Category Archives: Flow Meters

Siargo MF4000 Gas Flow Meter

The MF4000 mass flow meter from Siargo is designed for various applications in gas flow measurement. The meters are ideal for use on process gas control, environmental samplers and other industrial applications. They perform best with non-corrosive and clean gas applications

MF4000 meters are of simple, compact design utilising leading MEMS technology developed in the manufacturers Silicon Valley R&D centre. This model has a high visibility 4-digit LED panel display and two LED indicators. There are three different display modes: instant flow rate mode, flow accumulation mode, and maximum/minimum mode.

Technical specs on this range include: an accuracy reading of +/- 1.5% and flow range of 2 to 50 SLPM depending on the model chosen. Operating temperatures are from -10 to +55°C. These meters are manufactured from coated aluminum and are available with BSP, NPT or Metric push-fit connections.Output options include RS485, RS232, 4-20mA and scaled pulse.

Badger Meter given OIML and MID Approval

Badger Meter’s M5000 Electromagnetic water meter has been given OIML approval and the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) approval according to OIML R49-1 and MID M-001. OIML is the International Organisation of Legal Metrology established to promote global harmonisation of legal metrology procedures. MID is a European directive covering all major areas of fiscal measurement.

The M5000 Mag Meter features two internal battery packs providing up to 20 years of operation, a choice of liners and electrodes and are available from sizes DN15 to DN600. The M5000 is ideal for industrial flow applications where the meter design benefits from having no moving parts, ensuring a long trouble-free service life. M5000 can be used to measure clean or raw water containing solids.The range features high accuracy measurement of less than +/-0.4%. A field verification device is available for water network applications and WRAS approval is pending.

The meter range is typically equipped with configurable pulse outputs and internal data-logger with RS232, IrDA, and Modbus interfaces. Options for GSM/GPRS telemetry exist ensuring that collected data can then be centrally collected and evaluated.

For more information on our Badger Meter products please visit our dedicated website www.badgermeter.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1280 817304

Vortex Steam Meters

The BFVM series of in-line vortex flow meters are designed for measuring the volume/mass flow of steam based on the Karman vortex principle. Using an advanced differential algorithm along with signal isolation, buffered shielding and wave form filtering, the BFVM series of vortex flow meters have the advantages of immunity to vibration and noise.

Available from DN20 to DN300 (15mm to 1200mm) with optional temperature and pressure compensation for accurate and reliable mass flow measurement. This range of steam flow meters is manufactured in stainless steel and available as wafer design or with flanged bodied and is suitable for either saturated or super-heated steam with temperatures up to +250°C.

Various output options are available including: Pulse, 4-20mA,1-5vDC & RS485 for remote data networking. Mass compensated measurement is available in a local or remote display. The remote display options include thermal energy measurement and condensate return.

Visit our online store to view the range of Vortex Meters

*Product of the Month* VuFlow Turbine Meters

Our range of VuFlow Turbine Meters are designed for the measurement of a wide variety of liquids of both thin and medium viscosity. The range has been independently tested to UKAS national standards with excellent results and also has ATEX approved models available.

The flow meters range in size from 4 – 200mm I.D and benefit from a standard accuracy reading of +/-1% and a choice of blind signal output or range of digital displays which show actual flow rate, total and accumulated total with a variety of user features.10

A choice of signal outputs and display options makes this range extremely versatile and popular. Models are constructed from high grade stainless steel and are available either threaded or flanged.

Ultrasonic Flow Meters Fit For Royalty

BFU Windsor Castle

We recently had the honor of supplying and commissioning clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters for use in the Royal residence of Windsor Castle. The application required a system with the ability to measure the flow rates and temperatures of the  the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle’s heating system to assess current and ongoing performance.

The BFU-100-RF ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters were selected by our client because they offer a cost effective solution with high levels of performance.

With simple installation and no need to cut into the existing pipe-work, unlike traditional in-line heat meter technologies, the sensors can be easily Clamped-on to the outside of the pipe meaning no contact with the internal fluid.

Fitted with a pulse output, the meters were linked to wireless data loggers which collected energy consumption and temperature information. A handheld collector meant the client was able to collect data from each location periodically via a wireless connection.

The flexibility of the flow meter also meant it could be used on a variety of pipe sizes and materials for both horizontal and vertical applications.

When ATEX Flow Meter Selection is Critical

Specifying the correct flow meter for any application is important but becomes absolutely critical in potentially explosive environments. In these situations only meters with the correct ratings and genuine certification must be specified.

The latest Macnaught MX-Series Ex range of oval gear flow meters have been tested and approved by FM, DEKRA and SIRA for use in ATEX Category 2 Zone 1 applications offering the ideal solution for applications requiring accurate flow measurement in environments where there is potential exposure to flammable gases, dust or vapours.

Available in aluminium and stainless steel, in sizes from DN8  up to DN50 and with a flow range from 0.5LPH to 1200LPM these meters are suitable for measuring, monitoring and batching thin to viscous fluids, corrosive chemicals and non-conductive liquids up to 85c. High viscosity models are also available for use with fluids over 1000cPs such as paints, adhesives and resins.

The MX Ex meters can be specified with either an NPN open collector or a NAMUR sensor. The NPN open collector with ATEX, CSA and FM approvals (IECEx pending) is an IP67 3-wire stainless steel field sensor. To compliment this a new 2-wire IP67 NAMUR field sensor with ATEX, IECEx and SIL2 approvals rated in chrome plated CuZn has been released. ATEX ratings are II I G Ex ia IIC T6 on the NPN open collector and II G Ex ia IIC T6 Ga and II 1 D Ex ia IIIC T115C Da on the NAMUR sensor.

