ONICON F-1100 User Manual

TURBINE FLOW METER

Installation and Operation Guide

0721-3 / 13518

11451 Belcher Road South, Largo FL 33773 • USA • Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]

www.onicon.com • [e-mail]

05-14

SAFETY INFORMATION

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This meter was calibrated at the factory before shipment. To ensure correct use of the meter, please read
this manual thoroughly.

Regarding this manual:

• This manual should be passed on to the end user.

• Before use, read this manual thoroughly to comprehend its contents.

• The contents of this manual may be changed without prior notice.

• All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without
ONICON’s written permission.

• ONICON makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not
limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and suitability for a particular purpose.

• All reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual.
However, if any errors are found, please inform ONICON.

• ONICON assumes no responsibilities for this product except as stated in the warranty.

• If the customer or any third party is harmed by the use of this product, ONICON assumes
no responsibility for any such harm owing to any defects in the product which were not
predictable, or for any indirect damages.

Safety Precautions:

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of installation,
operation, service, and repair of this product. Failure to comply with these precautions or with
specic WARNINGS given elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the product. ONICON Incorporated assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements. If this product is used in a manner not
specied in this manual, the protection provided by this product may be impaired.

The following symbols are used in this manual:

WARNING

Messages identied as “WARNING” contain information regarding the personal safety of
individuals involved in the installation, operation or service of this product.

CAUTION

Messages identied as “CAUTION” contain information regarding potential damage to the
product or other ancillary products.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Messages identied as “IMPORTANT NOTE” contain information critical to the proper
operation of the product.

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Turbine Flow Meter Manual 05/14 - 0721-3 / 13518 Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................4

1.1 Purpose of This Guide ..........................................................................................4

1.2 Typical Turbine Flow Meters ...............................................................................4

1.3 Standard Features and Specications ..................................................................5

1.4 Model Numbering System ....................................................................................6

1.5 Additional Required Hardware ............................................................................6

1.6 Warranty and Serial Number ................................................................................6

2.0 UNPACKING ................................................................................................................7

2.1 Checking That You Have Received Everything ...................................................7

3.0 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL & ADJUSTMENT .............................................................8

3.1 Site Selection ........................................................................................................8

3.2 Insertion Meter Straight Run Requirements ......................................................10

3.3 Insertion Meter Mechanical Installation ............................................................12

3.3.1 Insertion Meter Installation Kits ...............................................................13

3.3.2 ONICON Standard Installation Hardware Kits .........................................13

3.3.3 ONICON Hot Tap Installation Hardware Kits ...........................................13

3.3.4 Customer Supplied Installation Hardware ...............................................14

3.3.5 Conrming the Stack Height .....................................................................15

3.4 Installing the Insertion Meter .............................................................................16

3.4.1 Adjusting of the Meter Insertion Depth ....................................................17

3.5 Removal of the Insertion Meter ..........................................................................17

3.6 Inline Flow Meter Straight Run Requirements and Mechanical Installation...19

3.7 Wiring Connections ............................................................................................20

4.0 START-UP & COMMISSIONING ...................................................................................21

4.1 Helpful Hints for Start-up and Commissioning ................................................21

4.2 Insertion Meter Start-up and Commissioning ...................................................22

4.3 Insertion Meter Start-up and Commissioning Worksheet .................................23

4.4 Inline Meter Start-up and Commissioning ........................................................24

4.5 Inline Meter Start-up and Commissioning Worksheet ......................................25

4.6 Troubleshooting Guide .......................................................................................26

5.0 ANALOG ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE .......................................................................27

5.1 General Discussion .............................................................................................27

5.2 Analog Adjustment Procedure ...........................................................................27

5.2.1 Equipment Required ..................................................................................27

5.2.2 Procedure ...................................................................................................28

APPENDIX

A User Connections and Internal Wiring Diagrams

B Installation Hardware Instructions

C Insertion Turbine Assembly Detail Drawings

D Conditions of Sale

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SECTION 1.0: INTRODUCTION

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We, at ONICON Incorporated, would like to thank you for purchasing our quality, U.S. made, Turbine
Flow Meter. As our valued customer, our commitment to you is to provide fast reliable service and
assistance, while continuing to offer you new products to meet your growing ow measurement needs.

