Flow Meters Suitable for Dispensing AdBlue™

As with pumps for AdBlue, only a few manufacturers have developed a specific flow metering solution for dispensing automotive grade urea. Fortunately however there are already many flow meters on the market which are suitable for measuring AdBlue.

As with any metering application it is important that the installation requirements of the AdBlue flow meter are met in full. For example, it is not considered good working practice to fit a turbine meter next to bends or near valves simply as turbulence/swirling in the flow can either resist or assist the impellor of the meter, this will adversely affect the accuracy of the meter. Turbine meters must also remain flooded to prevent build up of residual AdBlue crystals which would also affect accuracy if they were able to coat the mechanism.

Turbine style flow meters should ideally be installed in straight pipe at least 10x the internal diameter of the pipe upstream and 5x the internal diameter downstream.

Positive displacement meters (like oval gear meters) do not encounter this problem as they deliver a specific quantity of fluid per revolution regardless of swirling or turbulence in the flow and are therefore suitable for installation directly on to the pump or next the nozzle. The only disadvantage with positive displacement meters it that they can foul if they are not kept clear from obstruction but if AdBlue is stored correctly this will not pose a problem.

Electromagnetic MAG meters are another obvious solution as they have minimum contact parts, as with turbines they must be installed into straight pipe runs but they can be incredibly accurate if installed correctly. MAG meters often require a continuous power supply.

Examples of each type of flow sensors are listed below

FMOG (Oval Gear)

The FMOG is available in two versions, one of which is of a high enough accuracy (0.3%) making it suitable for custody approved applications. Using an oval gear principle it is both accurate and reliable. Suitable for flows up to 35 lpm, it is made from Polypropylene and PEEK, it is the most widely used meter on the market for small to medium installations. It is especially suitable for drum and IBC dispensing.

1” Diameter 5-35 litre/min 1% Accuracy *(0.3% Optional High Accuracy Version) 4 Bar Max Operating Pressure 0.3 Bar Pressure Drop

 

INOX (Turbine Meter)

The INOX  is a turbine meter made from stainless steel, with a flow range of 4-40 litre/min. It is often supplied with the Suzzura Blue pump as it is able to withstand moderately high pressures.

1” Diameter 4-40 litre/min 1% Accuracy 30 Bar Max Operating Pressure 0.15 Bar Pressure Drop

 

 

Bulk AdBlue Transfer Meters

For bulk handling requirements and transfer of AdBlue solution into bulk storage containers it is best to utilise either a MAG meter, oval gear or a turbine meter. It is important that for both of these solutions to operate correctly that the equipment is regularly maintained and residual product is not allowed to build up. For more information on bulk metering solutions, please refer to our links section.