Blancett B1750 User manual

Positive Displacement Flow Meter

Model B1750

PDM-UM-00274-EN-03 (February 2018) User Manual

CONTENTS

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Flow Meter Guidelines For Paint Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Typical Automated Cleaning Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

If Flow Readings are Too High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

If Flow Readings are Too Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

If It Is Necessary to Adjust the Existing K-Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

If It Is Necessary to Re-Calculate a New K-Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

B175-A/S12, B175-A/S20 and B175-A/S30 Flow Meters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

B175-A/S60 Flow Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

B175-A/S80 and B175-A/S90 Flow Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Positive Displacement Flow Meter, Model B1750

Page ii February 2018PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

DESCRIPTION

The Blancett B1750 positive displacement gear flow meters are similar in design to the gear pump. The principle of operation

is reversed; instead of the gears driving the medium, the medium drives the gears. A non-intrusive magnetic pickup or

hall-effect sensor detects the movement of the gear. As each gear tooth passes the sensor a square wave pulse is produced

and a discrete volume of liquid is measured. The resulting pulse train is proportional to the actual flow rate and provides

a highly accurate representation of the fluid flow. All meters are designed with highly wear-resistant moving parts for

exceptionally long service life.

• Filtration—Depends upon model.

• Fluid Compatibility—The materials of construction include stainless steel or high strength aluminum housings, stainless

steel gears and either tungsten carbide or stainless steel bearings (depending upon the model). The fluids should be

compatible with these materials.

INSTALLATION

The preferred flow direction is etched or marked by an arrow on the meter. This is the flow direction for which the meter was

calibrated. However, the flow meters have bi-directional flow capabilities. Damage will not occur from reverse flow, but the

meter will count reverse flow as forward flow. To prevent this possibility, consider using an in-line check valve.

The preferred orientation is to mount the meter vertically; although horizontal mounting is acceptable if conditions deter

vertical orientation. There is no need for straight run piping upstream or downstream of the flow meter.

MOTOR

PUMP

FILTER

FLOW METER CONTROL VALV E

FLOW

DISPLAY

Install the meter upstream from control valves and fluid regulators if possible. Back pressure from control valving is beneficial

for stable running.

Eliminate all dirt, debris and metal shavings from the piping as the liquid must be free of any particles larger than allowed

by the manufacturer’s specifications. Install any recommended filtration before operation as potential plugging most often

occurs at startup.

If possible, install a bypass around the meter and flush existing piping with the appropriate solvent before first use. Review

the pickup instructional guide prior to installation. Locate the pickup and wiring away from A/C motors, actuators, heaters

and relays. Use only shielded cable and do not take power from the same circuits as other devices. Make sure clean power

supplies use a true earth ground. Install intrinsic safety barriers if the circuit is intended to be intrinsically safe. Install the

pickup sensor only hand tight. Do not use wrenches or channel locks. Over tightening may cause a dimple to protrude into

the meter chamber beneath the pickup and interfere with the free gear rotation.

Description

Page 3February 2018 PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

Precautions

• Never run the meter dry or spin with air only. Gear flow meters are precision engineered flow devices and should always

be maintained in a clean, lubricated condition with the internals wet at all times. Air and water should not be allowed in

contact with the internal parts except in short (1…2 second) cycles as part of an automated flush.

• Do not use water for flow testing. The viscosity of water is too low to produce accurate results unless the flow rate is

elevated, and the internals would then have to be dried and lubricated to avoid corrosion or scaling. Use a fluid with a

viscosity of approximately 30 cSt, such as mineral oil or thinned glycerin, if calibration of the system is necessary. The

preferred calibration fluid would be the actual fluid to be metered.

• Do not ramp-up flow to a full flow condition instantaneously. Gear flow meters are rugged, yet precise instruments that

respond almost instantaneously to changes in fluid flow. Normal pulsating flows will not damage the meter and will

merely cause the output to be unsteady. However, if flow is repeatedly cycled from zero to full flow instantaneously, fluid

shock forces may be significant and may produce premature damage or wear over time. To avoid damage to the system,

ramp-up to maximum flow over a few seconds rather than instantaneously and do not inject high flow speeds into an

empty meter.

Use filtration to prevent contaminants from entering the meter. Should the meter become plugged, a reduced flow may still

be observed from the outlet as fluid pressure will squeeze fluid through the meter. Visual flow does not necessarily mean

that the meter’s gears are turning. If plugging is caused by contaminants, then filtering should be installed. If plugging is

repeatedly caused by particle build up, then review the cleaning and maintenance procedures in the following section.

