Site Considerations; Meter Body Location - GE PanaFlow HT User Manual

Chapter 2. Installation

2.3 Site Considerations

Because the relative location of the meter body and the electronics enclosure is important, use the guidelines in this
section to plan the PanaFlow HT installation.

2.3.1 Meter Body Location

Ideally, choose a section of pipe with unlimited access; for example, a long stretch of pipe that is above ground.
However, if the meter body is to be mounted on an underground pipe, dig a pit around the pipe to facilitate installation
or removal of the transducers.
Please do not tighten the FTPA buffer bolts on the meter body since they are factory set.
2.3.1a Transducer Location
For a given fluid and pipe, the PanaFlow HT's accuracy depends on the location and alignment of the transducers. In
addition to accessibility, when planning for transducer location, adhere to the following guidelines:
•
Locate the meter body so that there are at least 10 pipe diameters of straight, undisturbed flow upstream and 5 pipe
diameters of straight, undisturbed flow downstream from the measurement point. Undisturbed flow means
avoiding sources of turbulence in the fluid such as valves, flanges, expansions, and elbows; avoiding swirl; and
avoiding cavitation.
•
Locate the transducers on a common axial plane along the pipe. Locate the transducers on the side of the pipe,
rather than the top or bottom, since the top of the pipe tends to accumulate gas and the bottom tends to accumulate
sediment. Either condition will cause increased attenuation of the ultrasonic signal. There is no similar restriction
with vertical pipes as long as the flow of fluids is upward to prevent free falling of fluids or a less than full pipe.
Good
CAUTION! Do not place insulation on or around the transducer or junction box. The transducer and
junction box act as a heat sink that protects the transducer from high and low temperatures.
8
Flow Direction
Figure 7: Flow Direction
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Figure 8: Good and Bad Transducer Locations
Good
Bad
PanaFlow HT User's Manual