Measurement Principle and Design Applications
Measurement Principle

LORRIC’s paddlewheel flow meter with it’s Axlesense technology can detect paddle rotation as short as 3 degrees. In addition, Axlesense technology enables the flowmeter to provide accurate measurement results even under 0.3 m/s flow speeds with a faster response time. Also, our flowmeter has the best in class linearity of 0.5% FS.
In addition to a faster response, LORRIC’s Axlesense technology allows for bi-directional measurement. The flows’ direction can be determined by the positive and negative signs.
Due to inevitable friction between the paddlewheel and shaft, the minimum detectable flow speed is 0.3m/s. Therefore, when displayed data is zero, there may exist some slowly moving flow in the pipe.
The measurement method of LORRIC’s paddle wheel flowmeter is magnetism and paddle’s rotation. The solid foreign matters, magnetic substance, crystalloid, and water hammer should be avoided. Meanwhile, there should not be any interference by strong magnetic fields around the flowmeter.
Solid foreign matters, magnetic substance, crystalloid, and water hammer may cause paddle wheel stuck and shorten its life. Another feature of AxleSense technology is providing an alarm when paddle wheel is damaged or lost by external force or abrasion.
Please remove anything with a strong magnetic field around the paddle wheel flowmeter which may cause incorrect flow volume measurement or no rotation of the paddle wheel.
Design Applications
Application Designed for industrial environments, this product measures the flow of liquids (without heavy impurities) in fully filled pipes. For accurate readings, install the meter in a location that ensures a stable, fully developed flow.
Operating Limits
Fluid Temperature — depends on the tee material:
UPVC: 0–50°C (32–122°F)
PPH: 0–90°C
PVDF: −15–100°C
SS316L: −20–100°C
These values are for reference only. Choose the tee material to suit your application. At higher temperatures, the paddlewheel may become the limiting part.
Ambient Temperature — main unit: −10–60°C (14–140°F).
Ingress Protection — IP66. Dust-tight and protected against high-pressure water jets. Do not submerge.
Fluid Conditions — clean water, oil, or chemicals with impurities below 1%. Maximum viscosity 300 cSt.
Chemical Resistance (wetted parts) — choose materials to suit the fluid. The tee is available in UPVC / PPH / PVDF / 316L stainless steel. The paddlewheel uses a PVDF- or PPH-encapsulated magnet with a precision ceramic bearing and shaft.
Chemical Resistance (main unit) — the PC housing does not contact the fluid, but vaporized chemicals in the surrounding air can damage it over time. In such environments, protect the unit or check it regularly.
Component Selection
When choosing pipe fittings and paddlewheels for your application, you must evaluate:
Temperature resistance
Chemical compatibility
Pressure rating