris which could cause damage
to the meter internals. In applications where meter flushing is
required after meter service, care should be taken as to not over­spin the meter, as severe meter damage may occur.

CAUTION: Avoid over-spinning the meter. Over-spinning the meter may

result in damage to the meter internals and lead to meter
failure.

3.2 Strainers/Filters

The Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters is designed
for use in a clean fluid service. However, the service fluid may
carry some particulate material which would need to be removed
before reaching the flowmeter. Under these conditions a
strainer/filter may be required to reduce the potential hazard of
fouling or damage that may be caused by foreign matter.

METER SIZE MESH SIZE PARTICLE SIZE

(Maximum)

¼" to ½"

5

/8" to 1¼"

100 .0055

70 .008

1½" to 3"

40 .015

If a strainer/filter is required in the system, it should be located
upstream of the flowmeter taking care that the proper minimum
distance is kept between the strainer and flowmeter.

3.3 Installation Kits

Installation kits for the Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate
Meters consist of two lengths of appropriate tubing cut to a length
appropriate for the upstream and downstream straight pipe run
with appropriate end fittings.

- 5 -

4 Maintenance

4.1 General

Preventive maintenance for the Omega FTB500 Series of Low
Flowrate Meters consists of a thorough general inspection.
Remove the meter from the service line and take to a clean work
area. Use the following procedures and exploded component
views to remove, inspect, and reinsert the flowmeter internals.

4.2 Disassembly

1. Hold the meter securely using a vise. Meter orientation

should be such that the threaded plug is facing up. Use
extreme care not to damage the meter housing or piping
connections when placing in the vise.

2. Using a large-blade screwdriver, turn the plug

counterclockwise to remove.

3. To remove the shaft assembly, carefully thread a 10-32

screw into the hole provided in insert. Thread the screw
into the insert until it bottoms out (finger tight only).

4. Turn the housing over and slowly and carefully pu ll the

shaft assembly and internals out of the housing. Take
care not to damage the shaft, rotor, and/or bearings.

5. Remove and discard the gasket/seal.

4.3 Inspection & Repair

1. Examine the flowmeter internals for signs of corrosion

or fouling by foreign materi als.

2. Examine the shaft, rotor, and bearings for signs of wear

and/or damage.

3. If wear or damage is present, replace with new parts.

NOTE: Clean all of the internals in an approved cleaning

solution.

- 6 -

Exploded View:
BB - Ball Bearing Models

Exploded View:
C – Hard Carbon Bearing Models

Shaft AssemblyThreaded Plug Seal Ball Bearing Ball Bearing

Shaft AssemblyThreaded Plug Seal

Rotor

Rotor

Pickup Coil

Coil Locknut
Housing

Pickup Coil

Coil Locknut
Housing

Exploded View:
TC - Tungsten Carbide Sleeve Models

Shaft AssemblyThreaded Plug Seal

TC Journal

Rotor

- 7 -

Pickup Coil

Coil Locknut
Housing

4.4 Assembly

1. Install any new parts.

2. Guide the rotor and bearing assembly onto the shaft.

Make sure the rotor is installed with the cup side of the
Pelton wheel facing the “IN” side of the housing.

3. Place a new gasket on the insert. Always use a new

gasket.

4. Place the shaft assembly insert, gasket, and rotor

assembly back into housing by inverting the housing to
keep gasket and rotor assembly in place.

5. Install the threaded plug and tighten to 50 ft-lb.

4.5 Pickup Coil Testing

Testing the MAG and MCP (RF) coils consists of measuring the
resistance with an ohmmeter. Resistance measurements are to be
made when there is no flow through the meter or with the coil
removed from the meter housing.

1. Measure the resistance between pin A and pin B. The

resistance should be approximately as listed in the
following table of some common coils.

2. The resistance from any pin to the case should be greater

than 1 Mohm.

COIL

MC2PAHT

MCP3A
PC13-74G
PC13-74S
PC24-45G
PC24-45S
PC28-13G
PC28-14G

DC RESISTANCE

(Ohms)

15.0 10%

11.5 10%
1800 10%
1850 15%
1350 10%
1850 15%

120 20%
180 20%

- 8 -

If either resistance measurement fails, replace the pickup coil.
Firmly seat the new coil in the flowmeter and tighten the locking
nut.

- 9 -

4.6 Trouble Shooting

Refer to the following troubleshooting guide for assistance with
possible meter malfunctions:

TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY

Fluid will not flow  Meter clogged. Clear meter.
through the meter  Line to meter

blocked.
Reduced flow through
the meter
 Line to meter

Meter readings
inaccurate

 Meter drag due to

Meter not giving pulse  Faulty pickup coil. Replace pickup coil.
signal  Meter internals not

 Meter partially

clogged.

partially blocked.