1.1 PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE

We have written this guide to provide the persons responsible for the installation, operation and
maintenance of your turbine ow meter with the most specic equipment information they will
need. This is NOT an electrical or plumbing trade manual.

WARNING

Please do not permit any persons to install, operate or maintain this equipment unless they have a
complete knowledge of their trade skills and are competent to work on high pressure hot and cold
water systems, according to their individual trades. Death or permanent injury may result from
accidents with these systems.

This guide is the basic reference tool for all ONICON Turbine Flow Meters. If you have not
purchased all of the options, there will be references in this manual which are not applicable to
your meter(s).

1.2 TYPICAL TURBINE FLOW METERS

ONICON’s Turbine Flow Meters measure the velocity
of owing liquids by counting the frequency at
which the blades of a rotating turbine pass a xed
electrode. Circuitry within the ow meter electronics
enclosure then converts the rotational rate to digital
and/or analog signals which are transmitted via
a connecting cable to any of ONICON’s display
devices, BTU meters and/or a data acquisition
system.

Electronics Enclosure

Insertion Meter

Sweat or NPT

Process Connections

Inline Meter

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1.3 STANDARD FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

(Refer to specication sheet for particular model
to obtain additional details)

ACCURACY

F-1100 / F-1200 / FB-1200 Series
± 0.5% OF READING at calibrated velocity
± 1% OF READING from 3 to 30 ft/s (10:1 range)
± 2% OF READING from 0.4 to 20 ft/s (50:1 range)
F-1300 Series
± 0.5% OF READING at calibrated velocity
± 2% of reading from 0.8 to 38 GPM (50:1 range)

Sensing Method

F-1100 / F-1300 Series

Single turbine electronic impedance sensing
(non-magnetic and non-photoelectric)

F-1200 / FB-1200 Series

Dual turbine electronic impedance sensing
(non-magnetic and non-photoelectric) and
frequency averaging circuitry.

Pipe Size Range

F-1100 Series

1¼” through 72” nominal

F-1200 / FB-1200 Series

2½” through 72” nominal

F-1300 Series

¾” or 1” NPT threaded or copper sweat process
connections

Supply Voltage

24±4 V AC/DC at 50 mA

Liquid Temperature Range

Standard: 140° F continuous, 150° F peak
High Temp: 280° F continuous, 300° F peak
Insertion meters operating above 250° F require
316 stainless steel construction option

Ambient Temperature Range

-5 to 160° F (-20 to 70° C)

Operating Pressure

400 PSI maximum
Pressure Drop
F-1100 / F-1200 / FB-1200 Series

Less than 1 PSI at 20 ft/s in 2½” pipe, decreasing

in larger pipes and lower velocities
F-1300 Series

3 PSI at maximum ow rate

Material

Wetted metal components
F-1100 / F-1200 / FB-1200 Series

Standard: Electroless nickel plated brass

Optional: 316 stainless steel
F-1300 Series

Brass sensor body

Electronics Enclosure

Standard: Weathertight aluminum enclosure
(NEMA4)
Optional: Submersible enclosure (NEMA6)

Electrical Connections

Standard: 10’ of PVC jacketed cable with ½”
NPT conduit connection
Optional: Indoor DIN connector with 10’ of
plenum rated cable

Output Signal(s)

F-1100 / F-1200 / F-1300 Series
Standard: Calibrated frequency output
(0-15 V pulse, 0-500 Hz)
Optional: Analog and digital outputs also
available, based on model
FB-1200 Series
Standard: Calibrated frequency output
(0-15 V pulse, 0-500 Hz), contact closure
output to report ow direction
Optional: Analog and digital outputs also
available, based on model