Because of the vast differences in fluid types and in-plant procedures, there may be some trial and error involved in

determining the ideal flushing or cleaning regimen.

A calibration factor (K-factor) is established at the factory on a preferred calibrating fluid. This number is usually accurate for

a wide variety of fluids and usually should not be changed. It is provided with the meter either on a Calibration Data Sheet or

on a tag attached to the meter. Should it be lost, a copy can be obtained from the factory. A calibration verification procedure

is detailed later in this document.

Storage

When the flow meter is idle or stored for any extended period of time, the internals should be thoroughly cleaned with the

appropriate solvent, lubricated with a light oil and the ports capped or plugged to prevent drying.

Installation

Page 4 February 2018PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

FLOW METER GUIDELINES FOR PAINT OPERATIONS

Before installing, operating or attempting maintenance on a flow meter, see "Maintenance" on page 8. As with

any precision engineered device, the equipment should always be operated and maintained in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

Flow meters are designed to flow liquids that assist in cooling and lubrication. Meters should always be closed to air

except when air is part of an automated purge cycle. In this case the air segments are typically under 1-2 seconds and are

interspersed with lubrication solvent to achieve a scrubbing effect. The air segments are short enough that the meter doesn’t

dry out. Do not dry paint lines using only pressurized air as this will lead to premature wear.

D/I Water

or Solvent

Air

4 sec

4.8 se

.8 sec2.2 sec

14.0 sec

.5s.5s .7s

4 sec1 sec2sec1se

.5 sec

To tal Time

At the end of a shift or overnight, leave cleaning solvent or DI water with appropriate cutting agent in the meter, under

pressure, to soak. This helps keep unflushed residual paint from drying and helps subsequent startups. Opening a meter after

a flush cycle will help determine if the meter is being cleaned thoroughly by the purge.

Regular cleaning cycles with solvent or DI water may be necessary to effect color changes or to prevent some coatings from

depositing on critical internal parts. Designing and maintaining a flush procedure that keeps the meter internals clean and

wet is critical to optimum performance and minimum maintenance. Cleaning cycles will vary due to differences in coatings,

equipment and cleaning fluids used. Some testing may be necessary to determine the most efficient method. Cleaning cycles

using DI water only may require more flushing than those using additives due to the superior cutting ability of solvents. If

bells or small orifices restrict adequate purge through the meter, an auxiliary dump valve of 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) or 3/4 in.

(19.05 mm) may be installed after the meter to maximize through flow.

Full flow meter breakdown instructions are included in "Maintenance" on page 8. When a meter is removed from the line

during maintenance, paint should not be allowed to dry inside. The internals should be immediately cleaned, lubricated and

the fluid ports capped. Clean the carbide surfaces at the point where the gear rotates on the shaft. Paint build-up here may

occur as a thin smear and be difficult to see, but will cause friction and accelerate additional paint build-up later when the

gears are reinstalled. Spin the gears by hand to verify free and easy rotation of gear on shaft and apply a suitable lubrication

fluid before closing the meter. After tightening the bolts, a short squirt of shop air will briefly spin the gears which should be

easily audible. When reinstalling the sensor, turn it in lightly only to a hand tight torque. Do not use a wrench on the pickup as

over tightening may cause damage.

In the event of plugging, the meter will pass a reduced volume of fluid with an increased back pressure and no frequency

output. Care during installation is important as this is the most likely time that contaminants such as tape or metal shavings

can enter the meter. Filters should be installed in the line to prevent oversize particles from entering the flow meter.

In the event the meter needs to be returned to the factory for further evaluation, flush the meter in place and cap the ports.

Flow Meter Guidelines For Paint Operations

Page 5February 2018 PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

TYPICAL AUTOMATED CLEANING CYCLE

At the beginning of the cleaning cycle, clean with DI water for a significant period of time before introducing any air at all

into the system. For example, the first thing the meter should see after push out is a relatively long blast of solvent or DI water

for at least 3 seconds or more depending on the coating. In the middle of the cleaning cycle, short (0.5 sec) air blasts will

maximize the scrubbing effect. At the end of the cleaning cycle, finish with solvent or DI water instead of air. The intention is

to put enough purge fluid into the system at this time to have the meter soaking in clean flush fluid at the end of the cycle.

