faq_e

FAQ
®
CONTOIL
Flow Meter Selection

Q. What essential information do I require to select the correct CONTOIL meters type I need for
my application
A.
• Application
• Measuring concept (direct consumption measurement or difference between supply and return)
• Fluid
• Desired fluid flow rate per hour (or per minute)
• Fluid viscosity at min./max. operating temperature
• Maximum operating pressure
• Max. fluid temperature
• Connection type (Threads, DIN flanges with DIN, ANSI or JIS flange drillings)
• Electronic or mechanical register
Q. My pipe size is 50mm so presumably I need a 50mm size meter?
A. Not necessarily. You should size your flow meter requirement by knowing the fluid flow rate through
your system. If not known, your pump manufacturer should be able to help you determine this.
By matching your meter selection to the flow rate requirement you could make a more economical
selection; e.g. a 40mm meter for a 50mm pipe and during installation fit 50 to 40mm reducing connec-
tors.
Whilst there will be some pressure loss in doing this it will not be significant enough to affect your sys-
tem total pressure loss.
However please remember if the fluid is a high viscous type, you may need to select a meter of larger
size or reduce your flow rate expectations.
Q. Are heating jackets available for the CONTOIL meters?
A. No because customers prefer to use liquid or steam heated tubes or electrical heated tapes for both
piping and meter body. Max. meter temperature has to be respected at any time.
Q. Are any CONTOIL meters approved for custody transfer or for ‘resale’ use? If yes, which
models and for what fluids are they approved ?
A. VZOA 15 …. 50 are approved for heating fuel EL/Diesel in Germany. Consider specific technical data
on flow rates.
04.2010
Q. Can you explain your calibration process?
A. With each meter we perform min. 2, normally 3 calibration tests after assembly to verify/adjust the
meters accuracy specified in the technical data. All results are recorded with meter serial number. Any
meter that fails this test is overhauled.
Q. With your calibration process, is the testing equipment you use traceable?
A. Yes our master meters are tested and verified by the official, independant testing laboratory.
Q. Can you provide a multi-point calibration report for a specific meter?
A. Two to three point calibration is standard but for more points there will be an extra charge per meter
for the extended testing time.
Q. You quote a maximum fluid temperature but not a minimum temperature, are your meters suit-
able for low temperature applications?
A. Fluid temperature or ambient temperature can be down to –10°C. If both are below freezing point, we
can offer special versions from the DOMINO product range upon request.
2
Flow Meter Specifications
Q. What is the difference between a reed switch and an inductive pulser?
A. The reed switch is used for simple application like remote totalising unless an inductive pulser is an
industrial pulser for high resolution process control.
The reed switch is operated at low frequency (max. 5...10 Hz) which means one pulse represents a
large volume. It acts like an open switch. It can be operated by DC or AC voltage and as a result it is
more versatile than an inductive pulser. The life time is influenced by current load over the contact.
Using a remote instrument with a de-bounce input filter, erratic pulse counting is eliminated.
The inductive pulser is an electronic proximity switch for frequencies up to 300 Hz. The high resolution
is ideal for control purposes leading to higher accuracy in process. They do not produce pulse
bounces like any mechanical switch does. It needs a DC power supply. Life time is almost unlimited
like all electronic devices.
Q. Can I specify a meter with a reed switch and an inductive pulser?
A. As a special version from the DOMINO product range.
Q. What is the difference between the electronic display and the roller register?
A. Both indicate the accumulated total. In addition the electronic register includes a resettable counter
and indication of flow rate and operation hours. The measuring unit may be changed from litres to US-
gallons on site.
Q. Are the CONTOIL meters ‘intrinsically safe’?
A. The VZO and VZOA types are if the model without pulser or with IN pulser is selected. The inductive
IN pulser is Ex approved. Intrinsically safe’ means that the meter can be used in a hazardous envi-
ronment (e.g. with flammable fuels).
Intrinsically safe also means that the instrument is not capable of creating an ignition source for an
explosion.
Q. The meters have IP54 / NEMA13 or IP65 / NEMA 14 protection. What does this refer to exactly
and what is the significance?
A. The CONTOIL meters have been designed and constructed so that harmful dust or water in the ex-
ternal operating environment cannot damage the meter or its operation.
IP54 / IP 56 is the international standard (ISO) describing this environment protection for enclosures
etc. NEMA13 / NEMA 14 is the equivalent standard in USA.
3
Flow Meter Installation and Operation
Q. Doesn’t the fluid that passes through the meters have to be 100% clean or not contain any
solid particles?
A. Yes and No. The cleaner the liquid the better but the CONTOIL meters will tolerate very small particle
sizes within the fluid as long they are not abrasive (see technical information for maximum particle size
details). We also recommend that you have an appropriate sized mesh strainer fitted in your system
on the fluid inlet side.
However, remember that the strainer has to be periodically checked and cleaned to avoid a blockage
which can reduce the flow rate.
Q. What installation positioning options do I have with CONTOIL meters and what positions
shouldn’t I choose?
A. There is no restriction on installation, but specified accuracy is achieved in horizontal position with the
register to the top.
Q. I am concerned about ‘pressure drop’ created by installing a CONTOIL flow meter, reducing
my flow rate significantly?
A. All CONTOIL meters are designed for a maximum pressure drop of 150 kpa / 14.5 psi / 1 bar when
operated at the maximum flow rate with a liquid of max. 10 mPa.s. At nominal flow rate for continous
operation pressure drop will be below 0,3 bar.
Q. What is the most likely cause of a meter failing to operate or stopping shortly after installation?
A. Foreign objects are preventing the rotary piston from turning freely. Examples are thread tape or
thread seal compounds, used in sealing pipe threads, or welding slag.
Q. My meter is registering that I have used more fluid than I actually have. What could be the rea-
son for this?
A. The CONTOIL meters are so accurate they measure air as well as fluid. We suggest you install an air
eliminator in your supply line.
SALES PARTNER: HEAD OFFICE:
Aquametro AG
Ringstrasse 75
CH-4106 Therwil
Phone +41 61 725 11 22
Fax +41 61 725 15 95
[email protected]
www.aquametro.com

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FAQ

Flow Meter Selection

Q. My pipe size is 50mm so presumably I need a 50mm size meter?

Q. Are heating jackets available for the CONTOIL meters?

Q. Can you provide a multi-point calibration report for a specific meter?

Q. Can I specify a meter with a reed switch and an inductive pulser?

A. As a special version from the DOMINO product range.

Q. Are the CONTOIL meters ‘intrinsically safe’?

SALES PARTNER: HEAD OFFICE:

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