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1.4 MODEL NUMBERING SYSTEM

F(B)-XX YY

SERIES OUTPUT SIGNAL

Frequency Output (15 V pulse)

F-11 Single Turbine, Insertion Type

F-12 Dual Turbine, Insertion Type

FB-12 Bi-Directional, Insertion Type

F-13 Inline Turbine Meter

Example: “F-1210” = Dual turbine, analog output

00

For connection to ONICON display or BTU meter
only. Signal is too fast for most building control
systems (0-500 Hz).

Analog Output (non-isolated) Provides both 4-20 mA

10

and 0-10 V outputs. Most commonly used output
type. (3-wire connection)

Isolated Analog Output

11

Provides both 4-20 mA and 0-10 V outputs. Signal
ground is isolated from power supply and pipe
ground. (4-wire connection)

Divided Output (Solid state dry contact) Provides an

20

isolated binary/digital output. Signal is divided to
limit the maximum frequency. For rate/totalization.

Scaled Output (Solid state dry contact)

30

Provides an isolated binary/digital output scaled to
provide one pulse per desired unit volume (e.g.: 1
pulse = 10 gal.).
Ideal for totalization applications.

1.5 ADDITIONAL REQUIRED HARDWARE

All ONICON insertion type meters can be installed and removed
via a 1” or larger full port ball valve without stopping ow. The
terms “Standard” and “Hot Tap” refer to the installation method
of the isolation valve kit only.

Standard Installation Hardware: For new construction or
scheduled shutdown; once kit is installed, the ow meter can be
installed or removed without system shutdown.

Hot Tap Installation Hardware: For applications which require
the access hole in the pipe to be drilled through the valve
using a wet tap drilling machine, while the hydronic system is
pressurized and operating.

NOTE: Installation hardware materials vary greatly based on pipe
material, pipe size and standard vs. hot tap versions.

1.6 WARRANTY AND SERIAL NUMBER

Warranty

ONICON’s complete warranty is included in Appendix C of this manual as a part of the
“Conditions of Sale.” Meters purchased after November 1, 2000 include a two-year “No fault”
warranty which may cover accidental damage caused during installation or start up.

Serial Number

The serial number of your ow meter is located on a label on the side of the electronics enclosure.
The model number is also listed on this label. The serial number is a unique identier that you
should refer to, along with the model number, whenever you contact ONICON for assistance
regarding your meter.

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SECTION 2.0: UNPACKING

Turbine ow meters are generally shipped in one package unless optional hardware or equipment is
ordered. This package may contain up to two complete meters along with the optional installation kits.
Any display equipment ordered with the meters, will be packed separately. Please open all packages
with caution to avoid damaging to their contents. In the event that anything is damaged when you
receive it, notify the shipping company immediately and the ONICON customer service department.
Most products are shipped insured unless the customer specically requests otherwise.

2.1 CHECKING THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED EVERYTHING

The Documentation

Enclosed with each ow meter is a comprehensive documentation package which
includes the following items:

• Installation and Operation Guide

• Flow Meter Calibration Certicate

Please notify the ONICON customer service department if any documents are missing.

The Flow Meter

The ow meter was carefully packed prior to shipment and should arrive without any
damage. Prior to installation, inspect for physical damage such as broken turbine blades or
a damaged stem.

• Test the turbine(s) to see that they rotate freely when you gently blow on them
parallel to their shafts.

• Make sure that the threads on the insertion meter hot tap adapter have not been
damaged.

• Inspect the insertion meter stem for bends or other damage. The stem forms
the seal against liquid leakage as it slides through an ‘O’ ring inside the hot tap
adapter. Deep scratches may cause leakage.

• The serial and model numbers on the laminated wiring connection /calibration
data tag attached to the meter should match the numbers on the tag mounted
directly on the ow meter. Be sure that the unit was calibrated to the correct pipe
size and ow range.

