What are the differences between GPI's Economy, Commercial and Industrial Grade Turbine Meters?

Economy Grade / 01N  & 01A Series – These are part of GPI’s economy water meter line. The 01N is a Nylon meter designed primarily to measure water… The 01A is the same meter, but the material spec changes to Aluminum to accommodate fuels.  Both are equipped with an on-board flow computer displaying two totals, one cumulative (non-resettable) and one batch (resettable).   The 01 Series meters were designed to be a high quality, yet inexpensive totalizing meter.  For applications where a Rate of Flow is required, consider upgrading to the A1 or G2 Series meters.  The 01 Series meters are only available in a 1” size (NPT and ISO) with a range of 3.0 to 30.0 GPM.

Commercial Grade / A1 Series – Like the 01 series, the A1’s are available in Nylon and Aluminum (NPT and ISO Connections), but GPI has given this upgraded meter some additional functionality.  Nylon meters are available in a low flow 1” (0.3 to 3.0 GPM), standard flow 1” (3.0 to 50.0GPM).  The Aluminum version includes both the low flow and standard flow 1” meters and then a higher flow 2” meter (30.0 to 300.0 GPM).    The On-Board flow computer also gets a little more functionality by adding a Rate of Flow display to the existing cumulative and batch totals.   Unlike the G2 Series which have field replaceable Turbine assemblies, A1 meters can be repaired but they must be sent to the factory for this service.

Commercial Grade / TM Series – The TM series have the same electronics as the A1 series mounted on what amounts to an extended length Sch-40 PVC Pipe Union.  Available sizes include ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ½” and 2.0”.  Slip Joint connections are welded using standard PVC Primer and Glue.

Industrial Grade / G2 Series – This series goes several steps farther than the A1 meters by adding all the bells and whistles that are generally found in an industrial grade meter.  Connection types include NPT, ISO, ANSI Flange and Tri-Clover sanitary clamps. Available sizes include ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ½” and 2.0”. Material specs include Aluminum, Brass, PVC, CPVC (Kynar) and 316SS.  The flow computer has the same 2 totals and 1 rate of flow, but its modular design allows for the addition of numerous optional output modules (pulse and 4-20mA), Sensors and Remote Transmitters.  Replacement Turbine Assemblies are available for each of the respective sizes allowing for easy field repairs to the G2 meters.

Application

How does the A1 Series Low Flow Meter measure such a low range in 1" Flow Meter?

Simple... Although the end connections are 1" NPT(F), the meter body has been sized down to a 1/4" O.D. flow tube allowing for the low flow range of 0.3 to 3.0 GPM

What is the maximum temperature of the meter?

Please read this answer carefully... The maximum temperature for all A1 and G2 series meters is 140 F with the Computer Assembly attached to the turbine. Using a remote kit, the maximum fluid temperature is 250 F on all Stainless Steel, Nylon, Aluminum and Brass models. It is 180 F on the PVDF and 140 F on the PVC versions.

Will these meters work outdoors?

YES. They have a NEMA 4 rating and have been used in a wide range of outdoor applications for many years.

Is your meter explosion proof?

YES... Its better than explosion proof. All A1 and G2 meters, except the G2 PVC versions, are FM Approved as intrinsically safe in Class I, Div I, all Groups. This means it will not create enough spark to ignite.

Can I use my GPI Flowmeter to measure Air/Gas flow?

NO. GPI Flow Meters are designed to measure liquids only.

Can we use your meter with our hydraulic system?

YES. Our G2 series meter can be field calibrated to hydraulic oil and withstand up to 1,500 psi. Models up to 3,000 psi are available.

Do you offer a 3A Rated Sanitary Turbine Meter?

NO… At least not in the G2 Series. G2 Turbines are available with Sanitary type end connections and can be used in the food industry in pre-process applications where sanitary measurement is not required.   For 3A Rated Sanitary Applications, talk to us about GPI’s new G-Series Precision Turbine Meters.

