Hand held ultrasonic flow meter? Water differential pressure gauges/ Hydronic manometers?

Teemok

Anyone have any experience with these devices? I see they need a straight pipe section.


Hydronic manometers are expensive. I'm not sure if old water differential pressure gauges like the B+G tackle box gauge kits might still be serviceable. I'm interested in being able balance circuit setters in light commercial applications without a $4k investment.
1/2",3/4",1"

Teemok

I see there are functional RO gauge kits forsale in the $500 range.

hot_rod

That seems awful cheap for an ultrasonic meter?  We have two different ones and they were both  in the thousand dollar range, with a “special @deal

The ultrasonic are not always accurate, even small air bubbles flowing will screw up the reading

I think all the gauge manufacturers still offer analog delta P meters

we have a B&G, I think maybe Winters made it?

You can also rent meters online if you want to try before you buy. Charge the rental to the job

hot_rod

Testo 550 are rated for r-718, probably most others are also. get a selection of different gauges depending on the pressures.
Probably find these cheap at pawn shops, CL, FB marketplace, e-bay, etc.

From HVAC-talk

offdutytech

Ultrasonic has its place in large diameter pipes with laminar flows like central plants or distribution pipes. That's really the only time i've seen them used. I'm looking at the price of the B&G or Winters meter I would invest a little more for a Alnor or go get a Shortridge hydrometer. Often places will rent these meters out for a monthly basis, which you can easily carry in the cost of a job. For quick down and dirty use an old JB refrigeration manifold with a quality gauge and get the peet's plug adapters like the pic Hot_rod posted. It gets you pretty darn close using the manufactures data sheets

Teemok

Just took a chance on a Midwest 831 $149 looks like it's in good shape but looks aren't what it's made for. Testing will tell.
Good idea! Refrigerant manifold! I have one with good gauges. Oh well, I like pulling out functional old tools.
Thanks for the info. I need to find 35- Armstrong CBV reseal kits now.

hot_rod

Those B&G RO meters are crazy expensive. Listed online for 6- 8 thousand!

$149 is worth it just to get the SystemSyzer wheel🤓 and a nice case.
Doesn’t look like it has been used much.

Teemok

I hope it's a good move. My son called me from an apartment building Friday that is set up like the 25+ zone old Victorian I went to weeks ago. Both have Belimo/Caleffi like 3 way valves and Armstrong circuit setters. We are suspecting the previous lead from our shop might be the one responsible for the design choices. Both were either never balanced or were messed with by good intentions over the years.
Still laughing about R-718. Good old hydrogen dioxide. You find it right next to the board stretcher and the sky hook in the van.

hot_rod

Often a large job that has balance valves was an engineered design. Plumbers rarely use balance valves🤔
But without the balancing spec you will be trial and error adjusting?

Teemok

It could be engineered. Maybe, It doesn't really look like it. No spec tags or paper work or even zone mapping. Even if it was engineered, that says nothing about good design application. I'm on an engineered project right now that spec'd 3" copper hydronic mains for 22 GPM of radiant loops with micro zones and no buffer tank. The time frame for both installations fits with this guys learning curve. There's a tendency to misuse or want to be able to use design concepts that have just been learned while the down sides are not yet fully understood. The, I'm so high end, I use commercial techniques for no good reason, kind of attitude.
I'll have to zone map and then flow spec each zone by adding up emitter loads. Get rid of the 3 way by-passes and either ECM pump or install a pressure differential by-pass valve. The current pumping is just 26-99's. one for air handlers and two for the different floors of baseboard.

ratio

hot_rod said:

Testo 550 are rated for r-718, probably most others are also. get a selection of different gauges depending on the pressures.
Probably find these cheap at pawn shops, CL, FB marketplace, e-bay, etc.

From HVAC-talk

Some time ago, I came across software to design & print a new face for a gauge: http://tonnesoftware.com/meter2.html. It's actually pretty neat, although the UI is somewhat awkward.