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SECTION 3.0: INSTALLATION, REMOVAL & ADJUSTMENT

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WARNING

Insertion ow meters may often be installed in pipes which are under high pressure. Accidents
with these systems can cause serious injury or death. Only persons experienced with high pressure
systems and related knowledge in the heating, cooling and uid metering elds should attempt to
install adjust or remove the ow meter. Carefully read the installation and removal instructions in
this manual before performing any work on these meters.

ONICON will be happy to assist with technical recommendations and to provide guidance by
telephone or e-mail. On-site eld engineering, installation and service is also available at additional
cost.

3.1 INSTALLATION SITE SELECTION

Install the ow meter where it will be accessible for personnel to perform necessary periodic
maintenance. The clearance required for insertion meter installations is typically 23”-36”
from the pipe wall to the nearest obstruction above the valve assembly. This clearance
dimension will increase with large diameter pipes. Allow at least 6” of clearance for inline
meter installations. The environment should be free of corrosive liquids/fumes, temperature
extremes and heavy vibration. The following information should be used as a guide to the
proper location for installing the meter.

GENERAL PRACTICES:

1. For best results, install the ow meter in a straight run of pipe, free of bends,
tees, valves, transitions, and obstructions.

2. Straight run requirements vary based on the nature of the upstream obstruction.
Review the following pages for guidelines in determining minimum
upstream straight run requirements based on the nature of the obstruction.

Note: Depending upon specic location details, more or less straight run may be
required to produce a satisfactory ow prole.

3. If there is insufcient straight run, allow 80% of the run upstream and 20% of the
run downstream. If the total length of straight run is less than 70% of the
recommended length, performance may seriously degrade, and consideration
should be given to changing to the series F-3000 In-line Electromagnetic Flow
Meter.

How To Determine The Available Straight Pipe Diameters:

For each application, locate the longest straight, unobstructed section of pipe (no bends, tees, valves,
other insertion probes, size transitions). The longest straight pipe run in inches divided by nominal
pipe size in inches equals “diameters of straight pipe.” For closed loop applications, consider both
the supply and return lines as possible locations.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Always use the maximum available straight run. When more than the minimum required
straight run is available, place the meter such that the excess straight run is upstream of the
meter location.

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INSERTION AND INLINE FLOW METER SITE SELECTION

CLEARANCE

REQUIRED

CLEARANCE

FOR INSTALLATION

REQUIRED

FOR INSTALLATION

23” - 36”

Depending on

pipe size

23" - 36"

Allow at least

Depending on

6” for inline meters

pipe size

GENERAL GUIDELINES

(Shown with Insertion Meter)

• Install in vertical or horizontal pipe.

• For horizontal pipe position meter
anywhere in upper 240˚.

Downstream

Available Straight Run*

Upstream

20%

FLOW

80%

Vertical pipe position

(Downward ow is also allowed)

FLOW

20%

Downstream

80%

Upstream

Available Straight Run*

*See following pages for model specic straight run requirements.

EVALUATING UPSTREAM PIPING CONDITIONS

Straight Pipe
Single Bend
Pipe Reduction or Enlargement

Outowing Tees

Multiple Bends in Same Plane
Multiple Bends Out of Plane

Inowing Tees

Control Valves

Worse Better

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FLOW DIRECTION

3.2 INSERTION METER STRAIGHT RUN REQUIREMENTS

STRAIGHT RUN REQUIREMENTS FOR INSERTION TURBINE FLOW METERS

Series F-1100 Single Turbine Flow Meters

FLOW DIRECTION

Minimum downstream

straight run distance

5 pipe diameters to any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

GENERAL PRACTICES

1. For best results, install the ow meter in a straight run of pipe,

free of bends, tees, valves, transitions, and obstructions for a
distance of at least 20 pipe diameters upstream and 5 diameters
downstream.

