A digital flow gauge is an instrument that is used to measure the linear, nonlinear, mass or volumetric flow rate of any type of liquid or gas. When selecting a flow gauge you must have clear understanding of the requirements of the particular application you are using the gauge for. It is important to spend time evaluating the nature of the process fluid and of the overall installation.

Before selecting a digital flow gauge you should ask yourself some important questions:

• What is the fluid being measured by the flow gauge (air, water, etc…)?
• Do you require rate measurement and/or total from the flow gauge?
• If the liquid is not water, what is the thickness of the liquid?
• Is the fluid clean?
• What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the flow gauge?
• What is the minimum and maximum process pressure?
• What is the minimum and maximum process temperature?
• If this is a process application, what is the size of the pipe?

When choosing a flow gauge you should consider factors such as familiarity of plant personnel and what their experience they have of calibration and maintenance and the consideration of the availability of spare parts. Only after these factors have been considered should you cost the installation. When it comes to flow measurement, a common mistake is a reversal of this sequence – rather than selecting a sensor that performs properly, an attempt is made to justify the use of a cheaper device, which further down the line proves to be more costly.

The first step in flow gauge selection is to determine if the flow rate information should be continuous or total, and whether this information is needed locally or remotely. If remotely, should the transmission be analog, digital, or shared? And, if shared, what is the required (minimum) data-update frequency? Once these questions are answered, an evaluation of the properties and flow characteristics of the process fluid, and of the piping that will accommodate the flow gauge, should take place.

Pressure tight test ends are used as a quick and simple as well as reliable method of providing a pressure testing facility in plastic pipes without the need for additional fittings such as mechanical or fusion. Test ends are available for all types of plastic pipe sizes ranging from 16mm through to 630mm.

There are different types of test ends available on the market today:

Test Ends
A test end is fully re-usable product that is based on the “Vick” expanding internal gripper design. It works on the principle that the higher the pressure is the tighter the grip will be. Available in different sizes, each size is designed for one wall thickness of a given pipe size. The test end is suitable for use with gas and water. All the available sizes are designed to withstand internal pressure of 16 bar without the requirement of any additional strutting or bracing.

High Pressure Service Test Ends
This range of pressure test ends is available to suit individual service sizes of 20, 25 or 32 mm. These test ends can withstand internal pressure of 16 bar.

Multi Test Ends
If you are testing pipes with a size range of 16mm to 32mm, then these are the test ends that should be used. They have been designed as a simple solution for testing PE pipes. Available in combinations of 2, 3 or 4 sizes per unit they can withstand test pressure of 0.25 bar. These pipes come supplied with hose connectors for the pipe and pressure gauge.

Service Test Tees
Service test tees are an inexpensive alternative to multi sized units. They have been designed for pressure testing PE services and are cost effective and simple to use. They are available in sizes of 20mm, 25mm and 32mm and are the most suited for low pressure testing up to 0.25 bar but can also be used for pressure testing pressures over 1 bar.

The main advantages of Test Ends are:

• Cost effective
• Reusable
• Resistant to corrosion
• Simple and d quick to fit and remove.

Choosing a good digital flow gauge requires that you have some knowledge about its important features as well as understanding of the characteristics and main qualities it has to offer. There are many types of digital flow gauges available on the market, so it is important that you thoroughly research all the aspects of the flow gauge before making a decision. If you are not sure which gauge to purchase then ask for advice from someone who has the knowledge and expertise.

One of the main types of digital flow gauges is the magnetic flow gauge, also known as an induction flow gauge or electromagnetic flow gauge. This device uses a magnetic field to determine the flow speed of the fluid. The conductive fluid passes across a controlled magnetic field, leading to changes of the induced voltage. The magnetic flow gauge is used to measure those changes and, this way obtains the flow velocity.

Another common type of digital flow gauge is the ultrasonic flow gauge. It measures the travelling time of the ultrasonic waves in a predetermined acoustic field. This transit-type model will provide a very good accuracy and it is suitable for a clean flow as well as for a flow with small particles.

When you have to choose a digital flow gauge, keep in mind the applications you will use it for. If you plan on using it for flow surveys, you might want to opt for a portable flow gauge. Generally, if your applications require mobility then choose the portable one. If the usage is long term flow observation, you should definitely go for the fixed installation type, as it provides weather resistance and explosive proofing.

