WFP Paddlewheel Flowmeters

Technical Specifications and Features of Our WFP Paddlewheel Flowmeters

The WFP paddlewheel flowmeters are a great cost-effective solution for pipe diameters more than 2″. Here are some important specifications for the WFP paddlewheel flowmeters.

• The meter body and fittings are made of PVC, while the rotor is made of PVDF. The shaft is made of nickel-based tungsten carbide, while the bearings are made of ruby jewel.
• Our PVC-based meters are designed to work at pressures up to 175 psi at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand maximum temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The meters are supplied standard with an 18-feet 22 AWG cable with three conductors.
• The meters offer accurate output even in low flow rate applications.
• Paddlewheel flow sensors are Hall effect sensors that sense the rotor’s rotational output accurately.
• The output signal is in the form of a pulse-type square wave that can be transmitted up to 2000 feet without using a transmitter.
• These meters are not depth adjustable, and hence require special fittings for installation.

Non-adjustable installation and depth placement ensure accuracy in readings. Each fitting is calibrated and marked with the K-factor during the flow test conducted at the factory.

Paddlewheel Flow Meter Operation

These meters have impellers with blades rotating across the flow stream. The rotating blades have magnets embedded within them which trigger the Hall Effect sensor that produces a pulse rate directly proportional to the flow rate. This means the higher the flow rate, the higher the pulse frequency. Paddlewheel sensors for larger pipes are directly fitted into a pipe or conduit using an insertion-style design with a saddle. Smaller pipes use in-line pipes with mounting for the sensor.

The meters need to be inserted such that there is enough linear pipe length before and after its placement to reduce turbulence. This meter senses the flow rate and sends no-voltage pulse signals to the controller where it can be converted into a flow rate value and displayed on screen as well as used to totalize and generate alarms.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Our Paddlewheel Flow Meters

General installation steps for our paddlewheel water flow meters.

• Consider a location midway in a long linear pipe section, where the sensor can be inserted inside the pipe, with both enough upstream and downstream length to avoid turbulence. This is important as it can impact the measurement accuracy.
• Ensure you choose the right flowmeter based on the pipe size and configuration. When using a saddle, make sure the hole diameter cut is appropriate and free of any contaminants and burrs.
• Position the meter in such a way that the paddlewheel is perpendicular to the direction of flow.
• Connect the sensor to the piping using the correct seals and fasteners.
• Ensure the fittings are tight and there is no leakage possible.
• Connect the sensor wiring to the controller or pump following the wiring instructions in the controller or pump.
• Calibrate and configure the paddlewheel flow meter depending on the type of fluids passing through it, temperature, pressure, and other parameters. Ensure you refer to the instruction manual for calibration.
• Ensure you perform regular inspection as part of the maintenance program. Check for visual or audible signs of wear such as cracks, leaks, noise, and so on.
• Check for loose wiring connection, open circuits, and any signs of corrosion.
• Check that the seals and gaskets are tight. However, ensure they are not excessively tightened as this may damage the sensor.
• Train local personnel to handle, operate, and maintain this system.

Applications of Paddlewheel Flow Meters

These meters are useful for low flow rate applications. Here are some application areas of the WFP paddlewheel flow meters.

• Wastewater treatment processes: WFP flow meters are used in monitoring the flow of slurries, sewage, and so on in wastewater treatment.
• HVAC systems: With their accurate flow rate measurement, our paddlewheel flow meters help control water flow and makeup water in HVAC systems, for heating as well as cooling. This helps increase the energy efficiency of the systems.
• Agriculture: Paddlewheel flow meters are used in irrigation systems for controlling and measuring water flow rate and to proportionally add other chemistries as needed.
• Chemical manufacturing and formulation units: The WFP flow meters can withstand various chemicals, corrosive fluids, and more without compromising on the measurement accuracy. They are used to monitor and control the flow of acids, bases, and more during chemical production, subject to material compatibility.
• Oil & gas: They find application in chemical injection systems in pipelines such as for oil & gas.
• Food & beverages: Our paddlewheel flowmeters are used in dairy, breweries, and other related segments of the food industry for fluid rate control and proportional dosing.

If your industrial application involves flow rate measurement of water, or other fluids, you can trust our WFP paddlewheel flowmeters in terms of quality, ease of installation and accuracy of output. Our paddlewheel flow sensors can be easily inserted into the existing piping system, especially in larger pipe sizes greater than two inches. You can even use it for water measurement in residential premises.

At Walchem, we offer these meters in various configurations for varied pipe sizes. WFP meters are stocked for quick delivery, shipping individually or with related pumps, controllers, or accessories.  If you have any questions regarding our paddlewheel flowmeters, feel free to contact us at 508-429-1110, and we will be happy to assist!