Spirax Sarco RIM20 User manual

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 1
IM-P198-05
MI Issue 2
1987050/2
1. Safety information
2. Introduction
3. Installation
4. Operating instructions
5. Serial communications
6. Troubleshooting and
repair
7. Appendixes
© Copyright 2016
Printed in GB
RIM20
Rotor Insertion Flowmeter
Installation and Maintenance Instructions

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 22
Customer Notice for Oxygen Service
This flowmeter is not intended for oxygen service.
Spirax Sarco Limited is not liable for any damage or personal injury, whatsoever,
resulting from the use of Spirax Sarco Rotor Insertion Flowmeters for oxygen gas.
If oxygen service is required please consult factory.
1. Safety information
1.1 Receipt of System Components 6
1.2 Technical Assistance 6
2. Introduction
2.1 RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters 8
2.2 Multi-Variable Mass flowmeters 8
2.3 Volumetric flowmeters 8
2.4 How the RIM20 rotor flowmeter operates 9
2.5 Velocity measurement 9
2.6 Flow velocity range 9
2.7 Temperature measurement 9
2.8 Pressure measurement 10
2.9 Flowmeter configuration 10
2.10 Multivariable options 10
2.11 Line size / process connections 10
2.12 Flowmeter electronics 11
Customer Notice for EMC Class Division
This flowmeter is suitable for EMC Class A environments only.
Class A equipment is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic
and those connected to a low voltage power supply network which supplies
buildings used for domestic purposes.
There may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in
other environments, due to conducted as well as radiated disturbances.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 3
3. Installation
3.1 Installation overview 12
3.2 Flowmeter installation requirements 12
3.3 Unobstructed flow requirements 12
3.4 Insertion flowmeter installation 14
3.5 Cold tap guidelines 15
3.6 Hot tap guidelines 16
3.7 Flowmeter insertion 18
3.8 Installing flowmeters with a compression connection 19
3.9 Installing flowmeters with a packing gland connection 21
3.10 Installing flowmeters (Packing gland), no insertion tool 26
3.11 Display/Keypad adjustment 28
3.12 Loop power flowmeter wiring connections 29
3.13 Input power connections 30
3.14 4-20 mA output connections 30
3.15 Pulse output connections 31
3.16 Frequency output connections 32
3.17 Optional backlight connections 32
3.18 Remote electronics wiring 33
3.19 High power flowmeter wiring connections 34
3.20 Input power connections 35
3.21 4-20 mA output connections 37
3.22 Frequency output connections 38
3.23 Pulse output connections 40
3.24 Alarm output connections 42
3.25 Remote electronics wiring 44
3.26 Optional input electronics wiring 44
3.27 Optional energy EM RTD input wiring 45
3.28 Optional external 4-20 mA input wiring 45
3.29 Optional contact closure input wiring 46

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 24
4. Operating instructions
4.1 Flowmeter display/keypad 47
4.2 Start-up 48
4.3 Using the setup menus 50
4.4 Programming the flowmeter 51
4.5 Output menu 52
4.6 Display menu 53
4.7 Alarms menu 56
4.8 Totalizer #1 menu 58
4.9 Totalizer #2 menu 60
4.10 Energy menu 61
4.11 Fluid menu 62
4.12 Units menu 64
4.13 Time and date menu 65
4.14 Diagnostics menu 66
4.15 Calibration menu 68
4.16 Password menu 69
5. Serial communications
5.1 HART communications 70
5.2 Wiring 70
5.3 HART commands with the DD menu 72
5.4 HART commands with generic DD menu 78
5.5 MODBUS communications 82
5.6 Register definitions 85
5.7 BACNET MS/TP communications 91
5.8 Baud rates on the MS/TP Bus 91
5.9 Supported BACnet objects 92
5.10 ANNEX - BACnet protocol implementation conformance statement 98
5.11 Acronyms and definitions 102