2. Longer straight runs may be required in applications where the

meter is placed downstream from devices which cause unusual

ow prole disruption or swirl, for example, modulating valves or
two elbows in close proximity and out of plane, etc.

3. If there is not sufcient straight run, allow 80% of the run upstream and

20% of the run downstream. If the total length of straight run is less
than 20 diameters, performance may seriously
degrade, and consideration should be given to
changing to the series F-1200 Dual Turbine
Flow Meter.

FLOW DIRECTION

Minimum upstream

straight run distance

20 pipe diameters from any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

Series F-1200 Dual Turbine Flow Meters

GENERAL PRACTICES

1. For best results, install the ow meter in a straight run of pipe,

free of bends, tees, valves, transitions, and obstructions for a
distance of 10 pipe diameters upstream and 5 diameters

Minimum downstream

straight run distance

5 pipe diameters to any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

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Turbine Flow Meter Manual 05/14 - 0721-3 / 13518 Page 10

downstream.

2. Longer straight runs may be required in applications where the

meter is placed downstream from devices which cause unusual

ow prole disruption or swirl, for example, modulating valves or
two elbows in close proximity and out of plane, etc.

3. If there is not sufcient straight run, allow 80% of the run upstream and

20% of the run downstream. If the total length of straight run is less
than 70% of recommended distance, performance
may degrade and consideration should be given to
changing to the F-3000 Series Inline

Electromagnetic ow meter.

FLOW DIRECTION

Minimum upstream

straight run distance

10 pipe diameters from any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

Series FB-1200 Dual Turbine Flow Meters

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Bi-Directional Flow Applications

GENERAL PRACTICES

1. For best results, install the ow meter in a straight run of pipe,

free of bends, tees, valves, transitions, and obstructions for a
distance of at leas 10 pipe diameters on each side of the ow
meter.

2. Longer straight runs may be required in applications where

the meter is placed downstream from devices which cause

unusual ow prole disruption or swirl, for example,
modulating valves or two elbows in close proximity and out of

plane, etc.

3. If there is not sufcient straight run, allow 50% of the run up

stream and 50% of the run downstream. If the total length of
straight run is less than 70% of the recommended distance,
performance may degrade and
considerations should be given to
changing to the F-3000 Series Inline

Electromagnetic ow meter.

FLOW DIRECTION

SWITCH CLOSED

Minimum downstream

straight run distance

10 pipe diameters to any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

FLOW DIRECTION

SWITCH OPEN

Minimum upstream

straight run distance

10 pipe diameters from any

valve, elbow, tting, etc.

Insufcient Straight Run Guidelines for Bi-directional Flow Applications

If there is insufcient available straight run, allow 50% of the run upstream and 50% of the run
downstream. If the total length of straight run is less than 20 diameters, performance may degrade
and consideration should be given to changing to the F-3100 or F-3200 In-line Electromagnetic
Flow Meters.

Some installations may work better with straight run optimized for ow in one direction. For
example, with ow meters installed in the bypass line between de-coupled constant volume
primary and variable secondary loops, it may be more important to accurately measure positive
ow (from supply to return.) Negative ow measurements (from return to supply) are generally
less critical, and it may be enough just to know that any negative ow is present. In this scenario,
maximizing straight run for positive ow might be a preferred strategy.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Always use the maximum available straight run. When more than the minimum required
straight run is available, place the meter such that the excess straight run is upstream of the
meter location.

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3.3 INSERTION METER MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

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ONICON Insertion Turbine Flow Meters employ a hot tap adapter design that allows for
insertion and removal, when necessary, without interrupting ow and draining the pipe. To take
advantage of this feature, the ow meter must be installed through an isolation valve. The
installation must also allow for sufcient overhead clearance to fully extract the meter, and a full
1” opening in the pipe wall is required to clear the sensor head and allow for insertion. Make sure
that your valves and ttings are full port and at least 1” in actual internal diameter.

