Dwyer Instruments Rate-Master RMC User manual

Bulletin F-43
DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC. Phone: [phone] www.dwyer-inst.com
P.O. BOX 373 • MICHIGAN CITY, IN 46361, U.S.A. Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]
Specifications - Installation and Operating Instructions
Series RM Rate-Master®Flowmeters
F
ABC
J
BACK WIDTH
K
D
E
G
H
I
FULL OPEN L
The Series RM Rate-Master®Flowmeters are furnished in three mod-
els (see Fig. 2), each available in a broad array of flow ranges with direct
reading scales for air, gas or water. Installation, operation and mainte-
nance are very simple. Only a few common-sense precautions must be
observed to assure long, trouble-free service.
CAUTION: Rate-Master®Flowmeters are designed to provide satisfacto-
ry long-term service when used with air, water or other compatible media.
Refer to factory for information on questionable gases or liquids. Avoid
solutions of acids, bases or salts having a pH below 5.0 or above 8.5.
Caustic solutions, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and aromatic solvents should
definitely not be used.
Calibration
Each Rate-Master®Flowmeter is calibrated at the factory. If at any time
during the meter’s life, you wish to re-check its calibration, do so only with
devices of certified accuracy. DO NOT attempt to check a Rate-Master®
Flowmeter with a similar flowmeter, as seemingly unimportant variations in
piping and back pressure may cause noticeable differences in the indicat-
ed reading. If in doubt, return your Rate-Master®Flowmeter to the facto-
ry. Its calibration will be checked for you at no charge. Before proceed-
ing with installation, check to be sure you have the Rate-Master®flowme-
ter model and flow range you require.
LOCATION: Temperature, Pressure, Atmosphere and Vibration:
Rate-Master®Flowmeters are exceptionally tough and strong. They are
designed for use at pressures up to 100 psi (6.89 bar) and temperatures
up to 130°F (54°C).
DO NOT EXCEED THESE LIMITS! The installation should not be exposed
to strong chlorine atmospheres or solvents such as benzene, acetone,
carbon tetrachloride, etc. The mounting panel should be free of excessive
vibration, as it may prevent the unit from operating properly.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
(OPEN)
J
K
L
4 -9/16 (11.59)
3 (7.62)
1/8 NPT CONN.
1-5/8 (3.17)
10 - 32 Thds.
3/8 (.95)
1-1/16 (2.60)
1-3/16 (2.73)
3/4 (1.91)
1 (2.54)
1-3/8 (3.49)
3/4 (1.91)
4-13/16 (12.22)
1 (2.54)
8-1/2 (21.59)
6-7/16 (16.35)
1/4 NPT CONN.
3-15/16 (8.56)
1/4 - 20 Thds.
5/8 (1.59)
1-7/8 (3.42)
1-3/4 (3.29)
1 (2.54)
1-7/16 (2.98)
1-13/16 (4.60)
1-1/4 (3.18)
8-3/4 (22.23)
1-1/2 (3.81)
Dimensions in Inches
(Centimeters)
15 -1/8 (38.42)
12 -1/4 (31.12)
1/2 NPT CONN.
8-3/4 (10.72)
10 - 32 Thds.
1 (2.54)
2-3/4 (5.83)
2-1/4 (5.33)
1-7/16 (2.98)
1-31/32 (3.51)
2-1/2 (6.35)
2 (5.08)
15-3/8 (39.05)
2-1/4 (5.72)
Inlet Piping Run: It is good practice to approach the flowmeter inlet with
as few elbows and restrictions as possible. In every case, the inlet piping
should be at least as large as the connection to the flowmeter; i.e.,1/8″
Iron Pipe Size for RMA models 1/4″IPS for RMB models,1/2″IPS for RMC
models. Length of inlet piping makes little difference for normal pressure-
fed flowmeters.
For flowmeters on vacuum air service, the inlet piping should be as short
and open as possible. This will allow operation near atmospheric pressure
and thereby insure the accuracy of the device. (Note: for vacuum air ser-
vice, the flow control valve, if any, should be on the discharge side of the
flowmeter. Either the TMV unit or a separate in-line valve may be applied.).
