Piping Route for Ultrasonic Type Flowmeter

The pipe should be routed so that it runs directly through the flow meter.

General rule of thumb is straight run for at least 5 pipe diameters, upstream. The more, the better.

Sorry LYN. In my experience it's 5 downstream and double that upstream.

I'll go with your answer. It sounds better than mine. I sorta knew that, but was mostly just being a pill.

You do agree with my first statement, right?

Absolutely! I cut my ultrasonic teeth with GE stuff and lately I've been messing with some FOX thermal mass flow meters. Both types recommend the same up and down ratios and no flow upsetting devices the way. A clean sample.

Vertical flow upwards is the most best flow path to assure a full pipe.

Avoid vertical flow downwards as the worst location.

Horizontal piping runs elevated up high tend to accumulate air/gas and are .

I thought it was 5d upstream and 10d downstream, and would also depend on the manufacturer's recommendation.

From a Controlatron clamp-on installation guide:

- Provide at least 10 diameters straight pipe upstream, and 5 downstream
- Choose a location where pipe is full
- Do not mount just downstream of pressure drops (IE: Expander, orifice plate, valves, intrusions, etc)
- Avoid mounting at 12 or 6 o'clock positions on horizontal pipes
- On vertical pipes, upward flow is preferred
- Remove flaky paint, rust, scale. Well bonded paint is OK
- Do not mount on pipe seams