Good day all,
Update on the flowmeter search. The least expensive meter that I could find that might work was from Dwyer Instruments, Inc. It’s by no means the perfect meter but I didn’t want to test a meter that was too expensive since that would be counter productive to the whole principle. The down side of this meter is the connection points are 5/16†size with a stainless steel float. I am going to have to do a little research & testing to figure out the best connection methods. Likewise, I will report back in time to see how long the float lasts. The upside besides the costs is that this meter can be field cleaned and comes with a valve which you can use or not use. The float can also be replaced. I don't know how long this meter will last in direct sunlight. The factory tech suggested that it be kept out of direct sunlight since it will change color in time. I am going to build a little cabinet to sheild it from direct sunlight.
Here is the direct link to the Dwyer’s webpage that has the meters for water:
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/htdocs/flow/SeriesMMPrice.cfm
Here are the General Specifications for the MMA meter:
Service:
- Compatible gases and liquids
Wetted Materials:
- Body: Nylon 12
- O-rings: Buna-N (Viton available upon request)
- Float: Black Glass, K Monel, Stainless Steel, Tungsten Carbide
Accuracy: +/- 4%
I am going to test the MMA-30 which has a range of .5 – 8 GPH water.
You will need to talk to a human to custom order the VITON o-rings. If you order them from any website, you will receive the Buna-N o-rings. The meters with Viton are special ordered items with an estimate 2 week lead time.
The cost of the
MMA-33 with
Viton O-rings is
$25.90 plus shipping. Without the Viton, the price from the factory is $19.50 but I have seen them on the internet for a little cheaper.
The next best solution that I found was rotameters from King Instruments. I spoke with a tech at Kings Instruments and he recommends the following meters with Viton O-rings:
-Series 7200
- 7205008133W (This has viton o-ring, didn’t get a price)
- 7205008131W (This is a stock item with a EPR o-ring) List price: $73.80
-Series 7510 & 7511
- 7210232B07 (This has viton o-ring, didn’t get a price)
- 7210212B07 (This is a stock item with a EPR o-ring) List price: $44.52
I was a bit nervous about ordering the above rotameters since they contained Stainless Steel (316L) internals (float & float guide). I have heard from some that stated the SS and chlorine don’t like one another. So I figured I purchase the Dwyer meter since it was half the price and see how the Stainless Steel float holds up. Kings Instruments do offer better plastic internals but the meters are starting about $130 and up for each meter. Anyone have any suggestions on low flow meter which would work in this application which is also has a low cost?