Recordall® Turbo
Series Meters
Sizes 1 ½", 2", 3", 4", 6", 8",
10", 12", 16" and 20"
Installation &
Operation Manual
RTS-IOM-5
BadgerMeter,Inc.
®
P/N: 53407-004 Rev. 6
10-03
PREFACE
SCOPE OF MANUAL
This manual contains information concerning the installation, operation and maintenance of Recordall® Turbo Series meters with magnetic drive.
To ensure efficient operation of the meters, the instructions in this manual should be thoroughly read and understood. Retain this manual in a
location where it is readily available for reference.
Section I
GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1. DESCRIPTION
Recordall® Turbo Series meters utilize proven design features such
as thrust compensated rotor geometry, direct drive magnetic coupling
and dual outboard rotor bearings to achieve high accuracy over a broad
flow range. Extended product service life is achieved at higher levels
of accuracy, in addition to lower meter maintenance costs. Recordall
Turbo Series meters are available in 1 1/2", 2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12",
16" and 20" sizes.
Incorporating unitized construction with corrosion-resistant assemblies, the basic components of the Recordall Turbo Series consist of
the housing and completely removable measuring element. Permanently sealed for greater product reliability, the straight-reading local
register and Recordall Transmitter Register (RTR®) allow in-line
servicing. The meter housing and cover plate are bronze (1 1/2" - 10").
The 12" - 20" meter housings are cast iron with a heat fused epoxy
coating. The measuring element is constructed of high-impact
strength thermoplastics. Recordall Turbo Series meters are also
equipped with an integral calibration mechanism for in-line accuracy
calibration.
In the operation of a turbo meter, water flows through the straightening
vanes and a nose cone at the inlet side of the meter so that the swirling
effect of upstream piping is minimized. The water then strikes the rotor
blades, causing the rotor to turn. A downstream nose cone includes
straightening vanes to limit the downstream effects of flow profile
distortions. Optional NPT test ports are provided for field performance
testing.
Motion of the rotor is transferred by means of a worm drive to a vertical
shaft driving a gear set, which transmits the rotation to the meter's
registration device. The direct drive magnetic coupling provides
accurate flow registration during line surges, and allows the permanently sealed register to be easily removed to facilitate in-line service.
A pictorial description of the meter's components and location can be
found in the illustrated parts list RTS-P-1 which is provided as a
supplement to this manual. Each assembly or part has an item number
that is cross-referenced to an associated parts list which consists of
the service assemblies and parts shown in the exploded illustration.
The list provides the following information:
a. Item number
b. Name of part
c. Part number
1-2. CONFIGURATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS
A descriptive brochure, exploded parts list, pressure loss and accuracy
charts are available and show the available sizes, flow range, head
loss, laying length and weight for Recordall Turbo Series meters. The
difference between various meter configurations relate primarily to
flange connections and options for units of registration, i.e., U.S.
gallons, cubic feet, etc. Materials used in the construction of the
meters are also described in the accompanying literature.
1-3. ACCESSORIES
Badger's Recordall Transmitter Register (RTR) is available as an
option for Recordall Turbo Series meters. The RTR provides system
connectivity to the Itron® ERT®, ORION® and TRACE® meter reading
systems.
Badger Plate Strainers 2" - 20" are also available. Recommended for
use with all turbo meters, Badger Plate Strainers provide exceptional
meter protection while improving meter accuracy and reliability. The
1 1/2" - 4" Turbo Series meters are available with integral stainless
steel plate strainers.
Section II
INSTALLATION
2-1. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
To avoid damage in transit, Badger® Recordall Turbo Series meters
are shipped to the customer in special shipping containers. Upon
receipt of shipment, be sure to follow these unpacking and inspection
procedures:
NOTE
If damage to a shipping container is evident upon receipt
of a meter, request that a representative of the carrier be
present when the meter is unpacked.
a. Carefully open the shipping container, following any instructions
that may be marked on the container. Remove all cushioning material
surrounding the meter and carefully lift the meter from the container.
Keep the container and all packing material for possible use in
reshipment or storage.
b. Visually inspect the meter and applicable accessory devices for
any signs of damage such as scratches, loose or broken parts or other
physical damage that may have occurred during shipment.
NOTE
If damage is found, request an inspection by the carrier's
agent within 48 hours of delivery. Then file a claim with
the carrier. A claim for equipment damaged in transit is
the responsibility of the customer.
2-2. INSTALLATION
Procedures for installing Badger Turbo Series meters are essentially
the same for all meter sizes. Any special instructions required for the
installation or connection of accessory devices such as strainers will
be provided as supplements to this manual. Figure 1 outlines a
recommended meter installation.
A. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS. Before proceeding any further with the installation, first read the instructions in the paragraphs
immediately following to become familiar with the requirements and
procedures involved.
NOTE
Badger Recordall Turbo Series meters are designed for
operation in HORIZONTAL piping arrangements.
1. Be sure that the meter flow range and size of the meter coincide
with the intended service and demand for water.
The life of the turbo meter will be curtailed if operated at
flow rates higher than specified. (Reference Technical
Briefs).
2. The meters are designed for use in cold water service (up to
120°F or 49°C) within the applicable flow requirements for turbo
Page 2
meters. For use with water at higher temperatures, consult your
Badger Meter representative or nearest Badger regional sales office.
3. Installation of a strainer is recommended upstream of the meter.
The strainer, in addition to protecting the meter from debris in the line,
minimizes the effect of velocity profile distortions or turbulence caused
by changes in pipe direction or valving resulting in more accurate
registration. Contact your Badger Meter representative for information on Badger® Plate Strainers.
4. Avoid locating the meter in close quarters. Allow sufficient
space to permit access for meter reading, testing, and maintenance.