CLEARANCE

REQUIRED

FOR INSTALLATION

Typically

30" - 40"

23”- 36”

depending on

pipe size and

height of valve

assembly.

Standard Installation
Kit for Steel Pipe

Minimum Hole Size = 1"
Must be centered

1" Full port ball valve
1" Close nipple
1" Branch outlet

NOTE: Use stainless steel or brass
close nipple only.

1¼" for
hot tap

CAUTION

ONICON insertion style ow meters must be installed through a valve assembly. Failure to do so
negates the ability to remove the meter without shutting down ow and draining the system. It will
also result in an excessive amount of stem protruding from the pipe. Excessive stem lengths
unneccessarily expose the meter to incidental damage.

IMPORTANT NOTE

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Flow meters installed through oversized access holes will be subjected to undesirable turbulence
that may affect the accuracy of the meter.

3.3.1 Insertion Meter Installation Kits

ONICON offers a wide range of installation hardware kits for commonly used pipe
materials. The kits are specically designed for ONICON insertion ow meters, and their
use is recommended. Refer to Appendix B of detailed infromation regarding ONICON
installation hardware kits.

The use of ONICON installation hardware kits accomplishes two important objectives.
First, it ensures that the proper hardware is used. Second, it simplies order processing
by standardizing the dimensions of the installation hardware. ONICON must have an
accurate measurement of the overall height of the installation hardware as measured from
the outside wall of the pipe to the top of the valve in order to determine the correct stem
length when assembling insertion meters in our factory. ONICON documents refer to this
dimension as the stack height.

ONICON installation hardware kits consist of three separate component parts:

Some type of

threaded branch

outlet,

interconnecting

An

close nipple,

And a full port

isolation valve.

Different pipe materials require different branch outlets and may include additional
bushings to properly size the opening.

3.3.2 ONICON Standard Installation Hardware Kits

Standard installation hardware kits are designed to be installed on piping systems that
are drained and at atmospheric pressure. The access hole is drilled (1” minimum) prior
to installation of the branch outlet with 1” NPT threads, the close nipple and full port ball
valve. Once the isolation valve is installed, the piping system can be ushed, lled and
pressurized. The ow meter may now be inserted or removed by hand without having to
stop ow or drain the system. Please read all instructions before proceeding with meter
insertion.

3.3.3 ONICON Hot Tap Installation Hardware Kits

ONICON offers an alternative installation hardware kit when it is not practical to relieve
pressure and drain the system. In this case, a 1¼” branch outlet, a close nipple and a 1¼”
full port ball valve are installed rst. Then, a hot tap drilling apparatus is used to drill a 1”
diameter hole through the valve. This eliminates the need to stop ow and drain the
pipe. Please read all instructions before proceeding with meter insertion.

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3.3.4 Customer Supplied Installation Hardware

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There are occasions where circumstances require that the customer provide the
installation hardware or that the ow meter be installed through existing hardware.
In these cases, it is important to conrm that the installation hardware is suitable for use
with the ow meter provided by ONICON before it is installed. The installation must
allow for sufcient overhead clearance to fully extract the meter and a full 1” opening in
the pipe wall is required to clear the sensor head and allow for insertion. Make sure that
your valves and ttings are full port and at least 1” in actual internal diameter.

Installation hardware generally consists of three separate component parts:

Some type of

threaded branch

outlet,

An

interconnecting

close nipple,

And a full port

isolation valve.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Do not use threaded steel or slip PVC tees to provide the 1” opening in the pipe. Tees of this
type will cause signicant errors in the ow measurement.

CAUTION

In order to provide the ow meter with the correct stem length, ONICON must know the
overall height of the installation hardware as measured from the outside wall of the pipe to
the top of the valve where the meter is installed.

CAUTION

Use stainless steel or brass nipple only.