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 5
6. Troubleshooting and repair
6.1 Hidden diagnostics menus 102
6.2 Level one hidden diagnostics values 104
6.3 Level two hidden diagnostics values 106
6.4 Analogue output calibration 108
6.5 Troubleshooting the flowmeter 108
6.6 First check items 108
6.7 Record values 108
6.8 Determine the fault 110
6.9 Electronics assembly replacement 114
6.10 Returning equipment to the factory 114
7. App endixes
7.1 Appendix A Product specifications 115
7.2 Appendix B Approvals 124
7.3 Appendix C flowmeter calculations 125
7.4 Appendix D Glossary 129

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 26
1. Safety information
Manufacturers address:
Spirax-Sarco Limited
Runnings Road
Kingsditch Trading Estate
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 9NQ
GB
We use Warning, Caution and Note statements throughout this book to draw your
attention to important information.
Warning!
This statement appears with information that is important to protect people and
equipment from damage. Pay very close attention to all warnings that apply
to your application.
Caution!
This statement appears with information that is important for protecting your
equipment and performance. Read and follow all cautions that apply to your
application.
Note
This statement appears with a short message to alert you to an important detail.
1.1 Receipt of system components
When receiving a Spirax Sarco mass flowmeter, carefully check the outside packing carton
for damage incurred in shipment. If the carton is damaged, notify the local carrier and submit
a report to the factory or distributor.
Remove the packing slip and check that all ordered components are present. Make sure any
spare parts or accessories are not discarded with the packing material. Do not return any
equipment to the factory without first contacting Spirax Sarco Customer Service.
1.2 Technical assistance
If you encounter a problem with your flowmeter, review the configuration information for each
step of the installation, operation and set up procedures.
Verify that your settings and adjustments are consistent with factory recommendations. Refer
to Section 6, Troubleshooting, for specific information and recommendations.
If the problem persists after following the troubleshooting procedures outlined in Section 6,
Contact Spirax Sarco Customer Support between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
When calling Technical Support, have the following information on hand:
• the serial number and Spirax Sarco order number (all marked on the meter nameplate)
• the problem you are encountering and any corrective action taken
• application information (fluid, pressure, temperature and piping configuration)

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 7
Warning!
Agency approval for hazardous location installations varies between flowmeter
models.
Consult the flowmeter nameplate for specific flowmeter approvals before any
hazardous location installation.
Hot tapping must be performed by a trained professional, regulations often
require a hot tap permit. The manufacturer of the hot tap equipment and/or the
contractor performing the hot tap is responsible for providing proof of such
a permit.
All flowmeter connections, isolation valves and fittings for cold/hot tapping must
have the same or higher pressure rating as the main pipeline.
For RIM20 rotor Insertion flowmeter installations, an Insertion tool must be
used for any installation where a flowmeter is inserted under pressure greater
than 3.45 bar g (50 psi g).
To avoid serious injury, DO NOT loosen a compression fitting under pressure.
To avoid potential electric shock, follow National Electric Code or your local
code when wiring this unit to a power source. Failure to do so could result in
injury or death.
All ac power connections must be in accordance with published CE directives.
All wiring procedures must be performed with the power Off.
Before attempting any flowmeter repair, verify that the line is not pressurized.
Always remove main power before disassembling any part of the mass
flowmeter.
Caution!
Calibration must be performed by qualified personnel. Spirax Sarco strongly
recommends that you return your flowmeter to the factory for calibration.
In order to achieve accurate and repeatable performance, the flowmeter must
be installed with the specified minimum length of straight pipe upstream and
downstream of the flowmeter’s sensor head.
When using toxic or corrosive gases, purge the line with inert gas for a minimum
of four hours at full gas flow before installing the flowmeter.
For RIM20 rotor Insertion flowmeter installations, the sensor alignment pointer
must point downstream in the direction of flow.
The ac wire insulation temperature rating must meet or exceed 85 °C (185 °F).

