I need an adequate flowmeter for 12" Ductile Iron potable water pipe

[jdominguez]

I am currently working on a water audit in which we have tried (somewhat unsuccessfully) to log flow through a 12" DI pipe. We have only tried a turbine insertion meter which has worked on and off, it has stretches where it logs data just fine for a couple of weeks, maybe a month, but eventually it starts to produce very irregular data graphs (long periods of zero flow logged when the pipe has not been empty followed by some flow). We have replaced the turbine on many occasions, and also switched other insertion meters (same model) from other areas to the problematic location with little or no success in stopping the problem. Can anybody give me any tips on selecting a proper water meter for this pipe (I just need instantaneous flow and a datalogger)? Preferably an insertion type meter. Thanks in advance.

 

[seasar]

Do you have the funding to go with a magmeter? They work well. I'm assuming the pipe is completely flow as you are using a turbine meter.

 

[bimr]

I would second seasar comments. Go with a magmeter:

http://www.us.endress.com/eh/sc/ame...en&DirectURL=963042336D39D7BFC1257317006216C2

 

[danw2]

Any of flow meter will need power and a full pipe.

The former Controlatron, now Siemens brand ultrasonic works great on DI pipe. It straps on the outside and does a great job. It has an internal memory for data logging.

http://pia.khe.siemens.com/index-process_instrumentation-sitrans_fup1010_portable_-14383.htm

 

[jdominguez]

Yes, the pipe is flowing full. I forgot to mention that the manhole is permanently flooded so I can't use an ultrasonic meter. I will check if the funding is available for magmeters, as many new meters are needed and my company's preference is turbine. Thanks to all.