Another factor to take into consideration is the measurement requirements. You will need to know the minimum and maximum readings required and decide how accurate the measurement has to be. Usually the multi-path models are more accurate than the single-path models. A single-path digital flow gauge uses a single pair of transducers to intercept the flow in a pipe, while a multi-path uses multiple transducers.

The last factor to take into account is the installation method. The clamp-on digital flow gauge is installed on the outside of the pipe, without having to drill through the pipe or cut the pipe. It seems like a more comfortable solution, but it isn’t as accurate as the wetted type. This kind of digital flow gauge also comes in two different types, the insertion type and the flow cell type. The insertion type requires drilling into the pipe, while the flow cell type has to be installed in line with the pipe. Even though these two types are not as easy to install, they are preferred because of the better accuracy and long term stability they provide.

The FL16 Pressure Flow Logger has revolutionised the way flow data is collected. Consisting of a sensor and a data logger you can achieve recordings of over 81,000 depth, temperature, flow, and velocity readings. This pressure and flow logger is powered by two standard 9v batteries constantly monitored which means you will never be caught off guard with dead batteries.

The FL16 has a non-fouling level sensor that has been specially engineered to work at depths as low as half an inch and also allows for deployment in areas that are difficult to access such as manholes. The sensor is fully enclosed in a marine grade protective coating which ensures no moisture can leak into the sensor causing sensor failure, a common cause of failure of other pressure flow loggers.

The FL16 also comes with user friendly Windows™ based flow logger software tailored specifically to calculate flows in partially filled sewer and drainage pipes. The software is simple to use and has drop down menus for selecting and entering the necessary data for pipe device information. A unique calibration feature allows users to view calculated water velocity, compare this to actual measured data, and adjust the flow parameters to calibrate the flow conditions of a specific application. Flow equations for over 40 standard flumes and weirs are provided, and users can define their own custom lookup tables to convert water level to flow for virtually any application.

Once configured, all setup and flow parameters are stored in the FL16’s memory and are uploaded to the software automatically upon connection. This information can also be saved to a file for later use, allowing the FL16 to be deployed in multiple locations without the need to re-enter the flow parameters each time it is moved. The FL16 also includes Windows™ CE-based PDA software for easy field data collection.

Features of the pressure flow logger:

• It is compact, self-powered and very easy to use
• Over 81,000 flow, velocity, level and temperature readings
• No confined space entry required for the sensor deployment
• User-programmable start and stop alarms, engineering units, and field calibration setup

Pressure loggers have the ability to read and record the system pressure at a number of time intervals. Some devices allow for pressure recording as often as every second, and can be set to record at intervals of an hour if necessary. Some devices are designed for differential recording to save space within the on-board memory. Differential devices can prevent recording of data that is within a pre-defined range, but when a surge or sudden pressure drop is detected, can begin recording pressures at very small increments of time. This type of device is usually not needed for model calibration.

Pressure loggers are designed to handle up to 300 psi and record pressures as often as every 10 seconds making them sufficient for the calibration purposes. At a ten second interval, the logger is capable of recording up to 22 hours of data, and storing the data as long as the battery life is decent. At the end of a day of testing, the data is downloaded to a laptop computer and the logger is reset and cleared to accept data for the following day.

Most assembled pressure logger devices for use in the field are designed to prevent over pressurizing, therefore preventing damage to the gauge and the logger itself. The bleed valve is used when the hydrant is opened and closed to drive out any trapped air and bleed pressure from the assembly during shut-down of the hydrant.

The main advantages of using pressure loggers are manpower reduction and accuracy of data. The reduction in resources is a major advantage since no one has to be at the hydrant to read pressures. The accuracy of the data is improved because of the rapid recording and the interval between recordings of the pressure. The chart produces the trends in the pressures that are not readily seen by an operator, which avoids using surges in the pressure as the dynamic or residual pressure. The log of the pressures can be used to document the care taken in the testing procedure itself, as this chart shows that no significant surges occurred during the operation of the hydrants.

The process of inspecting and testing radiators has been considerably speeded up thanks to quick action fasteners. These fasteners combine the benefits of a worm drive hose clip with the speed of an over-centre fastener. One such fastener is the Protex Bandclamp.