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 28
2. Introduction
2.1 RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters
The Spirax Sarco RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters provide a reliable solution for process
flow measurement. From a single entry point in the pipeline, RIM20 flowmeters offer precise
measurements of mass or volumetric flowrates.
2.2 Multi-variable mass flowmeters
Mass flowmeters utilize three primary sensing elements: a rotating turbine velocity sensor, an
RTD temperature sensor, and a solid state pressure sensor to measure the mass flowrate of
gases, liquids, and steam. Meters are available as loop powered devices or with up to three
4-20 mA Analogue output signals for monitoring your choice of the six process variables
(energy flow, mass flow, volumetric flow, temperature, pressure and fluid density). The Energy
Monitoring option permits realtime calculation of energy consumption for a facility or process.
2.3 Volumetric flowmeters
The primary sensing element of a volumetric flowmeter is a rotating turbine velocity sensor.
Meters are loop powered. The Analogue 4-20 mA output signal offers your choice of volumetric
or mass flowrate. Mass flowrate is based on a constant value for fluid density stored in the
instrument’s memory.
Both the mass and volumetric flowmeters can be ordered with a local keypad/display which
provides instantaneous flowrate, total, and process parameters in engineering units. A pulse
output signal for remote totalization and MODBUS, BACnet or HART communications are
also available. RIM20 digital electronics allows for easy reconfiguration for most gases,
liquids and steam. The Spirax Sarco RIM20 flowmeters’ simple installation combines with an
easy-to-use interface that provides quick set up, long term reliability and accurate mass flow
measurement over a wide range of flows, pressures and temperatures.
Fig. 1 Rotor Insertion multivariable Mass flowmeters

