PrimeLog
PrimeLog User Manual
12
1.5 Interfacing
1.5.1 Quadrina Insertion Meters
Quadrina insertion meters are probes which are inserted, usually on a temporary basis, into
mains supply pipes, and which measure the local velocity.
1.5.1.1
The Quadrina range
Probes are supplied in two sizes: standard (Probeflo) and miniature (Miniprobe). Each is
available for unidirectional or bi-directional flow. As two options are available for the insertion
tube, there are eight hardware variants. Any variant may be fitted with the MEP or QEP
electronic interface.
The QEP interface requires no power from the logger and so is compatible with all PrimeLog
instruments. Its pulse frequency is linear against velocity
The MEP interface normally requires power from the logger. The PrimeLog submersible
range requires an Auxiliary Battery Unit to be used. The MEP output pulse frequency is non-
linear.
If the MEP interface has been specified to be powered internally, PrimeLogs can be
interfaced directly without auxiliary batteries.
1.5.1.2
Volumetric flow measurement
Volumetric flow must be calculated from the measurement of velocity at one point in this flow.
It is common practice (which will be assumed here) for the measurement point to be set on
the centreline of the pipe, and to assume that flow is symmetrical about this point. There is
the additional complication that the probe forms an obstruction to the flow (blockage factor).
Happily, these problems are minimised by the probe manufacturer, who supplies tables (F
factors) which give the ratio of mean velocity to (measured) centreline velocity allowing for the
blockage of the probe in common sizes of pipe.
1.5.1.3 Probe
calibration
Each probe is supplied with a calibration certificate showing the number of pulses produced
per metre of flow. (If this value seems peculiar, consider “...number of pulses produced per
second for each metre per second of flow rate...” - the two figures are identical).
Probes fitted with QEP interfaces have a single-point calibration. For the non-linear MEP
interfaces, calibration figures are supplied for several different velocities. From these values a
mean factor is also calculated, which is convenient to use but which does introduce some
error.
1.5.1.4 Logger
Configuration
When the option
Quadrina Insertion Probe
is selected from the PrimeWare flowmeter menu,
the following information is required:
Probeflo (default) or Miniprobe
Unidirectional (default) or bi-directional
Standard (0.5”) or oversize (0.75”) insertion tube
Pipe diameter
MEP or QEP electronic interface