The T-CDI-5200-10S is a flow meter for compressed air systems. It measures flow by maintaining one probe warmer than the other. It calculates the mass velocity from the amount of heat required, and then calculates the flow on the basis of pipe area. This model fits 1" steel pipes.

Requires analog port selection during U30 system configuration and use of a S-FS-CVIA when using the H22-001 data logger. When using a U12 data logger, this sensor requires a 4-20mA input cable (CABLE-4-20mA).

Compressed Air Flow Meter Application

The meter is designed for use with compressed air and nitrogen. If the meter will be used at pressures below 15 psig, consult CDI about velocity limitations. The air must be free of oil, dirt that could foul the probes, and suspended water droplets. In a compressed-air application, the meter should be installed downstream of a dryer.  Each meter is calibrated for a specific size and type of pipe. If a meter will be used in a type or size of pipe that is not listed, consult our sales department about a special calibration. The meter is not to be used in safety or life-support applications. It should not be used as a sole means of determining required capacity of air compressors and related equipment. The meter must not be used in hazardous locations.

Compressed Air Flow Meter Installation

CDI flow meters represent a radical departure from conventional designs. The meter clamps around the pipe with its flow-sensing probes projecting into the pipe through drilled holes. The low cost of the meters makes them ideal for installation throughout an air distribution system.

Drilling the holes to install the meter will release some metal shavings into the pipe. When planning the installation, make sure that all downstream equipment is protected by filters, or take other precautions to ensure that shavings do not reach critical equipment or get blown out in a way that could cause injury.
 
For best accuracy, the meter should be installed with at least 20 diameters of straight pipe upstream and three diameters downstream. Avoid installing the meter downstream of any item that could distort or concentrate the flow, such as a partially closed valve, a regulator, a filter or moisture separator, two closely spaced elbows in different planes, a long radius elbow or a curved hose. Allow at least 30 diameters of straight pipe between any such item and the meter. If a valve or other restriction will be immediately downstream of the meter, provide at least five diameters downstream. Select a location that meets these requirements and also provides good visibility from the plant floor. If this is not possible, consider using the remote display discussed below.
 
To install the meter, first shut off the supply of air to the pipe where the meter will be mounted and allow the pressure to bleed down. Clamp the drill guide firmly to the pipe, orienting it for best visibility of the meter. Drill the two holes and remove any resulting burrs from the outside of the pipe. Make sure the outside surface of the pipe is clean and smooth.
 
The meter must be oriented to suit the direction of flow in the pipe. If doing so would cause the display to be upside down, remove the cover and the display and rotate both
180 degrees.
 
Next remove the back halves of the rings, insert the probes into the holes in the pipe with the flow arrow pointing in the proper direction, and re-assemble the rings. Tighten the cap screws firmly and evenly so that the gaps between the halves of the rings are about equal on both sides of the pipe.