Ultrasonic Flow Monitor

How to select an Installation Location 

Introduction

Some important factors must be considered BEFORE installing the Ultrasonic Flow Monitor. Read and follow the guidelines below to ensure that the flow monitor is installed in just the right location to deliver accurate monitoring results. 

• Pipe sizes
• Pipe materials
• Horizontal vs Vertical pipes
• Choose a location that captures all the flow being monitored
• Install on a pipe that is full of water
• Ensure the monitor has direct contact with the pipe
• Install in a location free of turbulence
• Install in a location where there is 120V power

Pipe Size 

The FM300 flow monitor has the ability to read the following pipe sizes from 1/4" to 8".

Pipe Material

The FM300 flow monitor has the ability to read the following pipe materials:

• Stainless Steel
• Iron
• Copper - Type L and M
• PVC
• CPVC

Install on a Horizontal or Vertical Pipe

The flow monitor can be installed on a horizontal pipe with the flow direction moving either left or right. Alternatively, it can also be installed on a vertical pipe, button this case, the flow must be going upwards. Please note that the ultrasonic technology used in the device cannot accurately measure water flow on a vertical pipe that is flowing in a downward direction. 

Choose a location that captures all the flow being monitored

Whether you want to monitor an entire building or just a floor of a building, you will need to install the flow monitor in a location that captures all the flow entering the section of the billing that you want to monitor. 

For example, if the objective is to monitor the flow for an entire building, the flow monitor should be located inside the utility vault, or on the pipe entering the building from the water source. If the objective is to monitor a specific floor of a building, the flow monitor needs to be installed on the pipe supplying all the water for that floor. 

Install on a pipe that is always full of water

The flow monitor should be installed in a location where the pipe is always filled with water. Be aware of situations where low flow may allow the pipe to be only partially full:

Ensure the flow monitor has direct contact with the pipe

The flow monitor needs to be installed directly on the pipe. DO NOT install the flow monitor on top of insulation or in areas that contain rust or seams. 

Install in a location that is free of turbulence

Change in pipe size and direction can create turbulence in the water and stop the flow monitor from accurately reading flow. Select an installation location that will ensure adequate distance upstream and downstream of the flow monitor. This will allow turbulence to settle before passing the flow monitor. 

Select a location that is:

• Far enough downstream to allow turbulence to settle
• Upstream of pressure regulating valves
• Far enough away from sources of large pulsation (like a pump)

Use the chart below to help ensure that you are leaving enough space upstream for accurate monitoring.

A caliper and a tape measure are required to determine the diameter and length of the pipe. 

The length (L) should be greater than X times the diameter of the pipe based on the specific pipe change described in the chart.

For example, on a 2" pipe the flow monitor's best section of pipe is directly downstream of a 90 degree elbow. At least 10x2" or 20" of pipe is required between the end of the bend and the beginning of the flow monitor. This will provide enough time for turbulence from the elbow to settle. 

FM300 Ultrasonic Flow Monitor:

The FM300 flow monitor runs on DC power. Is is best to install the device in a room where there is a power outlet or a location where conduit can be tapped into for electrical use. 

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