DFA400 Rev0708
10
Install Flow Sensor
There are several ways to install paddlewheel type flow sensors. Mounting options
include saddle clamps, weldments, pipe tees, and special adapters. Each mount meets
a particular plumbing requirement.
Flow sensors are interchangeable. It is recommended to check display accuracy if
sensors are swapped and calibrated when necessary.
The maximum flow sensor pressure is 600 PSI.
Flow Sensor Location
Locating the flow sensor in the plumbing system is critical. The flow of water
at and around the sensor must be laminar, or smooth, to ensure accurate flow rate
measurement. There must be enough straight pipe before the flow sensor for the water
stream to stabilize into a uniform flow. Guidelines for selecting flow sensor locations
are outlined in Figure 3.
Turbulent Water
When the flow sensor is mounted after an area in the plumbing that tends to increase
water stream turbulence (a valve, increase in pipe diameter, etc.), it is critical that steps
are taken to stabilize the flow. When a pipe is reduced in diameter, the water stream
tends to be squeezed into a more uniform flow. This can help stabilize flow when there
is not sufficient straight pipe up stream.
Linearizer Feature
This meter features a Linearizer function in the calibration programming. This
function should be used when the flow sensor is installed in a plumbing location
where flow is not linear. It corrects for nonlinear flow by calibrating the display at
multiple flow rates (up to 9). This provides more accurate flow rate readings. (Refer
to Calibration Section.)
