GHL Flow Meter: Found Alternative Adapters

[Member No 1]

Have 1" returns and want to use a 9000 l/h Flow Meter to 1" PVC WITHOUT using 3/4" reducers? No problem!
Since the 9000 l/h Flow Meter has a 1" ID as does the PVC, I didn't want a reduced transition by having to use the 3/4" fitting GHL sells, so I whipped these up. I used the metric adapter GHL sells since it's half the price if the imperial one. I only needed the nuts anyway.
The adapters have the same OD as 1" PVC (1.315") so this way you can use standard off the shelf 1" PVC fittings
to mate the Flow Meter to my system.

My return from the pump is 1-1/4" then splits into (2) 1" returns. Both have gate valves for control, one goes thru
a 25W AquaUltraviolet UV Sterilizer, and the other straight to the tank. I will have Flow Meters on both. I did
install this on the UV side, works great, no leaks! Once I swap out the COR20 for the Red Dragon 100W pump,
I'll install the second Flow Meter at that time.

I also have a 2000 l/h Flow Meter on order to use on my chiller return, and once I have that I'll be making
similar adapters to mate that with 1/2" PVC. I'll post those pictures also once done.

 

[robbyg]

But the flow meter itself is about 3/4 diameter anyway.

 

[Member No 1]

But the flow meter itself is about 3/4 diameter anyway.

Robby, the 9000l/h flow meter ID is 1", 5000l/h 3/4" and the 2000l/h is 1/2"

 

[mindwalkr]

For the 2000l/h take a look at this thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2000l-h-flow-sensor-fittings-to-connect-to-pvc-pipe.652681/

 

[Member No 1]

For the 2000l/h take a look at this thread: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2000l-h-flow-sensor-fittings-to-connect-to-pvc-pipe.652681/

Thanks for the info. Great idea!
But my solution will be to use my custom adapters so I don't have to reduce down to 3/8" PVC.
I'm waiting for the 2000 l/h Flow Meter to arrive so I can get measurements. Once the adapter is made, I'll post details and pics.

 

[mindwalkr]

The thread is a G3/4. This is a British Standard Pipe Parallel thread. You should be able to find the info in thread tables.

I would not worry too much about the 3/8 pipe.... It is more important to have stable laminar flow through the meter.

 

[Member No 1]

The thread is a G3/4. This is a British Standard Pipe Parallel thread. You should be able to find the info in thread tables.

I would not worry too much about the 3/8 pipe.... It is more important to have stable laminar flow through the meter.

Thanks again for the info. Along with the 2000 l/h flow meter, I ordered the metric fitting. I only need the nut as I'll make the fanged adapter to mate with 1/2" PVC.

 

[Member No 1]

Ok, so I finally had a chance to make the adapters for the 2000l/h Flow Meter.
The ID is 1/2" and I didn't want to reduce it down to 3/8" by using off the shelf fittings. These custom made adapters will allow me to plumb the flow meter inline on my chiller to monitor flow, and still maintain the 1/2" ID.
The OD of these adapters are the same as 1/2" PVC, so if I did need to use standard fittings I could. But as you can see from the pictures, the adapter fits perfectly into the chiller, and the vinyl return tubing fits snugly.

 

[Vinny@GHLUSA]

@Member No 1
That is very impressive!
Thank you for sharing this.

 

[Member No 1]

@Member No 1
That is very impressive!
Thank you for sharing this.

Thanks Vinny!

 

[Terry165]

Ok, so I finally had a chance to make the adapters for the 2000l/h Flow Meter.
The ID is 1/2" and I didn't want to reduce it down to 3/8" by using off the shelf fittings. These custom made adapters will allow me to plumb the flow meter inline on my chiller to monitor flow, and still maintain the 1/2" ID.
The OD of these adapters are the same as 1/2" PVC, so if I did need to use standard fittings I could. But as you can see from the pictures, the adapter fits perfectly into the chiller, and the vinyl return tubing fits snugly.

Hi, I just the same flow meter. My query is do you fit the flow meter on the input or output of the chiller.

 

[Member No 1]

Hi, I just the same flow meter. My query is do you fit the flow meter on the input or output of the chiller.

It's on the output.

 

[AquaLifeStudio]

Hi, I just the same flow meter. My query is do you fit the flow meter on the input or output of the chiller.

It doesn't really matter on which side for most systems. The flow for the main return loop from the filtration system (sump) to the display and back again remains about the same at all times.

If the output and input flow rates register significantly different values this may indicate a leak in the loop.

Provide as much as possible straight line approach to both sides of the sensor.

-Dan

 

[aggieoil11]

Have 1" returns and want to use a 9000 l/h Flow Meter to 1" PVC WITHOUT using 3/4" reducers? No problem!
Since the 9000 l/h Flow Meter has a 1" ID as does the PVC, I didn't want a reduced transition by having to use the 3/4" fitting GHL sells, so I whipped these up. I used the metric adapter GHL sells since it's half the price if the imperial one. I only needed the nuts anyway.
The adapters have the same OD as 1" PVC (1.315") so this way you can use standard off the shelf 1" PVC fittings
to mate the Flow Meter to my system.

My return from the pump is 1-1/4" then splits into (2) 1" returns. Both have gate valves for control, one goes thru
a 25W AquaUltraviolet UV Sterilizer, and the other straight to the tank. I will have Flow Meters on both. I did
install this on the UV side, works great, no leaks! Once I swap out the COR20 for the Red Dragon 100W pump,
I'll install the second Flow Meter at that time.

I also have a 2000 l/h Flow Meter on order to use on my chiller return, and once I have that I'll be making
similar adapters to mate that with 1/2" PVC. I'll post those pictures also once done.

How did you make the pvc adapters for the 9000 l/h sensors to go with the metric nuts?

 

[Member No 1]

How did you make the pvc adapters for the 9000 l/h sensors to go with the metric nuts?

They are made from PVC and machined on a lathe. The end that goes to the flowmeter is machined to use the metric nuts, while the other end is machined to 1" PVC standard.

 

[YankeeTankee]

Opposite. I'm measuring the flow coming down the return into the sump.

Can you explain your rationale for putting it here and not after the return pumps on the way up? Also, are you pleased with the flow meters/believe they are accurate and remain accurate over time? Thanks!

 

[KStatefan]

They are made from PVC and machined on a lathe. The end that goes to the flowmeter is machined to use the metric nuts, while the other end is machined to 1" PVC standard.

What did you use for raw material?

 

[d2mini]

Can you explain your rationale for putting it here and not after the return pumps on the way up? Also, are you pleased with the flow meters/believe they are accurate and remain accurate over time? Thanks!

That's where I had room for it in my plumbing. Return line would probably be ideal. I think the flow down the return varies a bit from the readings I was getting.
And yes, my readings stayed pretty consistent over time. Seemed accurate from what I could tell but who's to know how accurate unless you have something else to compare it to.

 

[Member No 1]

What did you use for raw material?

PVC

 

[KStatefan]

PVC

I should have been more specific. Did you have to purchase PVC rod and turn the OD and bore the ID?