These positive displacement flow meters measure the volumetric flow rate of a moving fluid, the two rotating oval gears divide the material into fixed, metered volumes. This proven operating principle provides accurate volumetric flow measurements that are on the whole unaffected by variations in density, viscosity, or pressure. The MX Ex does not require flow conditioning or straight pipe runs, so they can be used in installations where space is limited without effecting performance.

To compliment these intrinsically safe flow meters a comprehensive range of flow rate indicators and totalisers, flow computers and batch controllers with ATEX, IECEx, CSA and FM approvals are also available.

The Macnaught MX-Series Ex range and intrinsically safe instrumentation are available in the UK exclusively from Bell Flow Systems, a leading manufacturer and distributor of flow measurement solutions.

Visit our website for more info on the Macnaught MX-Series EX range

New Gespasa Meters Suitable for AdBlue® Measurement

Highly regarded Spanish manufacturer Gespasa have recently launched a range of waterproof electronic meters: MGI-100BLUE and MGE-100BLUE that are suitable for the measurement of various liquids such as water and AdBlue®. The meters contain a PVC measuring chamber with high accuracy oval gears. They have an enclosed front casing which prevents the ingress of water or AdBlue®.

The MGE-100 has an integral battery powered LCD display which shows a 5 digit flow total in large easy to read numerals. A low battery warning and easily removable facia to swap out the battery, make servicing quick and easy.

The MGI-100 has a pulse output for retransmission of data to fluid management and control systems. The meter contains two signal channels including Reed switch and Hall effect.

A major advantage of these new electronic meters is that they can be fitted outdoors due to their IP66 weather proof casing. The flow rate in both meters is from 10 to 110 l/min with an accuracy of +/- 0.8%.

We are the representatives for Gespasa in the UK, if you would like more information on Gespasa products visit our website, call +44 (0)1280 817304 or email sales@bellflowsystems.co.uk.

Badger Meter Launches New Cost Effective Turbine Flow Meter

Badger Meter has recently released the B1500 series, a turbine flow meter suitable for dispensing various clean liquids such as water, light oils and chemicals.

The B1500 series are a cost-effective option for highly accurate and reliable flow measurement and are the ideal solution for clean, liquid flow applications in industrial processes, such as batching, blending, monitoring and general flow measurement. The new B1500 turbine series are best suited for automotive, chemical, aerospace and general industrial applications, however these turbines are extremely rugged and also perform well in the harsh environments found in the oil and gas sector.

An optional B3000 flow monitor can easily be integrated onto the turbine to provide an economical, flow metering solution with multiple visual and system integration options. Presented on the powerful LCD display are flow rate and totals with various signal outputs and the option to transmit data to a user interface via Modbus RTU. A remote swivel mount can be specified which is capable of rotating 180 degrees for ease of viewing. Basic, advanced and solar-powered models provide users with the flexibility of options to meet the requirements of their unique applications.

This turbine range displays exceptional mechanical linearity, resulting in minimized temperature induced viscosity influence and increased useable flow range. Due to the precision helical rotor design, B1500 meters provide exceptional speed-of-response to step changes along with a significant reduction in press drop.

The rotor design utilizes ceramic ball bearings are lighter, more tolerant to extreme temperatures and produce less friction than stainless steel ball bearings which are commonly found in most turbine meters. The ceramic ball bearings are able to tolerate adhesive wear and they perform well in non-lubricating liquids that are usually found in cryogenic fluids and water.

The B1500 can be installed in any position without affecting the performance, turndown range or calibration. For enhanced application specific performance, recalibration of the meter can be completed on-site using a calibrated vessel or weigh-scale or metering skid. For best performance and longevity, upstream filtration is advised to prevent bearing contamination and to avoid rotor blade damage. The B1500 series turbine flow meters come with a 10-point calibration, traceable to NIST standards.

Available in sizes from ¼ to 2 inches, the B1500 flow meter has a high measuring accuracy of 0.25%, when linearized with a B3000 flow monitor and an accuracy of 0.5% using a single-point averaged
K-factor. Flow ranges are from 0.95 – 946 L/min (0.25 to 250 gpm) depending on the model chosen and the maximum operating temperature range is up to +300°C.

Models are constructed from 316 stainless steel and are available with either ANSI flange or national pipe thread (NPT) end fittings. Internal component materials include the rotors, which are made of 17-4 stainless steel, rotating on ceramic ball bearings. The supports, hangars and all other turbine assembly parts are made from 300 series stainless steel.

Bell Flow Systems are the representatives for Badger Meter in the UK and provide their industry-leading products at competitive prices. For more information about Badger Meter products visit www.badgermeter.co.uk or call free on 0800 027 786.

*Product of the Month* Qalcosonic Flow Meters

The Qalcosonic Flow Meter is an ultrasonic water flow meter designed for measuring water in domestic applications. It includes a long battery life and an 8-digit LCD display giving information on the total volume, current flow rate as well as historical data.

The Qalcosonic meter range offers a variety of signal outputs and communication options including pulse, M-Bus, ModBus and RF. Models are available for measurements of hot and cold water applications and vary in sizes from DN15 to DN100 with wide flow ranges and the units are all MID certified.

Fork Lift Truck Course for Bell Flow System’s Employees

Four of Bell Flow System’s employees recently undertook a three day Lift Truck Operator course where they renewed their reach truck licences. The intensive course covered all aspects of lift truck operations within the modern warehouse environment and the all-important safety procedures involved. Each employee passed with flying colours and are eager to put their newly gained fork lift skills to practice!