Bandclamps are the perfect choice when it comes to securely attaching air adapters used to pressure test radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers. Bandclamps can be also adjusted to quickly accommodate a variety of adapter diameters. Bandclamps constructed from stainless steel incorporate a triangular platform for the latch to be closed against. This incorporated feature optimise the bandclamp geometry during its locking action, which then avoids the need for excessive operating pressure and the subsequent relaxation of grip as the fastener’s mechanism goes ‘over-centre’ on small diameter parts.

This feature optimises the Bandclamp’s geometry during its locking action, avoiding the need for excessive operating pressure and/or the subsequent relaxation of grip as the fastener’s mechanism goes ‘over-centre’ on small diameter parts. Platform Bandclamps are suitable for applications that range from 45mm-195mm diameter and feature an integral safety catch to prevent inadvertent opening, even under the most severe shock or vibratory loads. The Protex Bandclamp has four main advantages.

These benefits are particularly valuable in automotive engineering applications for the testing of engines, fuel tanks and radiators. Bandclamps secure flexible rubber hoses to pipes such as the main water and water rail outlet pipes; the inlet manifold stub pipe; and the water elbow by-pass inlet and outlet.

Digital flow gauges are excellent instruments for pipe flow measurement. When choosing a suitable digital flow gauge it is imperative that you recognise and appreciate the important characteristics and understand the qualities and features that are available.

These five tips are designed to help customers select the correct digital flow gauge for liquid applications.

Tip 1 – Be familiar with the main types of digital flow gauges
Ultrasonic flow gauges measure the travelling time or the frequency shifts of ultrasonic waves. Transit time models provide extremely good accuracy whereas a Doppler flow gauge works well with suspension flow where particle concentration is above 100ppm and particle size is larger than 199um, but less than 10% in concentration. Doppler gauges are easier to make and less accurate making it cheaper than a transit-time model.

Tip 2 – Look at the media type before choosing a digital flow meter
The type of media is either liquid or gas. Check no particles exist in the liquid as well as checking the thickness of the liquid. If the above conditions exist the media conditions will vary and not remain constant.

Tip 3 – Choose your digital flow gauge by the measurement requirement
Check the minimum and maximum flow range readings of the media as this will ensure accuracy of the measurement. As a rule of thumb, the accuracy for the multi-path models is higher than that of the single path models, flow cell accuracy is better than insertion type, and insertion type is better than clamp-on. However, if you have an on-site calibration facility, this would not be an issue.

Tip 4 – A digital flow gauge should be chosen based on portability – handheld vs. wall-mount
If mobility is an issue, for example applications including HVAC and flow survey, then a portable flow meter should be used. If the application involves process control and long-term continuous flow monitoring then a wall mounted, or fixed installation flow gauge is suitable. Fixed gauges are fully enclosed in weather resistant cases.

Tip 5 – When choosing your digital flow gauge base your decision on the transducer installation method
The clamp on transducers are mounted on the outside of a pipe, thus there is no need to cut the pipe or to drill holes into the pipe, and there is no direct contact thus no pollution to the liquid, no pressure drop, etc. The wetted flow meter comes with two varieties, insertion-type and flow cell-type. The insertion flow meter requires drilling holes into the pipe wall to install the transducers. Flow cell-type, also called spool piece-type, needs to be installed in line with the pipe, thus needs pipe fitting, etc. In general, a wetted transducer has better accuracy and better long-term stability than clamp-on type, but it might be more expensive.

Ian Greenwell of Vernon Morris Utility Solutions on site with the custom-made Standpipe equipment.

Hartlepool Water were asked to supply clean water to almost 100 ships from over 15 countries this weekend as Hartlepool plays host to the prestigious Tall Ships Race 2010.

The ships will leave Kristiansand in Norway on Sunday 1st August 2010 to embark on the second race of The Tall Ships’ 2010 heading for Hartlepool.

Ahead of their arrival Hartlepool Water have installed a temporary network extension fitted with specially designed equipment to ensure they can supply the Tall Ships and the associated Tall Ships Village with clean water during their four day stay, without any threat to their clean water network in the harbour.

Tom Norman, Operations Support Manager at Hartlepool Water commented “We needed to take measures to ensure that while supplying water; there was no possibility of backflow from the Tall Ships to our water mains network on land. As we were unable to find anything suitable off the shelf, we approached Vernon Morris Utility Solutions to manufacture our specially designed standpipes for us.”