When there are gaps in the line or when line stops occur after a color change, following this procedure will keep the meter

from potentially freezing up. In general, the meter should never see air for more than a few seconds and should never be

run dry.

OTE:N If new paint and purge fluid mixing is a problem, the fill cycle can start with a short 1 second shot of air to separate

the purge fluid and the paint.

During line shutdowns, such as overnight and over weekends, meters should be flushed and left filled with solvent, under

pressure, to allow any residue that may have built up to soak and dissolve. Filtration is recommended to prevent contaminants

from entering the meter. Should the meter become plugged, a reduced flow will still be observed from the nozzle or outlet as

fluid pressure will squeeze fluid through the meter. Should this occur, review the cleaning and maintenance procedures in the

following sections.

• Leave flushing solvent in the lines overnight or during extended off-times. This keeps internals wet, preventing residual

paint from drying and helping start ups.

• Follow the Maintenance Guide instructions when opening and cleaning a meter. During cleaning, separate the gears from

the shafts. On carbide bearings, clean inside the center of the gear bearing and on the outer surface of the shafts at the

point where the gear rotates on the shaft. Apply a suitable lubricating fluid before closing the meter. After tightening the

bolts, a short squirt of shop air will briefly spin the gears which should be easily audible.

• Install and maintain filters. The recommended filter should be installed to eliminate potential plugging. Should plugging

occur, the meter will still pass fluid but with no signal output.

• Check electrical compatibility between the meter’s output signal and the input of the PLC. If signals are not being

detected at start up, first check wiring and electrical compatibility.

• Verify reliable grounding of electrical parts, as per installation guidelines, and a dedicated power supply is recommended.

Voltage spikes on shared power lines, negligent grounding and sloppy wiring will likely produce erratic readings and

chronic maintenance. The control valve will provide back pressure which is beneficial to stable flow control.

• Install the meter immediately upstream of the regulator or control valve. The control valve provides back pressure which

stabilizes the flow.

• Do not allow air into the flow meter. Always keep the meter internally wet.

• Do not dry paint lines using pressurized air. Flow meters are designed to flow liquids. Meters should be closed to air except

when air is part of an automated purge cycle. Do not dry lines after purging.

• Do not allow materials to dry inside the meter. When a meter is removed from the line during maintenance, the internals

should be immediately cleaned, lubricated and the fluid ports capped.

• Do not over tighten the pickup sensor beyond hand tight. When installing the pickup sensor, turn it in lightly to a hand

tight torque. Do not use a wrench on the pickup as over tightening may cause a dimple of metal under the sensor nose to

protrude into the gear cavity and interfere with the gear’s rotation.

• Do not use water or solvent for calibration or test purposes. Water or solvent may not turn the gears at low flow and may

leave the impression that the meter is not functioning. A calibration factor (K-factor) is issued with the flow meter which is

valid for most fluids except water or equivalent viscosities.

Typical Automated Cleaning Cycle

Page 6 February 2018PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

CALIBRATIONS

Each flow meter is calibrated and given a K-factor using a standard calibrating fluid at the factory. This number is accurate for

all fluids, with most viscosities, except the most water-like.

There should be no need to change this except for the very lowest viscosities close to 1.0 cP.

If Flow Readings are Too High

If the display shows significantly more than the volume actually dispensed or shows flow when there is definitely no flow,

this most likely indicates an electrical noise problem. In such cases, turn off nearby motors, heaters or relays, check cable

shielding and establish a clean ground independent of other electrical devices before repeating accuracy tests. If the problem

continues, it may be necessary to relocate the offending device.

If Flow Readings are Too Low

If the display shows significantly less than the volume actually dispensed, then most likely the meter has a high slippage

factor and the fluid is bypassing the gears and the K-factor may require adjustment.

If It Is Necessary to Adjust the Existing K-Factor

Trigger at least 500ml of your sample fluid, in a steady stream, at approximately the desired flow rate, into a graduated beaker.

Compare the volume in the beaker to the volume on the display. Do not time the operation merely measure the volume

dispensed. Repeat the sample 3 times and take an average. If the result is outside an acceptable margin, adjust the K-factor by

the percentage difference between the average beaker sample and the average displayed total. If the error is not corrected,

clean the meter thoroughly and repeat the procedure. Do not use water for this test.

