HVAC/Institutional Facility – Measurement of Chilled Water & Steam

In most instances the use of V-Cones for chilled water flow measurement in large institutions is dictated by spatial limitations, accuracy, and turndown. The V-Cone requires very short upstream and downstream pipe runs, allowing it to be installed in smaller spaces than other meters or replace existing flow meters that have not performed adequately due to said space limitations.

In many large universities and other comparable facilities across the U.S., such as hospitals and airports, the primary reason for the initial interest and subsequent purchase of V-Cones for chilled water measurement is their ability to fit within the confines of existing and new buildings being used to house the chillers. The second most important reason was the delivered accuracy.

In the past, usage had been overlooked, but the rising costs associated with cooling now demand good fiscal management from an energy balance standpoint, with each individual building being accountable in this regard. Turndown was an issue because of seasonal swings in usage based on climate and population changes in buildings. Therefore, the meters needed to have a large flow span (turndown), with high accuracy sustained across the range during continuous use.

V-Cones have recently been selected for steam service for most of the same reasons they have been selected for chilled water. Space limitations in new and/or older buildings are a main driver. Additionally, in steam, they allow condensate and/or other small particulate matter to pass by the cone without affecting the measurement, thus providing superior accuracy with excellent reliability. V-Cones represent a very rugged technology which requires minimum maintenance, and provides excellent longevity in harsh applications like steam.

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