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View Full Version : A source of water flow meters?

AlexK
10-31-2007, 02:28 PM
Hi,

I am new to this forum, and have a question:

I am looking for a decent but economical water flow rate meter for a permanent installation in an experimental / showcase hydronic heating + domestic hot water system, ideally satisfying these criteria:

* Cost under $150, ideally under $60
* Suitable for permanent in-line installation
* Should display the current rate of water flow through it, in the range of 0 - 7 or 0-10 GPM or thereabouts.
* Extreme accuracy not required. 5% or the ballpark would be OK
* Up to 200 deg F water temp.
* up to 150psi max. pressure
* reasonably low head loss desired
* 3/4" or 1" sweat or NPT connections desired, for inline type meters

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Alex
Bob D.
10-31-2007, 03:16 PM
http://www.omega.com/guides/rotameters.html
plumbdog10
10-31-2007, 11:00 PM
I didn't research Bob's suggested website, but clicked it on and saw it was Omega. I used a lot of their products back in the early 90's when I worked for an engineering company which did a lot of r & d. You can probably get a ball type flow meter in pvc pretty cheap. They are not super accurate, but you said you didn't need that. The temp. rating may be a problem, with pvc.

In any event good luck.

If you don't find what you need contact Harrington, or as a last resort, Santa Fe Plastics. I haven't worked with them in twelve years, so I can't vouch for them, but they used to handle that sort of thing.
plumbdog10
10-31-2007, 11:04 PM
Try also Ryan Herco. In a pinch and you have a lot of time, Furguson can get anything you want for a price and wait.
DuckButter
11-01-2007, 03:59 PM
OK Dog, you got my attention....what kinda R&D?
AlexK
11-01-2007, 06:17 PM
http://www.omega.com/guides/rotameters.html

Thanks Bob.

Unfortunately these are all in the $500 range - which is unfathomable to me given the basic metering principle used. I can get a low-headloss in-line turbine flow meter with a digital readout for prices in that range.

What I look for is a simple meter in a $150 range - do these even exist?

Thanks

Alex
AlexK
11-01-2007, 06:42 PM
What do you folks think of these:
http://www.instrumart.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=10171