If It Is Necessary to Re-Calculate a New K-Factor

You will first need a data collecting instrument to count pulses produced by the meter. A Blancett display may be used in

totalizer mode provided the KFT is set to count each pulse (KFT = 10000). Trigger at least 500ml of your sample fluid, in a

steady stream, at approximately the desired flow rate, into a graduated beaker. Divide the number of pulses by the volume

dispensed and the result is your new K-factor in the units of your sample. In the example above the K-factor units would be

impulses/ml.

Calibrations

Page 7February 2018 PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

MAINTENANCE

B175-A/S12, B175-A/S20 and B175-A/S30 Flow Meters

Part Name

1Lower Housing

2Tool Steel Locating Pins

3416 Stainless Steel Gear

4O-ring

5Upper Housing

6HEX Socket Cap Screw

7Ball Bearings

8Index marks

1. Remove the pickup sensor (not shown) from the ow meter body (5).

2. Remove the hex bolts (6) with a 3/16 in. key wrench.

3. Re-engage 2 opposing bolts diagonally from each other by a few threads to avoid stress on the shafts and locator pins

during housing separation.

4. Holding the upper housing (5), gently tap the opposing bolts (6) to separate the lower housing (1). Do not use chisels or

screwdrivers to split and pry apart the housings - this may damage the gears and locating pins.

5. After separation, inspect the gears (3) and bearings (7). Carefully remove the gears from the housing and thoroughly clean

with solvent. Special care must be observed when cleaning or ushing either the upper housing (5) or lower housing (1).

The bearing (7) may dis-lodge from the housing. There are 1…4 very small shims under each bearing.

6. After cleaning all parts completely, the gears, bearings and bearing shims can be reinserted into their previous positions.

Check for free and easy rotation.

7. Replace O-ring (4) if deformed.

8. Keep meter housings parallel during reassembly and align index marks (8). Both locating pins must be in place (2).

9. Replace hex bolts and slowly tighten to at least 15 Nm. (This is hand tight). Do not force the housing closed. Do not use a

hammer. Over tightening will not cause damage but may restrict operation if internal surfaces are not completely clean.

10. After reassembly, gently blow air into meter so gears spin. This should be clearly audible given a moderate background

noise level.

11. Clean any debris from the pickup port & hand tighten the pickup sensor. Avoid over tightening as this may damage

the meter.

12. The bearings should be lubricated prior to storage. Never allow contact with water without immediately drying and

lubricating after use.

Maintenance

Page 8 February 2018PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

B175-A/S60 Flow Meter

Part Name

1Lower Housing

2Tool Steel Locating Pins

3416 Stainless Steel Gear

4O-ring

5Upper Housing

6HEX Socket Cap Screw

7Ball Bearings

8Index marks

9Shims

1. Remove the pickup sensor (not shown) from the ow meter body (5).

2. Remove the hex bolts (6) with a 3/16 in. key wrench.

3. Re-engage 2 opposing bolts diagonally from each other by a few threads to avoid stress on the shafts and locator pins

during housing separation.

4. Holding the upper housing (5), gently tap the opposing bolts (6) to separate the lower housing (1). Do not use chisels or

screwdrivers to split and pry apart the housings - this may damage the gears and locating pins.

5. After separation, inspect the gears (3) and bearings (7). Carefully remove the shims (9) located above & below the gears

(3). Inspect and clean the gears taking care not to dislodge the bearings (7) located in the housing. Should the bearings

have to be removed take care to locate and replace the shims positioned underneath each bearing. The meter should be

recalibrated after any bearing repairs.

6. After cleaning, all parts can be reinserted into their previous positions. Check for free and easy rotation.

7. Replace O-ring (4) if deformed.

8. Keep meter housings parallel during reassembly and align index marks (8). Both locating pins must be in place (2).

9. Replace hex bolts and slowly tighten to at least 15 Nm. (This is hand tight). Do not force the housing closed. Do not use a

hammer. Over tightening will not cause damage but may restrict operation if internal surfaces are not completely clean.

10. After reassembly, gently blow air into meter so gears spin. This should be clearly audible given a moderate background

noise level.

11. Clean any debris from the pickup port & hand tighten the pickup sensor. Avoid over tightening as this may damage

the meter.

12. The bearings should be lubricated prior to storage. Never allow contact with water without immediately drying and

lubricating after use.