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 9
2.4 How the RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeter operates
The RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters are designed to monitor mass flowrate by directly
measuring three variables-fluid velocity, temperature and pressure. The built-in flow
computer calculates the mass flowrate and volumetric flowrate based on these three direct
measurements. To measure fluid velocity, the flowmeter incorporates a rotating turbine in
the flow stream. The rotation is converted into an electrical output which is proportional to
fluid velocity.
Temperature is measured using a platinum resistance temperature detector (PRTD) and
pressure measurement is achieved using a solid-state pressure transducer.
2.5 Velocity measurement
Fluid passing through the turbine causes its rotor to spin. The rotor is fabricated from 17-4PH
stainless steel which is slightly magnetic, and is positioned in close proximity to a passive
magnetic pickup coil. As each blade rotates by the pickup coil, a small sinusoidal voltage is
generated. This sinusoidal voltage is then amplified, filtered, and shaped by the measurement
electronics. The frequency of the signal is proportional to the flowing velocity.
2.6 Flow velocity range
To ensure trouble-free operation, turbine flowmeters must be correctly sized so that the flow
velocity range through the meter lies within the measurable velocity range. The measurable
range is defined by the minimum and maximum velocity using the following table.
Rotor
Gas or Steam
Minimum velocity Maximum velocity
m/sec ft/sec m/sec ft/sec
R40 1.07 3.5 13.11 43.0
R30 1.22 4.0 19.05 62.5
R25 1.52 5.0 24.38 80.0
R20 2.13 7.0 30.48 100.0
R15 2.59 8.5 41.03 134.6
R10 3.66 12.0 62.48 205.0
Table 1 Measurable range
The pressure drop for the RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters is negligible.
2.7 Temperature measurement
RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters use a 1000 ohm platinum resistance temperature detector
(PRTD) to measure fluid temperature.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 210
2.8 Pressure measurement
The RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters incorporate a solid-state pressure transducer isolated
by a 316L stainless steel diaphragm. The transducer itself is micromachined silicon, fabricated
using integrated circuit processing technology.
A nine-point pressure/temperature calibration is performed on every sensor. Digital
compensation allows these transducers to operate within a 0.3% of full scale accuracy band
within the entire ambient temperature range of -40 to 60 °C (-40 °F to 140 °F). Thermal isolation
of the pressure transducer ensures the same accuracy across the allowable process fluid
temperature range of -200 to 400 °C (-330 °F to 750 °F).
2.9 Flowmeter configuration
The RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeters has a sensing head which contains the turbine rotor,
temperature sensor, and pressure tap.
The pressure sensor is located in the pressure transducer housing between the stem and
electronics housing.
The meter is installed through a full port block valve and mounting adapter having a clear,
cylindrical port diameter of 47.625 mm (1.875") diameter. It can be installed during system
downtime or using standard "Hot Tap" procedures.
The meter directly monitors the velocity at a point in the cross-sectional area of a pipe, duct,
or stack. The velocity at a point in the pipe varies as a function of the Reynolds number. When
a fluid flows through a pipe, the velocity generated is not constant across the diameter. The
fluid velocity varies across the diameter of the pipe creating a "Velocity Profile".
That is, velocities near the center of the pipe are faster than those nearer to the wall. In
addition, the velocity profile varies in concert with flowrate from the lowest to the highest
flows. Mathematical descriptions of this profile have been developed for over 100 years. By
knowing the velocity profile and the flowrate at a single point, the average flowrate can be
determined. The accuracy of the flowrate computation depends on adherence to the piping
installation requirements given in Section 2. If adherence to those guidelines cannot be met,
contact the factory for specific installation advice.
2.10 Multivariable options
The RIM20 model is available with the following options:
V, volumetric flowmeter;
VT, velocity and temperature sensors;
VTP, velocity, temperature, and pressure sensors;
VTEM energy output options;
VTPEM, energy options with pressure;
VTEP, external pressure transmitter input.
2.11 Line size / process connections
The RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeter can be used in line sizes DN50 (2") and greater and is
built with a compression fitting or packing gland design using 50 mm (2") NPT, or DN50 (2")
flanged connections (ANSI 150, 300, 600, PN16, 40, or 63 class flanges). The packing gland
design can be ordered with a permanent or removable retractor.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 11
2.12 Flowmeter electronics
RIM20 flowmeter electronics are available mounted directly to the flowmeter, or remotely
mounted. The electronics housing may be used indoors or outdoors, including wet
environments. Available input power options are: dc loop powered (2-wire), dc powered, or
ac powered.
Three Analogue output signals are available for your choice of three of the six process
variables: energy flowrate, mass flowrate, volumetric flowrate, temperature, pressure or
fluid density. A pulse output signal for remote totalization and MODBUS, BACnet or HART
communications are also available.
RIM20 flowmeters include a local 2 x 16 character LCD display housed within the enclosure.
Local operation and reconfiguration is accomplished using six pushbuttons operated via finger
touch. For hazardous locations, the six buttons can be operated with the electronics enclosure
sealed using a hand-held magnet, thereby not compromising the integrity of the hazardous
location certification.
The electronics include nonvolatile memory that stores all configuration information. The
nonvolatile memory allows the flowmeter to function immediately upon power up, or after
an interruption in power. All flowmeters are calibrated. The instrument is configured for the
customer’s flow application.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 212
3.1 Installation overview
The RIM20 rotor insertion flowmeter installations are simple and straightforward. After
reviewing the installation requirements given below, see Section 3.4 for RIM20 installation
instructions.
Warning!
Consult the flowmeter nameplate for specific flowmeter approvals before any
hazardous location installation.
3.2 Flowmeter installation requirements
Before installing the flowmeter, verify the installation site allows for these considerations:
1. Line pressure and temperature will not exceed the flowmeter rating.
2. The location meets the required minimum number of pipe diameters upstream and
downstream of the sensor head as illustrated in Figure 2.
3. Safe and convenient access with adequate overhead clearance for maintenance purposes.
4. Verify that the cable entry into the instrument meets the specific standard required for
hazardous area installations. The cable entry device shall be of a certified flameproof
type, suitable for the conditions of use and correctly installed. The degree of protection
of at least IP66 to EN 60529 is only achieved if certified cable entries are used that are
suitable for the application and correctly installed. Unused apertures shall be closed with
suitable blanking elements.
5. For remote installations, verify the supplied cable length is sufficient to connect the
flowmeter sensor to the remote electronics.
Also, before installation check your flow system for anomalies such as:
- leaks
- valves or restrictions in the flow path that could create disturbances in the flow profile
that might cause unexpected flowrate indications
- avoid areas where high RF, EMI, or other electrical interference may be present. Devices
such as VFD's (variable frequency drives), large ac motors, etc.
3.3 Unobstructed flow requirements
Select an installation site that will minimize possible distortion in the flow profile. Valves,
elbows, control valves and other piping components may cause flow disturbances. Check
your specific piping condition against the examples shown below. In order to achieve accurate
and repeatable performance install the flowmeter using the recommended number of straight
run pipe diameters upstream and downstream of the sensor.
Note: For liquid applications in vertical pipes, avoid installing with flow in the downward
direction because the pipe may not be full at all points.
Choose to install the meter with flow in the upward direction if possible.
3. Installation

