EarthLinked FMK-1872 User manual

FM KIT 04/09 Copyright 2009 EarthLinked Technologies, Inc.
EarthLinked®
Flowmeter Kit
(FMK-1872)
Installation Manual
CONTENTS
PAGE
Pre-Installation
1
Flowmeter Kit Parts
1
Flowmeter Assembly
2
Final Piping Assembly
2
Flowmeter Operation and Maintenance
5
Disclaimer
Proper installation of this EarthLinked®Kit is essential to the EarthLinked®system’s reliable
performance. All EarthLinked®systems and kits must be installed by an authorized, trained
technician who has successfully completed the training class and passed the final examination.
Installation must be made in accordance with the instructions set forth in this manual and the
EarthLinked®Commercial Water Heating System Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Failure to provide installation by an authorized, trained installer in a manner consistent with these
manuals will void and nullify the limited warranty coverage for the system.
EarthLinkedTechnologies shall not be liable for any defect, unsatisfactory performance, damage or
loss, whether direct or consequential, relative to the design, manufacture, construction, application
or installation of the field specified components.
EarthLinked Technologies, Inc.
4151 South Pipkin Road
Lakeland, Florida 33811
tel. [phone] ● fax [phone]
[e-mail] ● www.earthlinked.com

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Pre-Installation
Upon receipt of the flowmeter kit, carefully check the FMK-1872 model number against the bill of
lading. Verify the parts included in the kit package with the parts illustrated in Figure 1.
The flowmeter kit provides an accurate reading of the water flow rate through the Earthlinked®
water heating circuit. Flow rate is important to (1) determine if the water flow rate is sufficient, (2)
commission the performance of the water heating function and (3) indicate when system
maintenance is necessary.
Flowmeter Kit Parts
Figure 1 illustrates and lists the flowmeter kit parts.
In addition to the parts, the normal plumbing tools, equipment and supplies will be required when
working with threaded and sweat types of fittings and pipe.
Part Number Description
1. 90 degree elbow, 1” sweat
2. Coupling, 1” sweat
3. Downstream tubing assembly
(5” long), 1” Male NPT X1”
Male Sweat
4. Flowmeter, nylon body, 1”
Female NPT (P/N FM-1872)
5. Upstream tubing assembly
(10” long), 1”Male NPT X 1”
Male Sweat
6. 90 degree street elbow, 1”
sweat
7. Reducing coupling, 1” X 1½”
sweat.
Figure 1. Flowmeter Kit Parts

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Flowmeter Assembly
The flowmeter assembly is comprised of parts 3, 4 and 5 from Figure 1.
IMPORTANT
It is essential that the downstream tubing assembly (5” long) connect to the flowmeter
port nearest the arrow on the flowmeter. The upstream tubing assembly (10” long)
connects to the flowmeter port furthest from the arrow. See Figure 1.
Apply pipe joint compound to the threads (only) of the upstream and downstream tubing
assemblies. Avoid getting compound on the inside of the tubing assemblies. (Oatey “Great White”
#31230, Rectroseal “5”, or Rectroseal “T plus 2” or equivalent are recommended). To avoid
flowmeter or heat exchanger passage obstructions, do not use Teflon tape to seal these joints.
Carefully tighten the tubing assemblies into the flowmeter body until firmly sealed.
IMPORTANT
Do not over tighten the tubing assemblies into the flowmeter body. Too much
tightening force could crack the flowmeter body!
Wipe the excess pipe sealing compound from the joints.
The flowmeter assembly is now ready to become part of the final piping assembly on the
compressor unit.
Final Piping Assembly
The final piping assembly configuration will depend on the piping arrangement for the specific
installation. There are several options open to the installer. The configuration in Figure 2 illustrates
a range of orientations in two dimensions for the piping assembly and shows the parts that are
utilized. The configuration in Figure 3 illustrates a “straight out” arrangement and the parts that are
required.

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Figure 2. Multipoise Piping Arrangement
Figure 3. “Straight Out” Piping Arrangement

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When the installer has decided on the final configuration, the appropriate fittings and flowmeter
assembly are deburred, cleaned and assembled as shown in the example illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Soldering Heat Protection
Before soldering:
IMPORTANT
Be certain that the flowmeter is oriented with the arrow pointing in the direction
of water flow into the compressor unit. Be certain that the 5” downstream
piping assembly is at the “arrow end” of the flowmeter assembly.
IMPORTANT
Protect the flowmeter with a cold wet cloth and a flame shield before soldering
joints nearest the flowmeter body. Also, protect the compressor cabinet paint
from the torch flame with a flame shield. See examples in Figure 4.
After soldering the joints for the flowmeter piping assembly, let them cool and then apply water
pressure to the assembly and check to see that all joints are sealed.
Purge the system of air prior to operating the compressor unit water pump.

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Flowmeter Operation and Maintenance
The flowmeter reads out directly in U.S. Gallons per Minute of water. The following is the way in
which a flow rate reading is obtained. This supersedes the manufacturer’s instructions for flow
rate readings.
To initiate a flow rate reading, depress and release the button on the face of the flow meter.
A numeric indication will appear in about one minute. However, allow approximately two
more minutes for the flow meter indication to stabilize before taking a reading. The flow
meter will turn off automatically after a period of time.
The flow meter readout is powered by two AAA alkaline batteries. The only normal maintenance is
to replace the batteries as required.
The following is additional flow meter information, provided by the flowmeter manufacturer, GPI.

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