Turbine flowmeter for low volumes
Cox device uses low-friction ball bearings to perform in water, hydrocarbon, and cryogenic fluid applications.
Cox Flow Measurement, a division of Badger Meter, has introduced the LoFlo series turbine flowmeter family, which it characterizes as a robust axial turbine flowmeter with repeatability of ±0.25% of reading. Constructed of 316 stainless steel with -6 AN (MS) end-fittings, the meter employs a proprietary Si3N4 ceramic ball bearing system, which makes it well suited for the demands of water, hydrocarbon, and cryogenic fluid applications. The company says that turbine flowmeters using ceramic bearings benefit from reduced friction, corrosion resistance, increased durability, and a wide temperature range — contributing to longer life. Ceramic ball bearings have considerably less friction than journal or sleeve bearings, which extends the usable range of the flowmeter and improves measurement repeatability. Less friction translates into reduced wear, and thus less calibration drift.
The LoFlo Series meter uses a precision, lightweight 17-4 helical rotor and is calibrated on primary standard equipment. The helical blade profile transfers energy more efficiently which reduces bearing wear, pressure drop, and their associated cost.
When paired with a Cox EC80 Flow Computer, the flowmeter’s calibration data is linearized to within ±0.1% of reading, allowing for precision flow measurement over the device’s entire usable range. Repeatability is ±0.25%. Available in either integral- or remote-mount configurations, the EC80 flow computer provides temperature and pressure compensation with multiple output options.
The device is not position sensitive and can be mounted in any piping orientation. Designed to measure flows as low as 0.006 gpm (0.024 lpm), the meter is an ideal solution for a multitude of industries. Typical uses include fuel injection production systems, blending of costly chemical additives, onboard fuel consumption, refrigerants, dye injections, and more.
Peter Welander, pwelander(at)cfemedia.com
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