 Fluid flowrate is

not within meter

flow range.

worn or damaged

parts.

turning due to

worn or damaged

parts.

Clear line to meter.

Clear meter.

Clear line to meter.

See “Specifications” for
min and max flowrates.

Replace worn or
damaged parts.

Replace worn or
damaged parts.

- 10 -

4.7 Spare Parts

The following table contains the suggested spare parts for the
Omega FTB500 Series of Low Flowrate Meters:

Item No. Qty Part Description

1 1 Pickup Coil
1 1 Seal/Gasket
1 1 Rotor Assembly
1 1 Bearings
1 1 Shaft Assembly

Specific meter parts are dependent upon the meter size and model,
always have the complete meter model number or serial number
available when consulting the factory.

- 11 -

WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER

OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. warrants this unit to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 13 months from date of purchase. OMEGA’s WARRANTY adds
an additional one (1) month grace period to the normal one (1) year product warranty to
cover handling and shipping time. This ensures that OMEGA’s customers receive maximum
coverage on each product.

If the unit malfunctions, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation. OMEGA’s Customer
Service Department will issue an Authorized Return (AR) number immediately upon phone or
written request. Upon examination by OMEGA, if the unit is found to be defective, it will be
repaired or replaced at no charge. OMEGA’s WARRANTY does not apply to defects resulting
from any action of the purchaser, including but not limited to mishandling, improper
interfacing, operation outside of design limits, improper repair, or unauthorized modification.
This WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with or shows
evidence of having been damaged as a result of excessive corrosion; or current, heat, moisture
or vibration; improper specification; misapplication; misuse or other operating conditions
outside of OMEGA’s control. Components in which wear is not warranted, include but are not
limited to contact points, fuses, and triacs.

OMEGA is pleased to offer suggestions on the use of its various products. However,
OMEGA neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors nor assumes
liability for any damages that result from the use of its products in accordance with
information provided by OMEGA, either verbal or written. OMEGA warrants only
that the parts manufactured by the company will be as specified and free of
defects. OMEGA MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY
KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT THAT OF TITLE, AND ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY: The remedies of purchaser set forth herein are exclusive, and the total
liability of OMEGA with respect to this order, whether based on contract, warranty,
negligence, indemnification, strict liability or otherwise, shall not exceed the
purchase price of the component upon which liability is based. In no event shall
OMEGA be liable for consequential, incidental or special damages.

CONDITIONS: Equipment sold by OMEGA is not intended to be used, nor shall it be used: (1)
as a “Basic Component” under 10 CFR 21 (NRC), used in or with any nuclear installation or
activity; or (2) in medical applications or used on humans. Should any Product(s) be used in or
with any nuclear installation or activity, medical application, used on humans, or misused in
any way, OMEGA assumes no responsibility as set forth in our basic WARRANTY/ DISCLAIMER
language, and, additionally, purchaser will indemnify OMEGA and hold OMEGA harmless from
any liability or damage whatsoever arising out of the use of the Product(s) in such a manner.

RETURN REQUESTS/INQUIRIES

Direct all warranty and repair requests/inquiries to the OMEGA Customer Service Department.
BEFORE RETURNING ANY PRODUCT(S) TO OMEGA, PURCHASER MUST OBTAIN AN
AUTHORIZED RETURN (AR) NUMBER FROM OMEGA’S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
(IN ORDER TO AVOID PROCESSING DELAYS). The assigned AR number should then be
marked on the outside of the return package and on any correspondence.

The purchaser is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to
prevent breakage in transit.

FOR WARRANTY

RETURNS, please have
the following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:

1. Purchase Order number under which

the product was PURCHASED,

2. Model and serial number of the product

under warranty, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific

problems relative to the product.

FOR NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS,

consult
OMEGA for current repair charges. Have the
following information available BEFORE
contacting OMEGA:

1. Purchase Order number to cover the

COST of the repair,

2. Model and serial number of theproduct, and

3. Repair instructions and/or specific problems

relative to the product.

OMEGA’s policy is to make running changes, not model changes, whenever an improvement is possible.
This affords our customers the latest in technology and engineering.

OMEGA is a registered trademark of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.
© Copyright 2011 OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC. All rights reserved. This document may not be copied, photocopied,

reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without
the prior written consent of OMEGA ENGINEERING, INC.

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