Lake Monitors FreeFlow Meter - Manual (Page 3)

Installation
Basic Application Information
The FreeFlow flow meter can be installed directly in the fluid line
without flow straighteners or special piping. The meter’s primary use
is for water measurement applications.
1) The flow metering element and plumbing connectors are made
from PVC permitting use with a variety of media. Use of mild
detergent to clean the meter body is encouraged to prevent
damaging the label or associated components.
2) The meter may be mounted in the most convenient location, in
any orientation to allow easy access for installation and
maintenance.
3) The FreeFlow meter should NOT be mounted near hot pipes or
equipment which can cause damage to the device. The maximum
temperature rating of 170ºF (76ºC) must be observed for ambient
conditions as well as the fluid stream.
4) The FreeFlow meter should be mounted in a manner such that
piping misalignment or other system components can not exert
force or produce a bending moment on the pressure vessel.
5) To retain accuracy and repeatability internal passages are closely
toleranced and require filtration of at least 200 micron.
Warning and Precautionary Areas
1) The pressure vessel of the flow meter and it s associated
components are made of Polyvinylchloride. Polyvinylchloride can
be safely cleaned with soap and water. However, many other
cleaning agents can damage Polyvinylchloride, causing cracking
or crazing. If you are unsure of your cleaning agent, refer to a
compatibility guide for PVC.
2) When installing FreeFlow meters onto threaded pipe caution
should be taken not to over tighten the pipe connections or
introduce torque on the main body of the meter . The meter main
body may rupture if over-tightened.
3) The FreeFlow meter should not be used in systems where the
assembled piping is not supported. Externally applied piping
forces may cause the meter to rupture or malfunction.
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acceptable time period. The system should be stabilized in time to
prevent premature wear, clogging or damage to meter components.
Contamination Sources
Fresh Fluid
When fresh fluid is stored in holding t anks, it may be contaminated with
scale or particulate from inside the tank. To prevent this type of
contamination, be sure to filter fresh fluid before adding to the system.
New Machinery Contamination
When building new machines, a certain amount of built-in contamination
is unavoidable. Typical built-in contamination consists of dust, dirt, chips,
fiber, and sand, flushing solutions, moisture, weld splatters and pipe
sealants. Flushing the system before operation can reduce
contamination, but cannot eliminate it totally. Unless the system is
flushed at a high velocity, some contamination will not be dislodged until
the system is in operation. System contamination can cause fluid
component malfunction.
Environmental Contamination
When performing routine maintenance, the system’s fluid is commonly
exposed to environmental contamination. Exercise caution during
routine maintenance to prevent this type of cont amination. Be sure to
change breather filter and systems air filter regularly.
Self-Generation Contamination
Self-generated contamination is a product of wear, cavitation, fluid
breakdown and corrosion. Systems that are carefully flushed,
maintained, and have fresh fluid added, mainly have self-generated
contamination. In this case, proper filtration can prevent fluid component
malfunction.
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