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 13
Example
Minimum required
upstream diameters
Minimum required
downstream diameters
No flow
conditioner
With
flow conditioner
With flow
conditioner
No flow
conditioner
A A X Y B B
1 10 D 5 D 2 D 3 D 5 D 4 D
2 15 D 11 D 5 D 6 D 5 D 4 D
3 30 D 12 D 5 D 7 D 5 D 4 D
4 10 D 8 D 3 D 5 D 5 D 4 D
5 30 D 13 D 6 D 7 D 5 D 4 D
A B
Flowmeter
A B
X Y
Example 1 : One 90ºelbow before
the RIM20 flowmeter Example 4 : Reduction before the
RIM20 flowmeter
Flowmeter
Flowmeter
A B
X Y
Example 2 : Two 9 0 ºelbow before
the RIM20 flowmeter in one plane
Flowmeter
A B
X Y
Example 5 : Expansion before the
RIM20 flowmeter
Flowmeter
A B
X Y
Example 3 : Two 9 0 ºelbow before
the RIM20 flowmeter out of plane (if
there are three 90ºbends present,
double the recommended length)
Flowmeter
A B
X Y
Example 6 : If the regulator or valve
is partially closed before the RIM20
flowmeter (If the valve is always
wide open, base the pipe length
requirements on fitting directly
preceeding it)
Flow conditioner
(if used)
X Y
Fig. 2
Recommended pipe
length requirements
for Installation
D = Internal diameter
of channel.
N/A = Not applicable
Flow conditioner
(if used)
Flow conditioner
(if used)
Flow conditioner
(if used)
Flow conditioner
(if used)
Flow conditioner
(if used)

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 214
3.4 Insertion flowmeter installation
Prepare the pipeline for installation using either a cold tap or hot tap method described on
the following pages. Refer to a standard code for all pipe tapping operations. The following
tapping instructions are general in nature and intended for guideline purposes only. Before
installing the meter, review the mounting position and isolation value requirements given below.
3.4.1 Mounting position
Allow clearance between the electronics enclosure top and any other obstruction when the
meter is fully retracted.
3.4.2 Isolation valve selection
An isolation valve is available as an option with RIM20 flowmeters. If you supply the isolation
valve, it must meet the following requirements:
1. A minimum valve bore diameter of 47.625 mm (1.875") is required, and the valve's body
size should be DN50 (2"). Normally, gate valves are used.
2. Verify that the valve's body and flange rating are within the flowmeter's maximum operating
pressure and temperature.
3. Choose an isolation valve with at least 50 mm (2") existing between the flange face
and the gate portion of the valve. This ensures that the flowmeter's sensor head will not
interfere with the operation of the isolation valve.
Fig. 3 Isolation valve requirements
50 mm (2") minimum
47.625 mm (1.875") minimum valve bore
DN50 (2") valve size

