Suggest a Flow Meter

[kthree]

A test project we are considering will require a flowmeter to record the usage of gasoline or diesel during the test period. Ideally the meter would be portable and easy to attach and detach from the unit to be tested. Any advice, suggestions, information about any flow meters anybody would like to offer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kay.

 

[jmw]

You don't say what pipe size and anticipated flowrates.
If I say Positive displacement meter with mechanical register and you have a 10" line you'll have to shell out $40-60k and at this size there are cheaper options.
Plus, what are your accuracy targets?

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[quark]

Ditto here, a PD meter, probably oval type.

 

[kthree]

Thank You jmw and quark for such timely responses. Fuel line dia's are expected to be 1/4" to 7/16", and fuel flow rates are expected to range between 5 to 25 gph. Meter accuracy of +/- 2% would be great but +/- 5% would be acceptable. Most test sequences will be around 4 hours long. The longest test sequence would still be less then 12 hrs. Have either of you ever used something along these req's, of know of something like this that you are comfortable suggesting? Appreciate your responses, Kay.

 

[jmw]

OK,
for this duty a simple pd meter will be very inexpensive and veryu effective. These can have mechanical registers or battery powered electronic registers.
At 5% you can also use any of the plastic bodied turbine types also with battery powered totalisers.
Try this link for one:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...tDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=53336&R=53336

Or Badger Meters, for example.
If you do a quick internet search, search under oil meters which will save you getting fuel pump meters etc.
Actaris is another... the old Schlumberger/Neptiune company who make the Unipulse meter which you can use with a simple battery powered totaliser.
Though normally more expensive, for this duty you will also find simple gear meters are very affordable and you can also try FTI meters.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[jGnash]

A nutating disk meter will handle 2% without problems. Better accuracy will be obtained when calibrated at the operating flow rate.

Take a look at Fill-Rite products. You can find them in Northern Tool, Grainger, etc.

Craig