Precautions for Measuring High Viscosity Media and Installation of Oval Gear Flow Meter

Oval gear flow meters, with their high accuracy and reliability, have become the preferred instrument for measuring high-viscosity media such as fuel, diesel, resin, and syrup. They are particularly advantageous when measuring petroleum-based media. These media are often self-lubricating, which contributes to the long-term stability of the flow meter. However, this also places higher demands on installation conditions, media conditions, and daily operation. To ensure stable system operation and extend the life of the meter, we have summarized the following key considerations.

1. Medium viscosity treatment and heating suggestions

High-viscosity media have poor fluidity at room temperature. It is recommended to reduce viscosity by heating (e.g., using steam tracing or electric heating) before measurement to achieve an acceptable flow rate range. If the instrument is interrupted, the internal media may cool and solidify. Preheat the instrument before restarting to avoid damage to gears, rotors, or transmission components caused by forced restart. Important: Do not directly introduce sweep steam to prevent high-temperature shock and damage to the instrument.

2. Installation requirements

• Before installation, be sure to clean the pipes to ensure no debris has entered the meter body.
• It is recommended to install the meter body horizontally to reduce friction between the gear faces and minimize wear on the gear flow meter.
• A filter should be installed in front of the sensor and cleaned regularly to prevent impurities from getting stuck.
• Avoid areas with strong magnetic fields, dust accumulation, and water exposure to ensure easy reading and operation.
• It is recommended to install the flow meter on the pump's output side to avoid installation on the suction side, which can introduce additional errors due to increased negative pressure.

3. Key points of operation and deactivation protection

• The meter must be filled with liquid; mixing of gas is strictly prohibited. A gas separator should be installed if necessary.
• Pipeline flow rate changes should be smooth to avoid sharp fluctuations, water hammer, or vibration.
• If the medium solidifies after being shut down, it must be preheated externally to restore fluidity before reactivation.
• The operating temperature must not exceed the rated range to prevent medium stagnation and metering distortion.

4. Additional Error and Pressure Loss Management

Temperature changes can introduce additional errors due to viscosity variations, and high temperatures can also cause the pump to "run slower." Pressure loss increases significantly with flow rate and viscosity, so a reasonable margin should be reserved based on actual operating conditions when selecting a pump.

As a flow meter supplier with many years of experience in high-viscosity measurement, we not only offer high-performance mechanical oval gear flow meters, but also provide professional process adaptation solutions and after-sales service, helping you achieve stable and accurate process measurement.

For further information on product selection, installation instructions, or technical details, please contact our engineering team!