Maintenance

Page 9February 2018 PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

B175-A/S80 and B175-A/S90 Flow Meters

Part Name

1Lower Housing

2Tool Steel Locating Pins

3416 Stainless Steel Gear

4O-ring

5Upper Housing

6HEX Socket Cap Screw

7Ball Bearings

8Index marks

9Flange: 13 SAE, Code #62 90o, 13 NPT female pipe thread.

10 Extraction Bolt Holes

11 Pickup Sensor

12 Standard Buna-N O-Ring

13 Standard 2-13 UNC Bolt (Supplied w/flange)

1. Remove the hex bolts (6) with a 3/8 in. key wrench.

2. Turn 2 bolts into the extraction bolt holes (10) until they make contact with the lower housing. Using these bolts for

separating the housings help reduce any stress on the locating pins and gear shafts.

3. With the extracting bolts turned down to the lower housing, give each bolt a half-turn alternately until the housing have

separated and the upper housing can be lifted straight o the locating pins. CAUTION: When lifting the top housing o,

make sure the gears stay in the lower housing. If they come out with the top housing, they may fall o and damage the

lower housing or the gears themselves.

Maintenance

Page 10 February 2018PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

4. After separation, inspect the gears (3) and bearings (7). Carefully remove the gears from the housing and thoroughly clean

with solvent. Special care must be observed when cleaning or ushing either the upper housing (5) or lower housing

(1) as the bearing (7) may dis-lodge from the housing. Note: Avoid removing the bearings. For bearing repairs the meter

should be returned to the factory.

5. After cleaning add a lubricant if possible, the gears can be reinserted into their previous positions. Check for free and

easy rotation.

6. Replace O-ring (4) if it is deformed.

7. Keep meter housings parallel during reassembly and align index marks (8). Both locating pins must be in place (2).

OTE:N Make sure to turn out the bolts from the extraction holes (10).

8. Replace hex bolts and slowly tighten to at least 15 Nm. (This is hand tight). Do not force the housing closed. Do not use a

hammer. Over tightening will not cause damage but may restrict operation if internal surfaces are not completely clean.

9. After reassembly, gently blow air into meter so gears spin. This should be clearly audible given a moderate background

noise level.

10. The bearings should be lubricated prior to storage. Never allow contact with water without immediately drying and

lubricating after use.

OTE:N The pickup illustrated is the Quad-80 model (Pt# 170180).

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Issue Possible Cause Solution

Meter indicates lower than actual

• Viscosity of fluid is <30cSt

• Excessive pressure differential

across meter causing gears to bind

• Debris in measuring chamber

• Upper housing has dimple from

over tightening sensor

• Decrease the K-factor by percent error

• Reduce flow rate, reduce fluid viscosity

• Clean meter, change or add filter

• Replace upper housing

Meter indicates higher than actual

• Air in lines

• Electro-magnetic interference

• Reverse fluid flow

• Add air eliminator

• Ground flow meter and all electronics

• Add check valve

Indicator shows flow when there is

no flow

• Fluid oscillates

• Electro-magnetic interference

• Check pump, add check valve, increase

back pressure

• Ground flow meter and all electronics.

Use shielded cable and relocate away

from electrical noise.

No flow indication

• No fluid flow

• Debris in measuring chamber or

gears

• Sensor not installed properly

• Faulty wiring

• Faulty sensor

• Upper housing has dimple from

over tightening sensor

• Check pump

• Clean meter, change or add filter

• Check sensor is installed to hand tight.

Review sensor guide.

• Check sensor connections and readout

connection

• Replace sensor

• Replace upper housing

Erratic system indication • Ground loop in shielding

• Pulsating fluid flow

• Ground shield one place only. Re-route

cables from electrical noise.

• Add pulse dampener

Troubleshooting Guide

Page 11February 2018 PDM-UM-00274-EN-03

SPECIFICATIONS

Accuracy ±0.5% over the published flow range with fluids >100 cP; over a 10:1 turndown (from maximum

flow) with fluids <30 cP

Repeatability ±0.1%

Pressure Rating 5000 psi (345 bar) maximum

Operating

Temperature

–20…185° F (–29…85° C) aluminum

–20…400° F (–29…204° C) stainless steel

Connections Female NPT: 1/4 in., 3/4 in. or 1-1/4 in. (depending on meter size)

Material of

Construction Stainless steel (gears and bearings)

O-ring Teflon®, Viton® (optional)

Housing 6061-T6 aluminum or 303 stainless steel

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BLANCETT is a registered trademark of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective entities. Due to continuous research,

product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or system specications without notice, except to the extent an outstanding