Badger Meter Hedland PE User manual

Variable Area Flow Meters
Inline Liquid Flow Meter
VAM-UM-00551-EN-03 (September 2014) User Manual
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Variable Area Flow Meters, Inline Liquid Flow Meter
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CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operating Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing the Flow Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing the Test Kit Flow Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Test Kit Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Test Procedures for Test Kit Flow Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Standard Test Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tee Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Relief Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Removal of Dust Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quick Re-Coupling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Test Kit Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Application Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Viscosity Eect (SUS/cSt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Density Eect (Specic Gravity). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Flow vs Pressure Drop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Materials of Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Standard Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
High Temp Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Test Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
User Manual
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INTRODUCTION
The Inline Liquid Flow Meter is a rugged industrial class inline flow rate indicator, offered in aluminum, brass or stainless steel
models to monitor a wide variety of liquids. Available in seven port sizes from 1/4… 3" for flow ranges from
0.02…0.20 gpm (0.1…0.75 lpm) through 20…300 gpm (100…1100 lpm), the meters are calibrated at 0.876 specific gravity for
oil or other petroleum-based fluids, 1.0 for water or other water-based fluids, or 1.18 for phosphate ester liquids.
The flow meter is equipped with a 360° rotatable guard/scale which allows the meter to be installed in any orientation
without regard to scale direction. Once the meter is permanently installed, the guard/scale can be rotated 360° to
optimize readability.
In addition, the unique spring-loaded design of this variable area flow meter decreases viscosity sensitivity and allows it
to be installed in any position, including inverted, without affecting accuracy. An optional inverted scale is available for
these applications.
The standard flow meter is a unidirectional device. If required, a reverse flow bypass option is available for the oil, phosphate
ester and water-based fluid models. Note that flow is measured in the forward direction only.
• Aluminum models are offered as a rugged, low cost flow meter for monitoring noncorrosive water-based or
petroleum-based fluids under operating pressures up to 3500 psi (241 bar).
• Brass meters are recommended for water monitoring applications or other systems where corrosion inhibitors
are not present.
• Stainless Steel is available for monitoring hydraulic systems operating at pressures up to 6000 psi
(414 bar) or other corrosive caustic fluids, such as acetic acid. For further construction material information, see
"Materials of Construction" on page 20.
PRODUCT UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Upon receipt of the product, perform the following unpacking and inspection process:
If the product package is damaged, request the carrier to be present when unpacking the product. If the product is damaged
and the carrier is not present, request an inspection by the carrier’s agent within 48 hours of delivery and file a claim with the
carrier. A claim for equipment damage in transit is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
Carefully open the shipping package and follow any instructions marked on the exterior. Remove all packing material and
carefully remove the product from the package.
Retain an undamaged package and all packing material for possible use in reshipment or storage.
Visually inspect the product and applicable accessories for any physical damage such as scratches, loose or broken parts, or
any other sign of damage that may have occurred during shipment.
Introduction
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OPERATING PRINCIPLE
The flow meter is a variable area instrument. A sharp-edged orifice, located within the piston assembly, forms an
annular opening with the contoured metering cone. The piston assembly carries a cylindrical PPS/ceramic magnetthat
is magnetically coupled to an external indicating magnetwhich moves precisely in direct response to movement of the
piston. A calibrated springopposes flow in the forward direction.
The Hedland variable area flow meters are the most readable products in their class. Brightly colored indicators move over the
graduated, linear flow scalewhich contains bold, easy to read numeral and gauge marks. The enhanced resolution virtually
eliminates parallax problems associated with competitive, direct reading flow meters.
16
1
2
3
11
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
13
14
15
FLOW
1 Orifice 9 Spider plate
2 Piston assembly 10 Retaining spring
3 Metering cone 11 Pressure seal
4 Internal magnet 12 End fitting
5 Flow indicator 13 End cap
6 Spring 14 Body
7 Flow scale 15 Guard
8 Retaining ring 16 Guard seal/bumper
Table 1: Meter components
Operating Principle
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INSTALLATION
THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE INSTALLED AND SERVICED BY TECHNICALLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TRAINED IN
MAINTAINING INDUSTRIAL CLASS FLOW INSTRUMENTATION AND PROCESSING EQUIPMENT.
