Badger Meter Series 4000 Sensor - 1/2, 3/4", 1" - Manual (Page 6)

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
General
The accuracy of flow measurement for all flow measuring devices is highly dependent on proper location of the sensor in the
piping system. Irregular flow velocity profiles caused by valves, fittings, pipe bends, etc. can lead to inaccurate overall flow
rate indications even though local velocity measurement may be accurate. A sensor locates the pipe where it can be affected
by air bubbles, floating debris, or sediment may not achieve full accuracy, and could be damaged. Badger Meter flow sensors
are designed to operate reliably under adverse conditions, but the following recommendations should be followed to ensure
maximum system accuracy:
1. Choose a location along the pipe where 10 pipe diameters of straight pipe upstream and five pipe diameters of straight
pipe downstream of the sensor provide no flow disturbance. Pipe bends, valves, other fittings, pipe enlargements and
reductions should not be present in this length of pipe.
2. The preferred orientation for horizontal flow is with the curved portion of the sensor housing down. Sensors installed
with the curved portion in the up position could trap air causing inaccurate flow measurement, especially at low flows.
Sensors installed with the curved portion pointing sideways may not only trap air, but increase impeller friction, which
may also affect measurements at low flow rates. Locate sensor to facilitate servicing.
3. The preferred vertical location is with liquids flowing up. If vertical flow downward is the only option, the pipe must
be completely filled with fluid. Any circumferential orientation is correct, but the sensor should be located to facilitate
servicing. A vertical location may result in reduction of accuracy.
4. Sensors must be mounted in such a way to provide a minimum of 3 inches (75mm) clearance in all directions around
the blue electronics assembly to prevent electro-mechanical interference. This space requirement applies to multiple
4000 sensors installed in close proximity as well as to other EMI generators such as electric motors or controls for motors,
heaters, or lighting.
Installation for PVC Sensors
Ten diameters of straight pipe upstream and five diameters downstream are supplied with the PVC sensor in the form of
attached schedule 80 plain end pipe nipples. Any compatible size and type of fitting or adapter may be connected to the
pipe nipples by thermal or solvent welding. Be sure the fittings and method you choose to install the PVC unit complies with
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Proper installation has the arrow in the stainless steel cover
pointing the same direction as the flow of the fluid. Do not connect directly to reducing (or enlarging) fittings. An additional
10 diameter upstream and five diameter downstream allowance should be made if this is unavoidable.
Installation of PVDF Sensors
PVDF sensors are supplied with combination end connections. A socket sized to accept most metric sized PVDF pipe may be
used for direct thermal welding. In addition, there is an external thread compatible with George Fisher PVDF union fittings
for use with existing fittings. PVDF flow sensors may also be purchased with George Fischer unions that terminate in metric
dimension sockets, or a wide variety of threaded or flanged connections.
In PVDF sensors with the enhanced flow feature, the flow enhancement jet must be inserted before installing the sensor into
the system. With the stainless steel cover facing you, insert the jet into the left socket (upstream end) and then perform the
method chosen for installation. Proper sensor orientation is with the arrow on the stainless steel cover pointing in the same
direction as the flow of the liquid. The same ten and five diameter upstream and downstream allowance and orientation
recommendations, as described under Installation for PVC sensors above, must be followed.
Series 4000
Page 6 April 2012