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3.3.5 Conrming the Stack Height

ONICON insertion ow meter stem lengths vary according to the pipe diameter and the
height of the installation hardware stack. ONICON records the stack height dimension
provided by the customer at the time of order entry, and the information is used to size the
stem. This dimension is shown on the laminated insertion depth gage tag attached to the
meter.

Insulation

Pipe

GAGE LENGTH 10.937"

STACK HEIGHT 8.5”

FOR S/N #250791

ANY OTHER METER

DO NOT USE FOR

READ OTHER SIDE OF THIS TAG BEFORE INSTALLING METER

1) Pierce insulation until

gage tip touches pipe.

2) Insert flow meter until

bottom of electronics case
touches eye of depth gage.

Depth Gage

Flow Direction

Lock Nut

3) Confirm arrow is

aligned with flow
and tighten lock nut.

Prior to installing the meter, conrm that the stack height recorded on the tag is close to
the actual stack height. Flow meter stems are intentionally over sized to allow for
variations of at least 2” in the stack height. Contact ONICON prior to installation if there
is any question regarding stack height or stem length. This will allow ONICON to offer
you credit for your meter if you decide to exchange the meter for one with a different stem
length. Returns may be subject to a restocking fee.

11451 Belcher Road South, Largo FL 33773 • USA • Tel [phone] • Fax [phone] • [e-mail]
Turbine Flow Meter Manual 05/14 - 0721-3 / 13518 Page 15

3.4 INSTALLING THE INSERTION METER

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!

WARNING

SYSTEM MAY BE UNDER HIGH PRESSURE. When installing the meter, adjusting its position
or removing the meter, be sure to hold the electronics enclosure rmly by hand before SLOWLY
loosening the positioning clamping nut. Failure to do this will allow the pressure to suddenly and
rapidly force the meter from the pipe causing serious injury. The meter could also be damaged or
break apart causing a break in the water seal with the resultant loss of large amounts of water. The
hand effort required to hold the meter will be 0.11 times the pipe pressure.

Begin by calculating the effort that will be required to hold the meter. Establish adequate footing for
this task, taking extra caution when working from a ladder or platform. Use the following formula:

E=0.11xP Where: E = effort in pounds
P = system pressure in pounds per square inch

Example: In a 300 PSI system, 33 pounds of effort is required to insert the meter into the pipe.

Installing the meter with a factory supplied depth gage:

WARNING

When you are ready to rell the system, make sure that all lines are lled with water before inserting
the turbine assembly into the stream. If the lines are not lled, air may interrupt the owing stream
and damage the turbine assembly. A greater danger is that if this is a hot water system, some water
may ash into steam and exceed the high temperature limit for the turbine and its mechanical
assembly. This ash over could exceed the pressure ratings of the meter and the assembly could fail
allowing steam and hot water to escape causing serious injury.

After tting the necessary plumbing hardware, ush the
entire system so that it is free of ux, solder and slag.
Prepare to install the ow meter by loosening the clamping
nut and withdrawing the turbine assembly fully into the
hot tap adapter. Next, thread the adapter on to the ball
valve using a paste type thread sealant. Do not use Teon
tape as torn strands of the tape may wind around the
turbine, slowing down or even stopping the turbine.

Check the installation for leaks by slightly opening the
ball valve. An ‘O’ ring in the adapter seals the meter
stem against leakage. If there are any leaks around the
clamping nut or stem, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THE

LEAKAGE BY OVERTIGHTENING THE CLAMPING
NUT. Damage to this nut or the clamping ring under the
nut may prevent the assembly from properly holding
the meter in the pipe. The clamping nut is not part of the

sealing mechanism. Any leaks in this area indicate that the
‘O’ ring is not sealing properly and you must contact the
factory for assistance.

Hot Tap
Adapter

Apply Paste
Type Sealant
to Threads

11451 Belcher Road South, Largo FL 33773 • USA • Tel [phone] • Fax [phone] • [e-mail]
Turbine Flow Meter Manual 05/14 - 0721-3 / 13518 Page 16