READ INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE INSTALLING THE UNIT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING
PRODUCT INSTALLATION OR MAINTENANCE, CALL YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
OIL METERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WATER MONITORING APPLICATIONS. IF METER IS TO BE SUBJECTED TO
BOTH OIL AND WATER, BRASS WATER METERS ARE SUGGESTED. CONSULT FACTORY FOR DETAILS.
THIS METER MAY CONTAIN RESIDUAL AMOUNTS OF TEST FLUID AT THE TIME OF SHIPMENT. THIS FLUID SHOULD BE
REMOVED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION AS THE FLUID MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE OR HAZARDOUS WITH SOME LIQUIDS OR
GASES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.
THIS STANDARD METER IS UNIDIRECTIONAL. ATTEMPTS TO FLOW FLUIDS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE FLOW
ARROW WILL RESULT IN THE METER ACTING AS A CHECK VALVE, CREATING A DEADHEADING SITUATION. IF THE
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE MAGNITUDE IS GREAT ENOUGH, DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE METER WILL
RESULT.
The inline flow meter is a simple device to install. However, the following measures are recommended for reliable,
trouble-free operation:
• Align pipe accurately. Piping should be accurately aligned and of correct length. The high pressure body of the flow meter
can withstand shock and flow/pressure pulsation. However, the piping should be firmly supported by external mounting
brackets, both upstream and downstream of the meter, to avoid any pipe flexing actions that could reduce meter life.
• Use rigid mounting. If the flow meter inlet or outlet are to be rigidly mounted, and the opposing port is to be connected to
flexible hose, the opposite end of the flexible hose must be rigidly mounted.
• Use Teflon®tape for sealing NPT fitting.
• Install unions. Install a union near the inlet or outlet of the meter. This will facilitate quick, easy meter removal and
inspection during periodic maintenance procedures.
• Mount the meter either horizontally or vertically (flow arrow pointing to either side or straight up). If the meter must be
mounted inverted, special inverted scales are available from the factory.
• Ensure the fluid is traveling in the direction of the flow arrow (Figure 1).
• Use at least a 200 mesh (74 micron) filter. The meter will allow particulate to pass that would jam most valves and flow
controls. Systems that do not have filtration should be equipped with at least a 200 mesh (74 micron) filter. Most hydraulic
systems already have much finer filtration.
• Dirt, ferrous metal or sealing agents, such as Teflon tape may lodge and cause malfunction. If the meter is jammed at a
fixed position, follow cleaning and maintenance instructions.
• Do not use thread locking compounds as thread sealant.
Installation
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• Do not install the flow meter near turbulence producing fittings such as elbows, reducers, close coupled valves, etc. The
inline flow meter does not require flow straighteners or special lengths of straight inlet/outlet piping to stabilize turbulent
flow patterns. However, to assure maximum operational reliability, avoid installation of elbows, valves and/or reducers
immediately adjacent to the meter inlet.
• Do not install the meter near fast-acting valves. Fast-acting valves have the potential to create high magnitude hydraulic
pressure spikes. These spikes can damage the internal components of the meter, resulting in inaccuracies or malfunction.
• Do not allow unidirectional meters to be operated against the direction of the flow arrow. The standard flow meter is an
unidirectional flow meter. The piston acts as a check valve to block flow in the reverse direction. This causes an excessive
pressure differential, which can result in damage to internal meter components. The flow meter is also available in a
modified design, which offers a reverse flow bypass feature to accommodate bidirectional flow.
OTE:N Inline meters with a reverse flow bypass feature are available. Consult the factory for details.
Installing the Flow Meter
1. Mount the meter so uid is traveling in the direction of the ow arrow.
GPM LPM
OIL
Flow Direction
Arrow
Figure 1: Flow direction arrow
2. Select a mounting location that is suitable for viewing and product service. To connect the ow meter into the piping
system, place an open-ended wrench onto the ow meter wrench ats adjacent to the pipe connection being installed.
