Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
Many industrial flow metering applications feature the use of Insertion-type paddle wheel sensors. (See Figure 1 below.) Internally, these meters feature a paddle wheel that rotates in the near vicinity of a magnetic pickup, similar in principle to a string pickup in an electric guitar. The signal output from this type of meter is a low-level sine wave, whose frequency and amplitude both increase as the rate-of-flow increases.
Figure 1. Paddle Wheel Insertion Flow Meter. Model 515 by GF Signet.
If data collection of totalization and rate-of-flow using an EtherMeter (or another pulse-counting instrument) is desired in such a situation, then the sine-wave signal must be post-processed in order to achieve compatibility with the control/telemetry instrumentation. Fortunately, instrumentation is commercially available that converts the low-level sine wave into a compatible pulse. One such example is the “Mag PreAmp” by Spectec (Emigrant, MT). This instrument is capable of accepting a sine wave directly from the Paddle Wheel Insertion Flow Meter, and converting it into an open-collector signal that is compatible with the EtherMeter. (See Figures 2 and 3.)
To purchase Spectec instrumentation, please visit the Turbines Incorporated website or call 800.809.1387.
One of the major manufacturers of Paddle Wheel Insertion Flow Meters is GF Signet. For information about the Model 515 Flow Sensor, please click HERE. Alternatively, for information about the Model 2536 Flow Sensor (Open-Collector Output version), please click HERE. Please note that the open-collector version does not require the Mag PreAmp signal converter, as its output is already EtherMeter-compatible.
Figure 2. Spectec PreAmp (P/N 4022-05) Hookup Diagram. Note that OC (Open-Collector) Output is Selected.
Figure 3. Field-Installed PreAmp (Bakken Oil Fields — Williston, ND).
The specifications for the Spectec P/N 4022-05 may be downloaded/viewed HERE.
In Figure 4 below, a wiring diagram is shown for the integration of a Paddle Wheel Insertion-Type Flow Meter, Spectec PreAmp, and EtherMeter.
Important Note: Please ensure that the selected Paddle Wheel Insertion-Type meter does not emit a pulse signal that exceeds 2400 pulses/second, which is the maximum supported by the EtherMeter.
Integration Wiring Diagram (Click to zoom.).
Do you have a flow metering application where you desire the EtherMeter’s ability to gather both totalization and rate-of-flow information from sinusoidal-type meter signals — and then convert into Modbus and Rockwell automation protocols? If so, give us a call… We’ll be glad to discuss your application in detail.