Magazine - Rain Bird announces new range of fixed depth magnetic flow meters

By Press Release in General News on 30th May 2010 12:00

Rain Bird Australia can now supply a series of three state-of-the-art, highly sophisticated fixed depth insertion electromagnetic flow meters for use with conductive liquids in pipe sizes between 80 and 200 mm.


With no moving parts and superior materials, they are suitable for a wide range of irrigation applications. Models ranging in size from 80mm to 150mm have been independently tested by NATA to ensure they meet AS3665.1 Clause 3.9 by displaying a calibration error rating of less than 2.5%. Test reports are available on request. The 200mm size is currently being tested.

The FM model is a current-sinking pulse output flow meter designed for modularity and versatility. It has an output that can be combined with the appropriate transmitter or indicator, depending on the application. The FM meter can operate on a current loop voltage range of between 12 and 24 Vdc at temperatures between 0˚-55˚C and pressures up to 10 bar.

The FMND model is an analog output flow meter with a ‘blind’ (non-indicating) transmitter that delivers a continuous analog output signal. The digital design makes it possible to calibrate the unit in the field without the use of tools.

The required 20 mA frequency is fed into a microcontroller using a set of internal rotary switches and the microcontroller automatically scales all other values accordingly. An additional benefit of the microcontroller is its ability to average inputs in order to smooth out the output signal.

The FMND model will operate on a relatively wide range of current loop voltages between 12 and 36 Vdc. A built-in power regulator supplies the appropriate power to the flow sensor.

Third in the range is the FMDT model which is essentially a combination of the FM and the FMND with the addition of indicators displaying flow rate and flow total. The FMDT flow meter has a dualrelay output board with both pulse and 4-20 mA analog outputs. A password protected keypad allows settings to be changed without removing the cover.

All the meters in the range feature empty pipe detection, whereby the software defaults to zero flow.

Rain Bird Australia Pty Ltd
PO Box 1430, Tullamarine, Victoria, 3043
• Phone: 03 8336 6777 • Fax: 03 9338 1699 • E-mail: info@rainbird.com.au • www.rainbird.com.au

Read more articles in General News, by Press Release or from May 2010.