Installation

Can your meter be installed vertically or horizontally?

YES. Either direction is suitable, but whichever orientation accommodates a constantly full pipe would be preferred.

Can I meter flow both ways?

NO. The meter will only accurately measure in one direction. Also, excessive backward flow will damage the meter.

My fluid flows from left to right, but he meter is right to left. What can I do?

Remove the four screws holding the Computer Assembly, rotate the display 180 degrees and reinstall display. 

Can I externally power the meter?

YES. The G2 series meters can be powered with DC voltage using a pulse access module #125060-1 and the external power module #125070-1.

Do I need a strainer in front of the meter?

YES, IF there are particles larger than 125 microns (55 mesh).

Can I add an output module to an existing meter?

YES. The G2 series meters can be retrofitted with any of the output modules.

Flow Computer / Displays

Can I reset my accumulative total?

YES. Simply pull the batteries. This will clear all totals but will not affect any factory or field calibrations

Can I switch from gallons to liters on the display?

YES. Gallon measurement is indicated by GAL and Liter measurement is indicated by LTR on the display.

Can I replace just the display?

YES.  Cross Instrumentation can order a Computer Assembly for you. Call us with the model number of your meter and we’ll take care of it for you.

Service

Can I switch the Computer Assemblies from one meter to another?

YES. It may require field calibration. Consult your owners manual or contact the factory.
Note: If the new meter is a different material than the donor meter, the mounting screw may not be the correct type.

Can I repair the wetted parts of your meters in the field?

Maybe, depending on which Series you have. The G2 series meters have field replaceable rotor assemblies. The A1 series must be sent to the factory for repair.

Calibration

Can I calibrate this meter to other fluids?

YES, in most cases. If your meter has the calibration feature, simply follow the instructions in the owners manual.

Will the meter read in anything other than gallons or liters per minute?

YES. Using the field calibration, you can calibrate to almost any unit of measurement

Can the meter be calibrated in units other than gallons or liters and in a time base other than minutes?         

YES. The new GPI 09 computer can be calibrated in almost any unit of measure and configured in Minutes, Hours and Days. Contact Cross Instrumentation or the factory for instructions.

Do you factory calibrate to any liquid other than water?

NO... but most all GPI meters (with the exception of the 01 Series) can be field calibrated to the liquid of your choice. 

Can I get NIST traceable certification?

YES. This must be requested when the meter is purchased and there is an additional charge.

What is the Certificate of Conformance?

It is a factory generated certificate stating that the meter has been tested and is within the linear specifications of that particular meter. It will indicate the model and serial number and be signed by an authorized GPI representative.

What does K-factor mean?

The K-factor is the number of pulses per unit of measurement generated by the rotor as it turns inside the turbine. In our case, it is usually indicted as Pulses per Gallon or Pulses per Liter.

What is frequency as it relates to a flowmeter?

Frequency is the number of pulses per second. Also identified as Hertz (Hz).

Why is frequency important?

The electronic equipment reading the signal from the turbine, or other metering device, determines volume or rate by counting the pulses. The device must be able to read frequency high enough (or low enough) to count each pulse. When sending a signal it must meet the specifications of the PLC, display, chart recorder, etc.

Batteries

Are the Lithium batteries used in GPI products regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation?

NO. The Sanyo Lithium Batteries used in GPI Products are not regulated for shipping purposes. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Sanyo sealed Lithium Ion batteries comply with all applicable shipping regulations.

How long do the batteries last?

The batteries will last at least 9,000 hours. It is suggested that batteries be replaced annually.

Larger Flowrates, Alternate Products

What if I my application calls for a turbine meter larger than 2" (50mm)?

Cross Instrumentation is the North American Master Distributor for Meinecke Flanged Turbine Meters.  Click here for additional information on Meinecke's 2" to 12" Turbine Meters for Hot or Cold Service.

More Questions?     Please contact the Flow Specialists @ Cross Instrumentation