FAQs of Manifold Flow Meter

What is a Manifold Flow Meter?

It is a flow monitoring device specially designed for sub-water device, integrated in the branch circuit of sub-water device of floor heating, heating and other systems, used for real-time detection of the flow of each branch fluid (mostly hot water), the core role is to ensure the hydraulic balance of the system and flow visualization, common types are float type, impeller type, etc.

What is the main difference between a manifold flowmeter and an ordinary pipeline flowmeter?

The difference is that the manifold flowmeter is smaller in size, adapted to the compact branch layout of the manifold, the interface specification is more suitable for the branch size of the manifold (such as 1/2″, 3/4″), and a multi-band visual display (such as a floating ball, pointer), without complex debugging. In contrast, the ordinary pipeline flowmeter focuses on large pipe diameters, high-precision industrial scenes, and the volume and installation requirements are higher.

What is the accuracy of the flowmeters produced by the factory?

Float type conventional accuracy of ±5%(to meet the needs of heating/floor heating system), impeller type accuracy of ±2%, electromagnetic type high accuracy of ±1%; all products are factory calibrated, support third-party testing, and can provide accuracy test reports according to customer needs.

How to measure the flow rate according to the number of loops of the manifold?

Flowmeter selection depends on the flow demand of a single circuit, not the total number of circuits. First, calculate the total flow of the system, divide the single-circuit flow according to the number of circuits, and then match the flow meter range (it is recommended that the single-circuit flow is 30%-80% of the flow meter range, and the measurement is more accurate). The more the number of circuits, the smaller the range and the higher the accuracy.

Which type of manifold flowmeter should be preferred for large flow conditions (e.g.,≥5m³/h)?

Large flow conditions (≥5m³/h) It is recommended to choose impeller type or electromagnetic type: impeller type 1.5″interface range can reach 0.5-8.0m³/h, simple structure, moderate cost; electromagnetic type is suitable for large flow scenarios ≥10m³/h, high measurement accuracy and no pressure loss, support linkage with PLC system, ideal for industrial or large building heating systems.

Is there a requirement for the installation direction of a manifold flowmeter?

Float-type flowmeter should be installed vertically (fluid flows from bottom to top) to ensure that the float can rise and fall freely, and the installation inclination angle does not exceed 5°; impeller type can be installed horizontally or vertically (fluid from bottom to top when installed vertically); electromagnetic installation direction is not limited, but it is necessary to ensure that the measuring tube is filled with fluid to avoid empty pipe affecting measurement; all types should be kept away from strong magnetic fields and vibration sources.

What are the readings of the flowmeter?

There are three main types: ① Mechanical float display (most commonly used): observe the scale corresponding to the float through the transparent window, directly read the flow value (unit m³/h), without power supply;② pointer display: impeller drives the pointer to rotate, the pointer points to the scale, the accuracy is higher than that of the float type;③ digital display: intelligent model equipped with LCD screen, display real-time flow, cumulative flow, support unit switching (m³/h, L/min), battery or external power supply, some with wireless transmission function.

How to avoid damage to the connector threads of the manifold?

Before disassembly, close the main valve of the manifold and the corresponding loop valve, open the exhaust valve to relieve pressure, ensure that there is no pressure in the pipeline, avoid tool slipping caused by fluid injection during disassembly, and select matching pipe tongs or wrenches. Wrap the pipe jaws with a soft cloth to avoid direct clamping of metal tools.

If some flowmeters need to adjust their measuring range due to a project design change after purchase, can rework service be provided?

To support the range rework service, two prerequisites must be met: ① the flowmeter is not installed and used (no appearance damage, no wear of threads);② the adjustment range is within the modifiable range of the flowmeter of this model (for example, the flowmeter with 1/2″interface can be adjusted within 0.05-1.5m³/h, and the core element needs to be replaced if it exceeds).

Is there any length requirement for the front and rear straight pipe sections during installation?

The floating ball type has no strict requirements for the straight pipe section. It is recommended to reserve ≥ 50mm straight pipe section before and after installation point to avoid flow field disorder caused by direct connection of elbow; impeller type is recommended to reserve ≥ 100mm straight pipe section before and after; electromagnetic type is recommended to reserve ≥5 times pipe diameter at the front and ≥3 times pipe diameter at the back to ensure measurement accuracy.