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 15
3.5 Cold tap guidelines
Refer to a standard code for all pipe tapping operations. The following tapping instructions
are general in nature and intended for guideline purposes only.
Caution!
When using toxic or corrosive gases, purge the line with inert gas for a minimum
of four hours at full gas flow before installing the flowmeter.
Warning!
All flowmeter connections, isolation valves and fittings for cold tapping must
have the same or higher pressure rating as the main pipeline.
1. Turn off the flow of process gas, liquid or steam. Verify that the line is not pressurised.
2. Confirm that the installation site meets the minimum upstream and downstream pipe
diameter requirements. See Figure 2.
3. Use a cutting torch or sharp cutting tool to tap into the pipe. The pipe opening must be at
least 47.625 mm (1.875") in diameter. (Do not attempt to insert the sensor probe through
a smaller hole.)
4. Remove all burrs from the tap. Rough edges may cause flow profile distortions that could
affect flowmeter accuracy. Also, obstructions could damage the sensor assembly when
inserting into the pipe.
5. After cutting, measure the thickness of the cut-out and record this number for calculating
the insertion depth.
6. Weld the flowmeter pipe connection on the pipe. Make sure this connection is within ±5°
perpendicular to the pipe centerline.
7. Install the isolation valve (if used).
8. When welding is complete and all fittings are installed, close the isolation valve or cap
the line. Run a static pressure check on the welds. If pressure loss or leaks are detected,
repair the joint and retest.
9. The first time the sensor is inserted, install the check-disc tool on the flowmeter rather
than the rotor.
10. Open the isolation valve (if used) and insert the check-disc tool. After successful insertion,
retract the sensor and remove the flowmeter.
11. Install the rotor and connect the meter to the pipe process connection.
12. Calculate the sensor probe insertion depth and insert the sensor probe into the pipe as
described on the following pages.
Fig. 4 Correct alignment Incorrect alignment

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 216
3.6 Hot tap guidelines
Refer to a standard code for all pipe tapping operations. The following tapping instructions
are general in nature and intended for guideline purposes only.
Warning!
Hot tapping must be performed by a trained professional. US. regulations
often require a hot tap permit. The manufacturer of the hot tap equipment and/
or the contractor performing the hot tap is responsible for providing proof of
such a permit.
Warning!
All flowmeter connections, isolation valves, and fittings for hot tapping must
have the same or higher pressure rating as the main pipeline.
1. Confirm that the installation site meets the minimum upstream and downstream pipe
diameter requirements.
2. Weld a two" mounting adapter on the pipe. Make sure the mounting adapter is within ±5°
perpendicular to the pipe centerline (see previous page). The pipe opening must be at
least 47.625 mm (1.875") in diameter.
3. Connect a two" process connection on the mounting adapter.
4. Connect an isolation valve on the process connection. The valve's full open bore must
be at least 47.625 mm (1.875") in diameter.
5. Run a static pressure check on the welds. If pressure loss or leaks are detected, repair
the joint and re-test.
6. Connect the hot tapping equipment to the isolation valve, open the isolation valve and
drill at least a 47.625 mm (1.875") diameter hole.
7. Retract the drill, close the isolation valve, and remove the hot tapping equipment.
8. The first time the sensor is installed, install the check-disc tool on the flowmeter rather
than the rotor.
9. Open the isolation valve and insert the check-disc tool. After successful insertion, retract
the sensor, close the isolation valve and remove the flowmeter.
10. Install the rotor, connect the flowmeter to the isolation valve and open the isolation valve.
11. Calculate the sensor probe insertion depth and insert the sensor probe into the pipe as
described on the following pages.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 17
Fig. 5 Hot tap sequence
Check upstream and downstream requirements
Weld mounting adapter
Connect process connection (flange or NPT)
Connect isolation valve and test for leaks
Hot tap pipe
Purge pipe
Connect meter to valve, calculate insertion
depth, install flowmeter