Established for over 65 years, Vernon Morris are well known in the water industry for bespoke, precision engineering & manufacturing. Vernon Morris was able to manufacture custom-made Standpipe equipment designed to deliver water from the mains on the harbour to the Ships with an approved back siphonage prevention device. The backflow prevention device is fitted to a hose union tap mounted on each standpipe between the land network and the ship to improve the level of backflow prevention, critical to Hartlepool’s Water supply.

The special standpipes were designed by Hartlepool Water & then engineered & manufactured by Vernon Morris to Hartlepool Waters specification.

Tom Norman, Operations Support Manager at Hartlepool Water commented “We are happy to be supporting Hartlepool Tall Ship’s, it is great for our town and region. We just needed to get the right equipment in place quickly and reliably. Vernon Morris have helped us to do that. We have worked closely with the team at Vernon Morris Utility Solutions on a number of projects and always had a good result.”

Many water treatment companies recognise the desire for their water systems to contain only the highest levels of clean water before commissioning the work on systems. At the stage of pre-commissioning, contaminants must be removed; otherwise performance will not be at its maximum.

So the potential buyer should be looking for an entirely comprehensive pre-commission cleaning service. 

The following services will be provides upon setting-up an appointment: tank cleaning, pipework disinfection of cooling systems, and water tank maintenance; elite, specialised cleaning of water systems, leak detection, chlorination, etc.

For pipeline pressure testing in addition to chlorination sampling, testing of hydrants, chlorinated drinking systems, and pressure testing are all part of the standard service package. 

For the most elite services that cover issues relating to the construction and utility industry, we are knowledgeable with regard to digital flow gauges and chemical units.

We supply quality services throughout the UK and have gradually become one of the top providers in the business. 

On the day of your appointment, a trained operative will arrive at the site before we commence pre-commission procedures. Flushing points and sewage draining points will be accessed, making sure there is adequate functioning. A method statement will then be manufactured for approval, and then a license will need to be created for by the closest water authority to pass.

Unfortunately, this legal requirement is a must in instances when chemical water is being dumped into the sewer. 

After results are received, there will be a number of processes that will be presented. Moreover, the system is to be pressure tested and vented before we arrive at the site. The cleaning process is relatively elaborate and is mentioned briefly in the following list: firstly, dynamic system flushing takes place, removing debris, etc., then a biocide wash is undertaken to remove bacteria; then, a chemical cleaning ensues, to loosen deposits in the piping; system inhibiting is begun to ensure there is little water to metal corrosion taking place.

Lastly, back flushing is initiated, which removes debris from terminal units. After all of these steps are finished, documents detailing the procedure will be forwarded to related authorities.

Heavy duty keys and Lifting keys have been around since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Mainly used to aid in the maintenance of pipes, valves, and manholes in structures such as industrial water systems and public plumbing and sewage, they are essential tools for maintenance, especially in large-scale utilities. Although there have been many technological developments that provide the functions of these simple machines, such as vacuum and hydraulic systems, their more seminal and handy forms are still very much useful and widely available in the market today.

Heavy duty keys and lifting keys are usually made of hand forged and welded iron containing a few other alloys to produce strong and reliable tools. Like other tools that are made specifically for particular coverings and water-tight locking mechanisms, heavy duty keys and lifting keys come in a range of sizes and designs.

A number of utility manufacturing companies produce these tools around the world. Vernon Morris, a UK-based supplier of utility products, has been in the business of manufacturing tools like heavy duty keys and lifting keys for over 60 years. Apart from this, Vernon Morris also produces other equipment such as flow gauges and pressure recorders, flow and pressure testing kits, and other water industry tools and maintenance technologies.

Vernon Morris heavy duty keys come in five models of different dimensions as well as a six piece array of lifting keys.

The Heavy duty keys have round full handles while lifting keys have models of either T or full handles. The variance of handles is solely for the preference of the user depending on what type is easier and more comfortable to manipulate. However, the tips of lifting keys are of diverse shapes to fit any type of manhole covering so it’s best to have a set handy.

The Vernon Morris product line also offers similar tools; a more common one is the valve key.

A simple T-shaped tool, the valve key is more universal compared to heavy duty and lifting keys. Vernon Morris valve keys come in a choice of economical aluminum alloy types or the guaranteed durability of plated carbon steel. Other useful tools within the same product line are listening sticks. Listening sticks are used to identify certain problems within the pipelines by listening to the flow of water and looking for any unusual indications of flow and pressure. These come in different models and materials as well such a choice of wooden or plastic earpieces.