Frequently Asked Questions
What MACE flowmeter technology is the best for my application?
In broad terms, the best technology to use can be categorized by the type of liquid and the size of the pipe or channel in which it is flowing.
Doppler ultrasonic equipment can only be used where sufficient "acoustically reflective particles" are present within the stream. Such particles include: suspended solids; air bubbles and larger particles such as sand and leaves. The stream must contain at least 100ppm of particles greater than 75 microns in size.
Doppler ultrasonic equipment is suitable for use in full/partially full pipes and open channels. For full pipes that are larger than 300mm in diameter MACE Doppler technology is an extremely effective solution. Doppler ultrasonic equipment is less suitable for pressurized (greater than 250kPa/37psi) pipe flows.
Transit-time ultrasonic equipment is only suitable for closed pipes that always run full. Transit-time ultrasonic equipment is more suitable to streams that do not contain air or that are heavily laden with suspended solids. Transit-time equipment is suitable for pressurized (greater than 250kPa/37psi) pipe flows.
Transit-time ultrasonics are available in two types: flanged full bore meters (32 to 200mm diameter) or meters that have transducers which clamp-on to the outside of the pipe wall (not generally suitable for outdoor applications).
Electromechanical flowmeters are only suitable for ground water applications with full pipe sizes of between 150mm and 300mm. These meters should not be used in streams with heavy silt loads or debris. For full pipes of less than 300mm in diameter, the MACE RotoFlo is the most cost-effective solution. Electromechanical equipment is suitable for pressurized (greater than 250kPa/37psi) pipe flows.
What type of Doppler velocity sensor should I use?
Download: Sensor information sheet
How much straight length of pipe do I need?
AgriFlo/FloPro/HVFlo Minimum of six (6) diameters in front of the sensor and two (2) diameters behind the sensor.
RotoFlo Minimum of five (5) diameters upstream of meter and two (2) diameters downstream.
Where is the best place to mount the sensor?
Open channels/partially full pipes: The sensor must be mounted in a position such that the sensor is always covered by at least 50mm (2") of liquid. In larger open channels (eg. trapezoidal), the sensor can be mounted either on the bottom or side of the channel.
Full pipes: The sensor should be mounted away from the top of the pipe which may contain entrapped air, and off the bottom of the pipe which may contain sediments.