Discharge Piping: As on the inlet, discharge piping should be at least as
large as the flowmeter connection. Also, for pressure-fed flowmeters on
air or gas service, the discharge piping should be as short and open as
possible. This will allow operation of the flow tube at near atmospheric
pressure and insure the accuracy of the device. This is of less importance
on water or liquid flowmeters, as the flowing medium is generally incom-
pressible and moderate back pressure will not affect the accuracy of the
instrument as calibrated.
POSITIONING AND MOUNTING
All Rate-Master®Flowmeters must be mounted in a vertical position with
inlet connection at the bottom rear and outlet at the top rear.
Bezel or Through-Panel Mounting: Make panel cutout using appropri-
ate dimensions from Fig. 2. Flowmeter must fit into panel freely without
forcing or squeezing. Insert the flowmeter from the front of the panel and
install the mounting clamps from the rear. Insert and tighten the clamp
bolts in the locations shown in Fig. 3. Do not exceed 5 in./lbs. Make con-
nections to inlet and outlet ports using pipe thread sealant tape to avoid
leakage. Avoid excess torque, which may damage the flowmeter body.
PANEL CUTOUT FOR FLUSH MOUNTING
4-5/8 (11.75)
7/8 (2.22)
7/16 (1.11)
1/4 (0.64)
8-9/16 (21.75)
1-5/16 (3.33)
5/8 (1.59)
9/32 (0.71)
15 -3/16 (38.58)
2-1/16 (5.24)
15/16 (2.38)
13/32 (1.03)
HIGH
WIDE
PIPE
BOLT
Model RMA Model RMB Model RMC
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 PANEL HOLE SIZES FOR SURFACE MOUNTING
F-43:Bulletin F-43 7/30/09 10:57 AM Page 1

Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 5B Fig. 6B
Surface Mounting: Drill appropriate holes in panel, using the dimensions
shown in Fig. 2. Hold the flowmeter in position in front of the panel and
install the clamp bolts from the rear. (The mounting clamps may be used
as washers, if desired, by installing them backwards or straightening them
out.) Pipe up inlet and discharge following the directions in the previous
sections.
Surface Mounting on Piping Only: An alternate method of surface
mounting, omitting the clamp bolts and supporting the flowmeter solely on
the connecting piping, is possible. For this method, extra-long or straight
pipe threads should be used so that nuts may be run onto the pipe and
later tightened against the back of the panel to retain the unit in proper
position. Use appropriate hole layout in formation from Fig. 2, but omit the
small holes.
Surface Mounting on Piping Only Without Panel: For a temporary or
laboratory type installation, the panel may be omitted altogether and the
flowmeter installed directly in rigid piping. Its light weight permits this with-
out difficulty.
OPERATION
To start system, open valve slowly to avoid possible damage. Control
valves on BV and SSV models are turned clockwise to reduce flow,
counter-clockwise to increase flow. A nylon insert is provided in the thread-
ed section of the valve stem to give a firm touch to valve and to prevent
change of setting due to vibration.
The performance of low range units used in air or gas applications may be
affected by static electricity. Excessive static charge may cause the ball
float to behave erratically or provide a false reading. To ensure the proper
function of the unit, the application should be designed to minimize or dis-
pel static electricity.
The standard technique for reading a Variable Area Flowmeter is to locate
the highest point of greatest diameter on the float, and then align that with
the theoretical center of the scale graduation. In the event that the float is
not aligned with a grad, an extrapolation of the float location must be made
by the operator as to its location between the two closest grads. The fol-
lowing are some sample floats shown with reference to the proper location
to read the float.