BY-PASS
(PERMANENT OR
TEMPORARY)
VALVE
(open)
MINIMUM OF FIVE
DIAMETERS OF
STRAIGHT PIPE
B. INSTALLING THE METER. Overall dimensions and laying lengths
of each meter size are shown on the Technical Briefs. After reviewing
the applicable dimensional requirements, choose an appropriate installation point in the piping and proceed as follows:
1. Measure precisely the overall length of the meter with gaskets
attached to the inlet and outlet flange connections.
2. Provide proper gap length in service piping.
3. Install meter in the pipeline so that the flow arrow on the meter
housing points in the same direction as water flow.
MINIMUM TWO
PIPE DIAMETERS
DOWNSTREAM
OF TURBO
METER
TEST TEE
UPSTREAM
BADGER PLATE
STRAINER AND TURBO
SERIES METERS
Figure 1. Recommended Meter Installation
5. Because of the need to test large meters periodically to verify
their performance, it is recommended that a bypass system be
incorporated into the piping arrangement. This will also provide a
means of performing periodic cleanout and routine maintenance
without interrupting service to the customer. A test tee can be installed
downstream of the meter for field accuracy testing.
6. The Recordall® Turbo Series is accuracy and pressure tested
prior to shipment, therefore no field adjustments are required. As
turbine performance is directly related to the flow conditions of the
water stream entering the meter, upstream fittings and piping changes
can adversely affect flow registration. To insure valid registration and
proper performance, the following factors should be considered when
installing Recordall Turbo Series meters and Turbo Series meters with
integral strainers.
a. When installing the meter with a separate Badger Plate
Strainer or integral strainer, a minimum of five (5) pipe diameters of
straight, unobstructed pipe is recommended upstream of the meter.
For optimum protection and accuracy, this straight pipe spool piece
should be installed between the separate strainer and meter as
illustrated in Figure 1. (A minimum of ten (10) pipe diameters (minimum
of 25 pipe diameters for smallest size) of straight unobstructed pipe
is recommended upstream of a meter installed without a plate strainer.
The deletion of a strainer, however, is not recommended.) This allows
for dampening of velocity profile distortions caused by elbows, pumps,
dirt traps, etc., prior to the meter. Where spiral flows are created by
three dimensional elbows or rotary pumps, additional distance to
dampen the effect is beneficial. If a basket or Y-type strainer is utilized,
it is recommended that it be placed five (5) to ten (10) pipe diameters
prior to the meter to dampen velocity profile distortions created by this
design.
b. Do not install check valves or pressure reducing devices
upstream of the meter.
c. Valves immediately upstream of the meter should only be
fully-open gate valves. Butterfly valves are acceptable if they are five
(5) pipe diameters or more upstream from the meter. Downstream,
fully open gate or butterfly valves can be used.
d. The service saddle (or reducing tee) which is used for field
accuracy testing should be at least two (2) pipe diameters downstream
of the meter's outlet flange.
e. Unweighted check valves should not be located closer than
three (3) pipe diameters downstream of the meter.
f. Externally weighted check valves and pressure reducing
devices should not be located closer than five (5) pipe diameters of the
meter.
g. When installing a turbo meter and plate strainer of a size
smaller than the pipe installation, to reduce the effect of jetting caused
by the increase in flow velocity, a minimum of five (5) pipe diameters
is recommended upstream of the meter. Additional length is recommended if a sharp contraction or an eccentric reducer, rather than a
concentric, tapered reducer is used.
DOWNSTREAM
COUPLING
ADAPTOR
SERVICE
SADDLE
SHUT-OFF
VALVE
4. With meter and gaskets in place, tighten flange connection bolts.
5. To relieve possible strain on the piping, it is recommended that
a meter support be used under the meter housing where appropriate.
Turbine meters must operate in a completely filled line
at all times. The downstream piping must always be
arranged to provide sufficient back pressure to maintain
a full line at the meter. By eliminating air in the line, as
well as sudden flow surges, inaccurate registration and
damage to the turbine mechanism can be avoided.
2-3. RECORDALL TRANSMITTER REGISTER OPTION
Badger Meter Recordall Transmitter Registers are designed for use
with the Recordall Turbo Series. If the meter has been purchased with
a RTR®, the installation guidelines as outlined in the Installation Data
Sheet should be followed.
Before proceeding with the installation, be sure that the Recordall
Transmitter Register corresponds to the meter size, and unit of
measure.
2-4. PERFORMANCE CHECKS
Any valves or devices controlling the flow of water through a turbo
meter must always be opened and closed SLOWLY to prevent shock
loads that may damage the meter's rotor assembly.
Complete the following checks to ensure that a turbo meter is properly
installed and operational:
a. Slowly open upstream valve to apply water pressure to the meter
and check to see if there are any leaks. Tighten flange bolts as
required.
b. Perform a functional test of the meter. Slowly open valve on
downstream (consumer) side of the meter to evacuate any air that may
have been trapped in the service line. When air has been eliminated,
increase demand flow rate by further opening of downstream valve or
valves. Observe register for correct direction of flow. The large test
pointer will now move in the proper direction. Now open all applicable
service valves.
c. Adjust rate of flow by throttling with the downstream valve so the
flow does not exceed the maximum continuous duty specification as
defined in the Technical Briefs. The rate of flow can be quickly checked
by timing the quantity registered through the meter in one minute.
2-5. SHUTDOWN INSTRUCTIONS
If the turbo meter is to be shut down for an extended period of time or
if it is being removed from service, Badger recommends that the meter
and measuring components be thoroughly flushed to prevent the
settling out of undissolved solids or the accumulation of corrosive
deposits. If there is an upstream strainer in the line, it also should be
flushed at this time.
Page 3