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 218
3.7 Flowmeter Insertion
The sensor head must be properly positioned in the pipe. For this reason, it is important that
insertion length calculations are carefully followed. A sensor probe inserted at the wrong
depth in the pipe will result in inaccurate readings.
insertion flowmeters are applicable to pipes DN50 (2") and larger. For pipe sizes DN250 (10")
and smaller, the centerline of the meter's sensing head is located at the pipe's centerline.
For pipe sizes larger than DN250 (10"), the centerline of the sensing head is located 5" from
the inside wall of the pipe.
Insertion flowmeters are available in three probe lengths:
Standard Probe configuration is used with most flowmeter process connections. The length,
S, of the stem is 728.21 mm (28.67").
Compact Probe configuration is used with compression fitting process connections. The
length, S, of the stem is 312.42 mm (12.3").
12" Extended Probe configuration is used with exceptionally lengthy flowmeter process
connections. The length, S, of the stem is 1 033.02 mm (40.67").
3.7.1 Use the correct Insertion formula
Warning!
An Insertion tool must be used for any installation where a flowmeter is inserted
under pressure greater than 3.45 bar g (50 psi g).
Depending on your flowmeter's process connection, use the applicable insertion length
formula and installation procedure as follows:
- flowmeters with a compression type connection (NPT or flanged) follow the instructions
beginning on page 19.
- flowmeters with a packing gland type connection (NPT or flanged) configured with an
insertion tool, follow the instructions beginning on page 21.
- flowmeters with a packing gland type connection (NPT or flanged) without an insertion
tool, follow the instructions beginning on page 26.

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 2 19
3.8 Installing flowmeters with a compression connection*
Use the following formula to determine insertion length for flowmeters (NPT and flanged)
with a compression process connection. The installation procedure is given on the next page.
Insertion length formula
I = S - F - R - t
Where:
I = insertion length.
S = Stem length - the distance from the center of the sensor head to the base of the
enclosure adapter
S = 728.218 mm (28.67") for standard probes;
S = 312.42 mm (12.3") for compact;
S = 1 033.02 mm (40.67") for 304.8 mm (12") extended.
F = Distance from the raised face of the flange or top of NPT stem housing to the outside
of the pipe wall.
R = Pipe inside diameter ÷ 2 for pipes DN250 (10") and smaller.
R = 125 mm (5") for pipe diameters larger than DN250 (10").
t = Thickness of the pipe wall. (Measure the disk cut-out from the tapping procedure or
check a piping handbook for thickness.)
Fig. 6 Insertion calculation (compression type)
Example:
To install a RIM20 meter with a standard probe (S = 728.218 mm (28.67")) into a DN350 (14")
schedule 40 pipe, the following measurements are taken:
F = 76.2 mm (3") R = 127 mm (5") t = 11.125 mm (0.438")
The insertion length for this example is 513.842 mm (20.23"). Insert the stem through the
fitting until an insertion length of 513.842 mm (20.23") is measured with a ruler.
*All dimensions
are in mm
(inches)
S
I
F
R
t
Flow
S
I
F
R
t
Flow

IM-P198-05 MI Issue 220
3.8.1 Insertion procedure for meters with a compression connection
Fig. 7 Flowmeter with compression type fitting
Caution!
The sensor alignment pointer must point downstream, in the direction of flow.
Warning!
To avoid serious injury, DO NOT loosen the compression fitting under pressure.
1. Calculate the required sensor probe insertion length.
2. Fully retract the stem until the sensor head is touching the bottom of the stem housing.
Slightly tighten the compression nut to prevent slippage.
3. Bolt or screw the flowmeter assembly into the process connection. Use Teflon tape or
pipe sealant to improve the seal and prevent seizing on NPT styles.
4. Hold the meter securely while loosening the compression fitting. Insert the sensor into
the pipe until the calculated insertion length, I, is measured between the base of the
enclosure adapter and the top of the stem housing, or to the raised face of the flanged
version. Do not force the stem into the pipe.
5. Align the sensor head using the sensor alignment pointer. Adjust the alignment pointer
parallel to the pipe and pointing downstream.
6. Tighten the compression fitting to lock the stem in position.When the compression fitting
is tightened, the position is permanent.
Compression nut
Stem housing
Sensor alignment
pointer
Stem
Enclosure adapter
Stem housing Compression nut
Sensor head
2" NPT connection Flange connection