ABB RATOSIGHT 10A2235 User manual

1) Glass meter tubes have been designed to operate
up to maximum design working pressures listed
herein. This not to be construed as a certification
that the tubes will not break at any pressure. Inher-
ent material limitations can result in tube breakage
due to conditions beyond our control. For example,
glass is a brittle material which may break upon
impact; glass if subjected to thermal shock may
break; glass is notch sensitive in that scratches,
nicks or cracks may result in breakage when pres-
surized; incorrect installation or faulty operating
methods can cause tube breakage regardless of op-
erating pressure.
2) Glass meter tubes are not recommended for
either hot or strong alkalies, fluorine, hydrofluoric
acid, steam or water over 200oF (93oC). Glass me-
ter tubes should be periodically inspected for signs
of wear. Erosion, stress cracks, nicks or deep
scratches provide early warning for tube replace-
ment. With certain fluids, the glass may erode
evenly so wear is not visibly noticeable. If wear is
suspected, the tube should be replaced in order to
eliminate this potential cause of meter tube break-
age.
3) It is important that all materials of construction
be compatible with the service to which the Meter is
applied. It is especially important that "O" ring mate-
rial be compatible with the process fluid. Glass me-
ter tube breakage can occur in those meters using
an "O" ring as an internal seal if the improper mate-
rial is used. For example: VITON "O" RINGS MUST
NEVER BE USED FOR AMMONIA SERVICE; THE
CORROSIVE ATTACK OF AMMONIA ON VITON IS
EXTREME, CAUSING THE "O" RING TO SWELL
TO THE EXTENT OF BREAKING THE GLASS ME-
TER TUBE.
4) The Meter should never be subjected to exces-
sive vibration. Avoid the use of quick acting devices
in the fluid stream in order to prevent shock waves,
associated with such devices, from damaging the
meter.
5) The use of a pressure relief valve and/or a
rupture disc is recommended in the pipeline contain-
ing the Meter and located such to preclude glass
meter tube breakage in the event of an overpressuri-
zation of the line.
6) When applied to a high pressure gas cylinder, at
least two stepdown pressure regulators are to be
used between the Meter and the cylinder.
7) Remove pressure from the Meter before at-
tempting to remove the meter tube. 8) Be sure the
parts that serve to lock the meter end fittings in
place are secure. This should be checked before the
Meter is put into service or returned to service after
maintenance. Loose end fittings may result in glass
meter tube breakage.
9) The glass meter tube should be periodically
inspected and replaced if cracked, nicked, scratched
or worn.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
VARIABLE AREA FLOWMETERS
10A2235 Rev.5
RATOSIGHT FLOW RATE INDICATORS

Description
The RATOSIGHT flow rate indictaor operates on the
variable area principle to indicate the flow rate of a
liquid or a gas. The basic meter components, as
shown in Figure 1, are a tapered glass tube, a float,
and a metal body. A scale is provided on the glass
metering tube. The float is guided by flutes formed
on the inside surface of the tube; the height of the
float in the tube is proportional to the flow rate, so
that the flow rate can be read from the scale at a
point opposite the grooved horizontal line of the
float. The scale on the meter tube is direct reading in
GPM, water or SCFM, air. Special scales may be
furnished, when specified.
In addition to providing a direct indication of flow
rate, an alarm extension may be installed on the
Meter to open or close alarm circuits at predeter-
mined flow rates. A magnet, connected to the float
by an extension, is moved by the float and actuates
a switch at a pre-determined point, within the range
of the Meter. For details regarding the alarm exten-
sion, refer to the 55AR1000 Instruction Manual .
NOTE
The warning was changed since this Bulletin was last published as
PN24289A
Read these instructions before starting installation;
save these instructions for future reference.
Copyright 2002 ABB Inc. [May, 2002]
FIGURE 1. CROSS SECTION OF RATOSIGHT
FLOW RATE INDICATOR
PRESSURE RATING, METER ASSEMBLY @ 100oF (38oC)
* Maximum Design Pressure, in psig & MPa
Connection Size
NPTI
(Inches)
Meter Tube Inlet
Size
(Inches)
Pressure Rating Maximum Temperature
psig MPa oFoC
1/2 1/4 200 1.4 250 121
1/2 1/2 175 1.2 250 121
1 1 125 0.86 250 121
1 1/2 1 1/2 100 0.70 250 121
2 2 75 0.52 150 60
* For pressure rating at other temperatures, contact the factory.
2

Installation
The RATOSIGHT flow rate indicator is normally fur-
nished for horizontal connections. However, vertical
connections or combination horizontal-vertical con-
nections may be made by changing the locations of
the pipe plugs. Thus an over alarm extension can be
added to the Meter using a horizontal outlet. If the
Meter has a vertical inlet, a nipple and union should
be added to facilitate future removal of the float, The
various piping arrangements are shown in Figure 2.
Refer to Figure 4 for the outline dimensions of the
Meter. Install the Meter in the piping system so that
the tube is vertical. The Meter should be as free as
possible from piping strains. When installing large
indicators, use brackets or piping supports to elimi-
nate piping strains.
If the float is received separately from the instru-
ment, insert it in the tube after removing the inlet
fitting. Figure 3 shows the correct float orientation
and the reading edges. If the RATOSIGHT flow rate
indictor is equipped with an alarm extension, com-
plete the wiring as discussed in the alarm’s Instruc-
tion Bulletin.
WARNING
An operator protective shield is required
when this meter is used for compressed
gases or liquids above their boiling
point. A sheet of polycarbonate can be
used as a shield. Alternately, a series
10A4500 meter with a protective shield
included or an all metal meter can be
substituted.
FIGURE 2. PIPING ARRANGEMENTS
Operation
Start flow thru the Meter slowly to avoid excessive
flow surges which might damage the float or tube.
Flow rate is read from the scale at a point opposite
the grooved horizontal line on the float. When milli-
meter or other special scales are furnished, a cali-
bration curve may be supplied. By entering the
indicated value on this curve, the actual flow rate
can be obtained. If an alarm extension has been
furnished, refer to the appropriate Instruction Man-
ual to set the alarm point.
Maintenance
Normal maintenance consists of cleaning the float
and tube to maintain good visibility. If the meter inlet
is connected vertically, the inlet piping must be
separated to remove the float. Remove the float and
tube by taking the inlet fitting from the bottom of the
meter.
Caution
Exercise care when removing the inlet
fitting as the float and tube are free to
fall out of the meter body. Clean the
float and tube carefully with a suitable
solvent (detergent and water are usually
satisfactory), then replace the parts. To
disassemble the meter completely,
remove the float as outlined above, then
the outlet adaptor ring may be
withdrawn from the meter body. During
meter re-assembly it is recommended
that new "O" rings be used.
3

FIGURE 3. FLOAT READING EDGES
FIGURE 4. OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
4

The Company’s policy is one of continuous product improvement and the
right is reserved to modify the information contained herein without notice.
© 2002 ABB Inc. Printed in USA
ABB Inc.
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ABB Instrumentation Ltd
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PN24289B