Adjustable Paddlewheel Insertion Flow Meter IP100/200 Flowmeter Series FAQ

Overview | Specifications | Download Manual

Q. Should I use an IP (insertion paddlewheel) or a TX (insertion turbine) meter?

A.
Unless you are trying to measure down to fairly low flows, you can use the IP81 (paddlewheel), which is less expensive. The TX (turbine) is better near the bottom of the flow range, because a turbine drives with the entire rotor, not just half of it.

Q. What's the difference between an IP101 and an IP115? (Or, between an IP201 and an IP215?)

A. The IP115 and 215 are "hot tap" units, meaning that they incorporate an isolation valve which allows them to be inserted into or removed from the pipe while it is still under pressure. They are made with a longer tube to allow for the reach through the valve.

Q. My pipe is PVC. Should I use a PVC flowmeter?

A. Not necessarily. The material should be selected for the fluid, not so much the pipe material. The "B" brass unit and "S" stainless steel unit were both designed for use with water, and the stainless unit handles mild corrosives. The "P" PVC unit was originally designed to accomodate sea water, which tends to attack stainless steel. The first customer for the IP201P was a marine life park, for use in a dolphin tank!

Q. Can an IP meter handle wastewater?

A. Generally not, although there have been some successful applications with low-solids, post-treatment wastewaters. Large amounts of gummy materials (fish scales) or small amounts of stringy materials (we fondly recall those celery strings!) will create a frequent cleaning problem.

Q. Can the outside of an IP 100/200-Series meter be submerged, say in a flooded meter pit?

A.
Only with special modification, involving potting the tube and part of the housing. It is designated as option -40.

Q.	Should I use an IP (insertion paddlewheel) or a TX (insertion turbine) meter?
A.	Unless you are trying to measure down to fairly low flows, you can use the IP81 (paddlewheel), which is less expensive. The TX (turbine) is better near the bottom of the flow range, because a turbine drives with the entire rotor, not just half of it.
Q.	What's the difference between an IP101 and an IP115? (Or, between an IP201 and an IP215?)
A.	The IP115 and 215 are "hot tap" units, meaning that they incorporate an isolation valve which allows them to be inserted into or removed from the pipe while it is still under pressure. They are made with a longer tube to allow for the reach through the valve.
Q.	My pipe is PVC. Should I use a PVC flowmeter?
A.	Not necessarily. The material should be selected for the fluid, not so much the pipe material. The "B" brass unit and "S" stainless steel unit were both designed for use with water, and the stainless unit handles mild corrosives. The "P" PVC unit was originally designed to accomodate sea water, which tends to attack stainless steel. The first customer for the IP201P was a marine life park, for use in a dolphin tank!
Q.	Can an IP meter handle wastewater?
A.	Generally not, although there have been some successful applications with low-solids, post-treatment wastewaters. Large amounts of gummy materials (fish scales) or small amounts of stringy materials (we fondly recall those celery strings!) will create a frequent cleaning problem.
Q.	Can the outside of an IP 100/200-Series meter be submerged, say in a flooded meter pit?
A.	Only with special modification, involving potting the tube and part of the housing. It is designated as option -40.