Variable Area Flowmeters used for gases are typically labeled with the pre-
fix “S” or “N”, which represents “Standard” for English units or “Normal” for
metric units. Use of this prefix designates that the flowmeter is calibrated
to operate at a specific set of conditions, and deviation from those stan-
dard conditions will require correction for the calibration to be valid. In prac-
tice, the reading taken from the flowmeter scale must be corrected back to
standard conditions to be used with the scale units. The correct location to
measure the actual pressure and temperature is at the exit of the flowme-
ter, except when using the Top Mounted Valve under vacuum applications,
where they should be measured at the flowmeter inlet. The equation to cor-
rect for nonstandard operating conditions is as follows:
Q2= Q1x P1x T2
P2x T1
Where: Q1= Actual or Observed Flowmeter Reading
Q2= Standard Flow Corrected for Pressure and
Temperature
P1= Actual Pressure (14.7 psia + Gage Pressure)
P2= Standard Pressure (14.7 psia, which is 0 psig)
T1= Actual Temperature (460 R + Temp °F)
T2= Standard Temperature (530 R, which is 70°F)
Example: A flowmeter with a scale of 10-100 SCFH Air. The float is sitting
at the 60 grad on the flowmeter scale. Actual Pressure is measured at the
exit of the meter as 5 psig. Actual Temperature is measured at the exit of
the meter as 85°F.
Q2= 60.0 x (14.7 + 5) x 530
14.7 x (460 + 85)
Q2= 68.5 SCFH Air
CAUTION: Do not completely unscrew valve stem unless the flowmeter is
unpressurized and drained of any liquid. Removal while in service will allow
gas or liquid to flow out the front of the valve body and could result in seri-
ous personal injury. For applications involving high pressure and/or toxic
gases or fluids, special non-removable valves are available on special
order. Please contact factory for details.
MAINTENANCE
The only maintenance normally required is occasional cleaning to assure
reliable operation and good float visibility.
Disassembly: The flowmeter can be disassembled for cleaning
simply as follows:
1. Remove valve knob from RMB or RMC -BV or -SSV units by pulling the
knob forward. It is retained by spring pressure on the stem half-shaft so
that a gentle pull will remove it. On RMA-BV or -SSV models, turn the valve
knob counter-clockwise until the threads are disengaged. Then withdraw
the stem from the valve by gently pulling on the knob.
2. Remove the four mounting bracket screws located in the sides of the
flowmeter. See Fig. 3. Pull the flowmeter body gently forward away from
the back plate to avoid undue strain on the body. Leave the piping con-
nections intact. There is no need to disturb them. See Fig. 4.
3. Threaded body style flowmeters - Remove the slip cap with a push on
a screwdriver as shown in Fig. 5. Remove the plug ball stop as shown in
Fig. 6 using allen wrench sizes as follows: Model RMA - 1/4″, Model RMB
- 1/2″and Model RMC - 3/4″Threadless body style flowmeters - Release
the plastic retaining clip with a screw driver (Figure 5B), it will unclip from
the valve body (TMV Option) or the plug ball stop, slide the clip back until
the valve body or ball stop can be removed. The clip will remain in the body
for convenience. Using a screwdriver gently lift up on the plug in the groove
as shown in Figure 6B until the o-ring seal is released and remove the plug.
For the TMV option gently pull up on the valve knob to release the valve
body seals and remove the valve.
4. Take out the ball or float by inverting the body and allowing the float
to fall into your hand, as shown in Fig. 7. (Note: It is best to cover the dis-
charge port to avoid losing the float through that
opening.)
Cleaning: The flow tube and flowmeter body can best be cleaned with a
little pure soap and water. Use of a bottle brush or other soft brush will aid
the cleaning. Avoid benzene, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, alkaline deter-
gents, caustic soda, liquid soaps (which may contain chlorinated solvents),
etc. Also, avoid prolonged immersion, which may harm or loosen the
scale.
Reassembly: Simply reverse steps 1 through 4 and place the flowmeter
back in service. A little stopcock grease or petroleum jelly on the “O” rings
will help maintain a good seal as well as facilitate assembly. No other spe-
cial care is required.
MOUNTING
BRACKET
SCREW 4
REQUIRED
DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC. Phone: [phone] www.dwyer-inst.com
P.O. BOX 373 • MICHIGAN CITY, IN 46361, U.S.A. Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]
©Copyright 2009 Dwyer Instruments, Inc. Printed in U.S.A. 7/09 FR# 56-440197-00 Rev. 17
Teflon® is a registered Trademark of E.I. DuPont Company
F-43:Bulletin F-43 7/30/09 10:57 AM Page 2