Fill-Rite TM Series Precision Meter - Manual (Page 6)

Frequency
TM Series meters are not intended for use in Custody
Transfer service, so Weights&Measures regulations should
not apply. If local authorities issue regulations for non-W&M
flow meters, such regulations must be observed.
If user is ISO9000 certified, user ISO standards will indicate
frequency of re-calibration for instrumentation. Those rules
should be observed. If no regulations or standards apply,
our recommendations are:
A. Calibrate immediately after installation.
B. Re-calibrate after 15-30 days.
C. Re-calibrate after 180 days and again after 360 days.
After the run-in calibration (B) and follow-up calibrations (C),
it is possible to evaluate degree of change under normal
operating conditions. Based on values found, and total vol-
ume being metered under normal operating conditions, de-
cide whether a 6, 12 or possibly 24 month schedule should
be adopted.
Procedures & Methods
Flow meters used in systems where the flow rate can fluctu-
ate, should be tested at minimum, intermediate & maximum
flow rates. In non-W&M service, a flow meter always oper-
ating at a steady flow rate, can be tested at that flow only.
All tests should be repeated 3 times to confirm repeatability.
All tests should be of at least 60 second duration, to mini-
mize effect of flow meter error during start-up & shut-down.
 After calibrating a known volume (X) into an accurate
prover, or through a master meter, compare with register
reading (Y) and calculate correction:
 When re-calibration has established that a correction is
required, change flow meter K Factor:
 When prover/master meter reading is less than flow
meter register reading, add percentage calculated to
the original K Factor..
 When prover/master meter reading is more than flow
meter register reading , subtract percentage calculat-
ed from the original K Factor.
 Circulate product through the flow meter for a few
minutes. Then perform at least 3 more tests, to confirm
flow meter accuracy & repeatability.
 If the flow meter does not repeat, it will likely require a
new set of rotors (oval gears).
Before ordering new gears, inspect the measuring
chamber for scratches or wear. If the measuring
chamber is scratched or scored beyond what can be
smoothed with emery paper, the flow meter should be
replaced.
 Finally, enter date and % correction on the permanent
flow meter record.
1 . 6
Start-Up & Operation
Very slowly fill the system with liquid, to avoid operating the
flow meter on air or vapor. This can be accomplished in the
following manner:
1. Throttle the meter inlet valve, and allow the system to fill
slowly by gravity.
2. Crack open the outlet valve. Start the pump, and then
slowly crack open the inlet valve, filling the meter slowly
before fully opening the inlet and outlet valves.
In normal operations:
 Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
 Avoid sudden changes in flow rate.
 Gradually increase or decrease the flow rate.
Flow Meter Calibration
It is recommended that written records be maintained on all
flow meters. These records should include:
 Supplier and Service Department phone number.
 Date of installation.
 Details of maintenance performed.
 Flow meter initial K Factor (number of pulses per unit of
volume).
 Date & result of each re-calibration, with changes in flow
meter K Factor.
TM Series flow meters are given a functional ’Pass or Fail’
test prior to shipment, but written records of this test are not
maintained. The nominal K Factor shown on flow meter
cover is an average value, which should be used as a start-
ing point when field calibrating on actual liquid of operation.
Accuracy curves of individual flow meters vary some. Also,
the accuracy curve of all flow meters will shift due to varia-
tions in liquid viscosity; perhaps as much as 3-4% from 1 cSt
to 100 cSt. The accuracy curve will not shift significantly at
higher viscosities, even if the actual operating liquid has
viscosities up to 500,000 cSt.
Since we cannot test on actual fluid of operation, it is
the responsibility of the buyer to field calibrate in place
of service on actual operating liquid.
X - Y
X
x 100 = % correction
Nominal K Factor on 1 cP liquid
These values are subject to individual flow meter variation,
as well as expected fluctuation due to liquid viscosity (see
above).
HE pulser RS pulser
TM02
7700 PPG 2035 ppl 3750 PPG 1017 ppl
TM03 2800 PPG 740 ppl 700 PPG 185 ppl
TM04 805 PPG 213 ppl 201 PPG 53 ppl
TM06 405 PPG 107 ppl 101 PPG 27 ppl
Start-Up, Operation & Calibration