AW Gear Meters GEAR METERS - Manual (Page 9)

Positive Displacement Flow Meters
Operation and Installation Manual
8
Do not dry lines using only pressurized air, as this will lead to premature wear.
Running the Flow meter
Never run the flow meter dry or spin with air only. Gear flow meters are precision-engineered flow
devices. Always maintain them in a clean, lubricated condition with the internal parts wet at all times.
Do not allow air or water to contact the internal parts except in short (1-2 second) cycles as part of an
automated flush. If you flush meter with water, make sure to run non-corroding fluid through the meter
afterwards. Even stainless steel meters will stain or corrode from the minerals in most water.
Ramp Up
Do not increase flow to a full flow condition instantaneously. Gear flow meters are rugged yet precise
instruments that respond almost instantaneously to changes in fluid flow. To avoid damage to the
system, increase flow to maximum over a few seconds rather than instantaneously and do not inject
high flow speeds into an empty flow meter.
Regular Cleaning
Designing and maintaining a flush procedure that keeps the flow meter internals clean and wet is critical
to optimum performance and minimum maintenance. Cleaning cycles vary due to the differences in
coatings, equipment, and cleaning fluids, and some testing may be prudent to determine the most
efficient method. More corrosive fluids may also require more frequency flush cycles, or if meter sits
idle for longer periods of time, such as between shifts, flushing may also be required more often.
Consult with the fluid manufacturer for recommended cleaning fluids.
During line shutdowns such as overnight and over weekends, flush and leave meters filled with proper
cleaning fluid under pressure to allow any residue that may have built up to soak and dissolve.
End of Shift and Overnight Preparations
At the end of a shift or overnight, leave cleaning fluid in the flow meter under pressure, to soak. This
helps keep unflushed residual fluids from drying, and facilitates subsequent startups. Opening a flow
meter after a flush cycle helps determine if the purge is thoroughly cleaning the flow meter.
Caution
Notice