DO NOT wrench on the opposite end of the ow meter or leakage may result.
Place wrench on meter ats on the same side
plumbing is being tightened.
Never place wrench on meter ats opposite
plumbing being tightened.
Figure 2: Installing the meter
Installation
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3. After installation, rotate the meter by hand to view the ow scale.
Rotate meter by hand to view ow scale
Never use wrench to rotate meter
body when viewing ow scale
Figure 3: Rotating the meter
Installing the Test Kit Flow Meter
1. Mount the VA High Pressure Test Kit Flow Meter so uid is traveling in the direction of the ow arrow. See Figure 1.
2. Install the test kit at any location in the hydraulic circuit that is suitable for viewing. To connect the test kit into the piping
system, place an open-ended wrench onto the test kit valve on the inlet side or on the test kit wrench at on the outlet
side adjacent to the pipe connection being installed. DO NOT wrench on the opposite end of the test kit or leakage may
result. See Figure 4.
Place wrench on valve body on the same side
plumbing is being tightened
Never place wrench on valve body opposite
plumbing being tightened
Figure 4: Installing the test kit
3. Or, use quick disconnect couplings for easy connections and to keep the test kit sealed and clean when not in use. For
diagrams illustrating typical test placements for the test kits, see "Test Procedures for Test Kit Flow Meters" on page 10.
4. After installation, rotate the meter by hand to view the ow scale.
Installation
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Rotate meter by hand to view ow scale
Never use wrench to rotate meter
body when viewing ow scale
Figure 5: Rotating the test kit
OPERATION
See “Application Information” on page 14.
Test Kit Information
ALWAYS START WITH THE LOADING VALVE OPEN.
ALL TEST KITS ARE SHIPPED WITH THE LOADING VALVE IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THE LOADING VALVE MUST BE
OPENED FULLY BEFORE INITIATING FLOW AND TESTING OF THE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT. TURN THE LOADING VALVE
HANDLE COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO THE FULLY OPEN POSITION. FAILURE TO OPEN THE LOADING VALVE FULLY CAN
RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.
Operation
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TEST PROCEDURES FOR TEST KIT FLOW METERS
THE INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL IS FOR GENERAL APPLICATION ONLY. ANY INFORMATION FURNISHED BY THE
MANUFACTURER OF THE MACHINE’S HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED. SPECIFIC SYSTEMS MAY
REQUIRE SPECIFIC TEST PROCEDURES.
General Information
The VA High Pressure Test Kits are designed to measure flow and pressure. Power measurements are derived from the product
of flow and pressure. When using a test kit, power can be calculated using the following formulas:
HP
GPMxPSI
=
1714
HP
LPMxbar
=
447 4.
kW
LPMxbar
=
600
Standard Test Conditions
1. Install the test kit as described in one of the following test procedures:
a. "Pump Test"
b. "Tee Test" on page 11
c. "Pump Test Using Tee Test Configuration" on page 11
d. "Relief Valve in Separate Housing" on page 11
e. "Relief Valves" on page 11
2. Open the loading valve fully by turning the handle counterclockwise.
3. Start the pump and adjust it to the rated speed.
4. Open the test kit loading valve fully and proceed with the required test procedure.
5. The test kit will indicate ow and pressure.
Pump Test
A tee must be installed between the pump discharge port and the return line to the tank. Be sure the fluid path is only
through the pump, the hydraulic test unit and back to the tank. See Figure 6.
OUT
IN
TEE
PUMP RELIEF
TANK
Figure 6: Pump test
1. Plug the line to the control valve.
2. Open the test it loading valve fully to read maximum pump ow at zero pressure.
3. Close the loading valve to increase pressure from zero pressure to rated or maximum pump pressure to determine
pump condition.
4. The pump ow at rated pressure can now be checked against the pump manufacturer’s specications. A decrease in ow
from zero pressure to maximum pressure indicates the pump condition. A pump that delivers a constant low ow at zero
pressure and at maximum pressure suggests suction problems.
Test Procedures for Test Kit Flow Meters
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