Flow meter installation methods

The installation method of an electromagnetic flowmeter mainly depends on the pipeline design and maintenance requirements. Correct installation ensures that the measuring pipe is always full of liquid, resulting in more accurate measurements and smaller errors.

1. Pipe Direction and Position

This is a core requirement to ensure a full pipe. Vertical installation with fluid flowing from bottom to top is preferred. This ensures that the pipe is always full of liquid, and air bubbles naturally rise and are discharged, preventing accumulation in the measuring pipe. Solid particles are also less likely to settle, making this the ideal installation method.

Second choice: Horizontal installation. It must be installed at the lowest point of the pipeline, avoiding high points. The measuring electrode axis must be in a horizontal direction (to prevent the electrodes from being covered by air bubbles or solid particles accumulating on one side of the electrode). The pipe should be slightly tilted to ensure no air bubbles.

Avoid installing at the highest point of the pipeline because air bubbles are easily accumulated. Vertical downward installation from the top of the pipe during draining will result in a non-full pipe.

2. Straight Pipe Section Requirements

To ensure a stable flow field and accurate measurement, sufficient straight pipe sections are required before and after the flowmeter. Generally, a straight pipe section of 10DN before and 5DN after is recommended, with a minimum of 5DN before and 3DN after, meaning there should be at least 5DN of straight pipe before the sensor and at least 3DN after. The direction of the outlet can be seen from the front and back; the outlet is the back, which is 3DN.

3. Grounding Requirements are also crucial!

Electromagnetic flowmeters are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The sensor must be well-grounded to establish a reliable zero potential reference point for the fluid, resisting interference and ensuring signal stability.

Metal pipes: Use grounding rings or grounding wires between the flanges at both ends of the flowmeter and connect them to a reliable grounding stake.

Insulating pipes (such as plastic or lined pipes): Grounding rings or grounding electrodes must be installed to draw out the fluid potential and ground it.

Good grounding standard: The grounding resistance is usually required to be less than 10Ω, and less than 100Ω in humid environments.

4. Environmental Requirements

Avoid installing near strong electromagnetic interference equipment such as motors, transformers, and inverters.

The installation location should be convenient for wiring, calibration, and maintenance.

For integrated instruments, the ambient temperature should be within the allowable range; for split-type instruments, the converter should be installed in a dry, easily observable control room.