Mechanical installation
Important! Read Before Installing
The following improper usage or installation practices may damage the flowmeter and reduce product lifespan. Such damage is not covered under warranty.
The device housing is made of PC (polycarbonate) and is not resistant to PVC glue, its vapors, or PVC pipe lubricants. Therefore, before installing the paddlewheel flowmeter you must be sure the glue is dry between the connecting pipe and adapter.
EPDM seal material only compatible with certain chemicals, but not oil.
If the paddle wheel flowmeter is not able to be aligned with the main pipe or is taken as supported point on the pipeline, the flowmeter may bear unexpected force which could shorten usage life and cause water leakage.
During the installation, it is better to use hands to lock the union nuts until there is no water leakage instead of using tools which could damage the flowmeter.
Inaccurate piping may cause liquid leakage and lead to the paddle wheel flowmeter’s damage.
When valving, water hammer should be carefully avoided to prevent paddle wheel flowmeter damage.
The operational device of the paddle wheel flowmeter is not UV resistant. Therefore, we suggest to cover it with protector if installed outdoors.
The seller will not be responsible of free maintenance for any defect or malfunction incurred by individual causes.
If the paddlewheel flowmeter is transported with it's piping system to another site without protection it could be damaged.
The LCD display screen should not be exposed to direct sunlight that could cause visibility issues and a shorter usage life. Therefore, installing the flowmeter under direct sunlight should be avoided or with a sunlight protector is recommended.
The flow volume measurement of LORRIC’s paddle wheel flowmeter is based on the rotating mechanism of the paddle wheel. Paddle or axel could be lost under long-term abrasion or impact by external forces.Users should pay careful attention to any equipment that may cause the above damage.
When installing the paddle wheel flowmeter there should be an appropriate amount of spacing for union and flange installation. If not, the following accidents may occur:
Crack on union nut
Crack on adaptor
Stripped T-connector thread
Water leakage due to insufficient compression or missing sealing
Installation Guide
Ensure Full Pipe: Install the flowmeter on a fully filled vertical pipe segment. If installed on a horizontal pipe, avoid areas prone to air bubble accumulation (top of pipe) or sediment deposition (bottom of pipe). Presence of air bubbles may cause large, non-repeatable measurement errors.
Install on Fully Developed Flow: Mount the flowmeter on a pipe section with uniform, stable flow. Avoid locations near components that disturb flow, such as pipe reducers, elbows, valves, or pumps.
Protect the Main Unit: Do not expose the LCD directly to sunlight. If necessary, add a sunshade. Direct sunlight can reduce readability and shorten LCD lifespan.
Straight Pipe Requirements – 10D / 5D Guideline
To ensure stable and uniform flow for accurate measurement, install the flowmeter away from components that may disturb flow velocity. Follow these guidelines:
Upstream (before the flowmeter): Provide a minimum straight pipe length of 10 × pipe diameter (10D). Do not place elbows, tees, valves, reducers, expanders, pump outlets, or any component that may disturb the flow.
Downstream (after the flowmeter): Provide a minimum straight pipe length of 5 × pipe diameter (5D) to prevent downstream pressure fluctuations from affecting measurement stability.
Installation Direction: Align the flowmeter according to the flow direction arrow on the housing. Ensure it matches the actual flow direction.
Additional Recommendations
For sites near pumps, strong pulsations, or multiple upstream/downstream fittings, increase upstream straight pipe to 15–20 × D or use a flow conditioner.
Avoid Installing the Flowmeter Near:
Near Pumps
Near Valves
Near Tees, reducers, or expanders
Near Elbows
Installation Orientation & Flow Direction
Installation Orientation
Vertical Pipe: Install the flowmeter on upward flow.
Horizontal Pipe: Install at a fully filled section, e.g., the lower side of a sloped pipe or the bottom of a U-shaped pipe.
Flowmeter Orientation
Install the flowmeter on the side, slightly above, or slightly below the pipe. Avoid the top or bottom to prevent interference from bubbles or sediment.
Recommended Positions: Slanted Upward, Slanted Downward
Avoid: Right Above, Right Beneath, or at side
Please notice the air bubble in the pipe to avoid measurement error. If the location of installation for the paddlewheel is close to a tank where pressure is low. We recommend installing a valve at the pipe exit to avoid generating any air bubbles.
If air bubbles frequently generate in the pipe it may lead to over 5% non-reproducible measurement error which should be avoided.
Installation steps for brand-new products
Take off union adapter and nuts, paddle set, and device from T-connector
Install union adapter and nuts with pipe: Install the union adapter and nuts to the pipe with glue. Before going to the next step, the glue should be completely dry.
Lock T-connector and pipe with union adapter
Install paddle set and seals with T-connector: The arrow sign on the top of the paddle set means the direction of flow, the top side of the arrow sign means the direction of line-out. As below image, please refer to it before installation.
Install device to the paddle base and rotate it clockwise to the end. With orientation design, please watch the installation direction and do not force it.
Fix device with paddle base through the side of it: The screws for fixing the device with the paddle set are not leakproof. Please avoid excessive force when screwing in the device which may cause damage.
How to rotate the display screens’ direction
Warning: Do not use excessive force when disassembling or rotating the host, avoid pulling or damaging the wiring, and check whether the wires are disconnected.
Please turn off the device and unplug before disassembling it.
Take off four hex socket head cap screws on the top housing according to above image.
Seperate top and bottom housing.
Be aware when separating the top and bottom housing because there are many wires connecting both.
Rotate top housing to a desired viewing orientation.
Do not rotate the top housing too many times to prevent the cables from being damaged from unnecessary pulls.
In the bottom housing there is an O-ring with an inner groove for a thread hole . For it to work properly, please confirm there is no particle, fiber or any object that may break the sealing function before attaching the top and bottom housing.
Combine top with bottom housing.
Tighten four screws on top housing.
Too much torque may damage the device.
Finish.
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